Description
Crispy air fryer fried macaroni and cheese balls with a gooey cheesy center, perfect for snacks or parties.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for coating)
- Vegetable oil for spraying
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni in boiling salted water until al dente, then drain and rinse.
- Make the cheese sauce by melting butter, adding flour, then whisking in milk before stirring in cheeses and seasonings.
- Combine the cheese sauce with the macaroni and let cool for 15 minutes.
- Form 1-inch balls with the macaroni mixture and place them on a tray.
- Prepare the breading station with flour, beaten egg, and breadcrumbs.
- Coat each ball in flour, then egg, and finally breadcrumbs.
- Preheat the air fryer to 370°F.
- Air fry the balls for 8-10 minutes until crispy, flipping halfway through.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
Let the macaroni mixture cool adequately to avoid falling apart when frying. You can freeze formed balls for later use.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 100 per ball
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: mac and cheese balls, air fryer, comfort food, appetizer, snacks, fried food