Air Fryer Mac Cheese Balls Crispy Cheesy Bites of Heaven

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever find yourself craving the ultimate comfort food? I know I do! This Air Fryer Mac and Cheese recipe takes the classic dish to a whole new level.

Crispy on the outside, and unbelievably cheesy inside.

Brief Overview

Mac and cheese is an American staple, a hug in a bowl. This version transforms it into bite-sized Mac and Cheese Balls Recipe .

It's easy but requires chilling time and yields about 24 balls for sharing (or not!).

Main Benefits

This recipe is a fantastic way to use up Leftover Mac and Cheese Recipe , if there is any! It's also healthier than deep-frying, thanks to the air fryer .

It's perfect for parties or a fun family night in.

Air Fryer Mac Cheese Balls Crispy Cheesy Bites of Heaven Recipe Card

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Preparation time:80 Mins

Cooking time:10 Mins

Servings:24 Mac & Cheese Balls

Ingredients:

• 8 oz (225g) elbow macaroni
• 4 tbsp (55g) unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
• 3 cups (710ml) whole milk
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• 3 cups (approx. 300g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided (reserve 1 cup for later)
• 1 cup (approx. 100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 cups (approx. 200g) panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking spray (olive oil or avocado oil)

Instructions:

• Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
• Melt butter in the same pot over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until thickened.
• Reduce heat to low. Stir in salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Gradually add 2 cups of cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
• Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine thoroughly.
• Pour mac and cheese into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread evenly. Sprinkle the last cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, until firm.
• Set up three shallow dishes. In the first, place flour. In the second, place beaten eggs. In the third, place panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
• Using a spoon or small ice cream scoop, scoop out portions of chilled mac and cheese. Roll each portion into a ball about 1-1.5 inches in diameter.
• Dip each ball into the flour, then the egg, then the panko breadcrumbs, ensuring it's fully coated.
• Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place mac and cheese balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd.
• Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and heated through. Serve hot Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls!
• Serve immediately and enjoy Air Fryer Mac and Cheese!

Nutrition Facts

Calories:275

Fat:17.5g

Fiber:1.5g

Recipe Info

Category:Appetizer

Cuisine:American

Why These Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls Are Boss

Honestly, who doesn't love mac and cheese? I do, specially in this awesome Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls version.

But sometimes, you want something a bit extra , you know? That's where these Crispy Mac and Cheese Bites come in.

They are super simple to make, even if a bit messy, as the breading process. It is like a Bonfire Night fireworks display, but in your mouth.

(Just a bit of Britishness for ya!). The outside is perfectly golden and crunchy thanks to the air fryer, and inside is pure, melty cheesy heaven.

Plus, they are way easier than you might think. These Easy Air Fryer Recipes are brilliant for a quick snack.

And you'll feel less guilty compared to deep fried versions. It is a good Air Fryer Appetizer Recipes .

The Stuff You'll Need

Alright, let's talk ingredients. Don't be intimidated! Most of this stuff you probably already have. You're going to need macaroni, butter, flour, milk, and of course, cheese. Loads of cheese!.

Ingredients & Equipment for Bangin' Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls

Alright, fancy makin' some Air Fryer Mac and Cheese magic? Here's what you'll need. Don't worry; it's mostly stuff you probably already have kicking about in your kitchen.

We are going to make some Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls Recipe , for real. I swear they are better than any Mac And Cheese Balls you can buy.

Main Ingredients for Air Fryer Mac and Cheese

For the Mac & Cheese:

• Elbow macaroni: 8 oz (225g) . Grab a good brand. It makes a difference, honestly. Nobody wants mushy Mac N Cheese Bites .
• Unsalted butter: 4 tbsp (55g) . Real butter, not margarine.
• All-purpose flour: 1/4 cup (30g) . Plain old flour will do.
• Whole milk: 3 cups (710ml) . Makes it extra creamy.
• Salt: 1 tsp
• Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
• Garlic powder: 1/4 tsp
• Onion powder: 1/4 tsp
• Paprika: 1/4 tsp
• Shredded cheddar cheese: 3 cups (approx. 300g) . Get a block and shred it yourself for the best melt. Save 1 cup for later.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: 1 cup (approx. 100g) . For that extra stretchy goodness.

For the Breading:

• All-purpose flour: 1 cup (120g)
• Large eggs: 2 , beaten.
• Panko breadcrumbs: 2 cups (approx. 200g) . Panko's the key to Crispy Mac and Cheese Bites .
• Garlic powder: 1 tsp
• Italian seasoning: 1 tsp
• Salt and pepper: To taste.

For the Air Frying:

• Cooking spray: Olive oil or avocado oil.

