Irresistible Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls in 30 Minutes Recipe
These Irresistible Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, made with tender macaroni, melted cheddar cheese, and seasoned breadcrumbs. Ready in just 30 minutes using an air fryer, this recipe offers a deliciously cheesy snack or appetizer with a perfectly golden crust.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 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 Binding
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp butter (for greasing air fryer basket)
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Chill the Mixture: Refrigerate the macaroni and cheese mixture for 1 hour to allow it to firm up, making it easier to shape into balls.
- Shape Balls: Using your hands, take portions of the chilled mixture and roll them into small, bite-sized balls.
- Prepare Egg Wash: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg until smooth, to be used as a binding agent for the breadcrumb coating.
- Coat with Egg: Dip each macaroni ball into the beaten egg, ensuring it is fully coated.
- Breadcrumb Coating: Roll each egg-coated ball in breadcrumbs, covering all sides evenly for a crispy finish.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Grease Basket: Lightly grease the air fryer basket with butter to prevent sticking and enhance browning.
- Arrange Balls: Place the coated mac and cheese balls in the air fryer basket, making sure to leave space between them for proper air circulation.
- Cook: Air fry the balls for 8-10 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Serve: Carefully remove the mac and cheese balls and serve them warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute cheddar cheese with a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
- For extra crispiness, double coat the balls by repeating the egg wash and breadcrumb steps.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
- These can be served with marinara sauce, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce.
- Leftover mac and cheese balls can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in the air fryer.
Keywords: air fryer, mac and cheese balls, appetizer, cheesy snack, crispy mac and cheese, easy recipe, quick snack
