Irresistible Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls Recipe
These Irresistible Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, combining classic comfort food flavors with a fun, bite-sized twist. Perfect as a snack or appetizer, they’re made by air frying well-seasoned macaroni and cheese mixture coated in breadcrumbs for a crunchy golden finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 12-15 mac and cheese balls 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Mac and Cheese Mixture
- 2 cups cooked macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
Coating and Cooking
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp butter (for greasing air fryer basket)
Instructions
- Prepare the Mac and Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine cooked macaroni, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Chill the Mixture: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for 1 hour. This helps firm it up, making it easier to shape into balls.
- Shape Into Balls: Using your hands, form the chilled mac and cheese mixture into small, bite-sized balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Prepare Egg Wash: Whisk the egg in a separate bowl to create an egg wash for coating.
- Coat the Balls: Dip each mac and cheese ball into the egg wash, then roll it in breadcrumbs until fully coated. This creates a crispy exterior once air fried.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat for a few minutes.
- Prepare the Basket: Lightly grease the air fryer basket with butter to prevent sticking and encourage browning.
- Air Fry the Balls: Place the coated mac and cheese balls into the basket, ensuring they have space around them to cook evenly. Air fry for 8-10 minutes until the balls turn golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Serve Warm: Remove from the air fryer carefully and serve immediately while hot and gooey on the inside.
Notes
- For extra gooeyness, add small cubes of cheese inside each ball before coating.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for an even crispier texture.
- Ensure balls are spaced out in the air fryer for even cooking and browning.
- Serve with dipping sauces like marinara or ranch for added flavor.
- Refrigerate the mixture for at least 1 hour or longer for easier shaping.
Keywords: mac and cheese balls, air fryer recipes, appetizer, snack, crispy mac and cheese, bite-sized snacks