Seasoning Notes for the Mac And Cheese Balls

These seasonings are totally essential. Garlic and onion powder bring the savory notes. Paprika adds a tiny bit of smokiness.

You can try a pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick! Feel free to experiment.

Equipment Needed for Air Fryer Appetizer Recipes

• Large pot: For cooking the macaroni and the cheese sauce.
• Whisk: No lumps allowed!
• 9x13 inch baking dish: For chilling the mac and cheese.
• 3 shallow dishes: For the breading station.
• Air Fryer : Obviously! Essential for Easy Air Fryer Recipes . The real MVP here.
• Aluminium foil - if you have an older air fryer and want to avoid the food sticking

Honestly, that's it! I sometimes use a fork instead of a whisk. A plate instead of shallow dishes will do just fine if you need.

This is all about making Fried Mac and Cheese Balls fun, not stressful! If you have leftover mac and cheese, using the Leftover Mac and Cheese Recipe with the air fryer is an interesting twist!

Cooking Method: Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls

Right, let's talk Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls . Honestly, these are a game changer. Think crispy , cheesy bites of comfort food heaven.

Perfect for a cheeky snack or as part of an Air Fryer Appetizer Recipes spread. It’s basically magic.

Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission

First things first: mise en place . Sounds fancy, right? But it just means getting your stuff sorted. Chop your ingredients.

Get those breading stations ready. For this Mac and Cheese Balls Recipe , you need flour, beaten eggs, and your panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper.

Organisation is key for this to prevent a proper breading disaster.

Step-by-Step: Easy Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Magic

Follow these simple steps for the best Air Fryer Mac and Cheese experience:

1. Chill your mac and cheese for at least an hour. It needs to be firm or you will have a mess.
2. Roll the chilled mac into balls. Aim for about 1-1.5 inches in diameter.
3. Dip each ball in flour, then egg, then the seasoned panko breadcrumbs.
4. Preheat your air fryer to 400° F ( 200° C) .
5. Air fry the balls for 8- 10 minutes , flipping halfway, until golden brown.

That’s it! Simple, right?

Pro Tips: Elevating Your Mac N Cheese Bites

Want to take your Mac N Cheese Bites to the next level? Double dip the mac and cheese balls in the egg and breadcrumbs before frying.

This gives you extra crispiness. Don't overcrowd the air fryer. It's like a mosh pit in there, and nobody wants to get squished! If you have leftover mac and cheese recipe , this is an awesome way to use it!

Oh My Gosh!

Seriously, these Crispy Mac and Cheese Bites are addictive. They are the perfect Fried Mac and Cheese Balls . You know? They're a fun spin on a classic.

Plus, the air fryer makes them way healthier than deep-frying. Give it a go, and tell me what you think.

Also, these are amazing Easy Air Fryer Recipes for any day of the week!.

Recipe Notes for Your Amazing Air Fryer Mac and Cheese

Right then, let's dive into a few extra bits to make sure your Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls are absolutely banging! Honestly, this recipe is already pretty straightforward, but these little tips and tricks? Game changers.

Serve These Beauties Like a Pro

These Mac and Cheese Balls deserve a proper presentation. Think a neat pile on a plate. A dollop of marinara dipping sauce? Oh my gosh, yes! Or a side of tangy coleslaw for a bit of contrast.

Fancy a pint? A crisp lager complements the cheesiness perfectly. These crispy Mac and Cheese Bites are delightful.

Storage? Sorted!

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Pop them in the fridge in an airtight container, and they'll be good for up to 3 days.

Want to freeze them? You totally can! Freeze the un-air fried balls on a baking sheet first. Then, bung them in a freezer bag.

When you’re ready, air fry them from frozen for a few extra minutes. Reheating? Air fryer or oven only! Microwaving leads to a soggy disaster.

Mixing It Up a Bit

Feeling adventurous? You can make some changes. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.

Got some leftover cooked bacon? Stir that bad boy in before chilling. It makes these Air Fryer Appetizer Recipes extra delicious.

Gluten-free? Swap in gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs. Boom! Dietary adaptation, sorted. Try a different cheese too!.

Nutrition Nitty-Gritty

Okay, let’s keep this simple. Two Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls are around 250-300 calories. You're also looking at 10-12g of protein, 15-20g of fat, and 20-25g of carbs.

It’s a treat, not a health food, but hey, cheese has calcium! Remember Leftover Mac and Cheese Recipe that you can make it with fresh ingredients.

So there you have it. Your Mac And Cheese Balls Recipe is now armed with all the tips you need to make it spot on.

Go on, give it a go! You know you want to, with these Easy Air Fryer Recipes . You've got this!