Air Fryer Macaroni and Cheese Balls Recipe

These Air Fryer Macaroni and Cheese Balls are a creative, crispy, and irresistible snack or appetizer. Perfect for repurposing leftover macaroni and cheese, these golden-brown bites are filled with cheesy goodness and a crunchy exterior. Lightened up with the air fryer, they’re healthier than traditional fried versions, but still just as delicious!

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Ingredients: Air Fryer Macaroni and Cheese Balls Recipe

• Leftover macaroni and cheese (about 2 cups)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crispiness)
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking spray (for crisping)
• Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)

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Instructions:

1. Prep the Mac and Cheese Balls:
   • Take your leftover macaroni and cheese and let it cool slightly if it’s freshly made. If you are using leftover mac and cheese, you can slightly warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop.
   • Once it’s cool enough to handle, scoop about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of mac and cheese at a time and roll them into balls. Aim for about 12-14 small balls.
2. Set Up the Breading Station:
   • In one shallow bowl, add the flour.
   • In another bowl, beat the egg.
   • In a third shallow bowl, add the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also add some parmesan to the breadcrumbs for a cheesy crust.
3. Coat the Balls:
   • Roll each mac and cheese ball in the flour, making sure it’s fully coated.
   • Dip the floured ball into the beaten egg to get a nice wet layer.
   • Finally, roll the ball in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks well.
4. Air Fry the Mac and Cheese Balls:
   • Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
   • Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
   • Arrange the mac and cheese balls in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each ball for even cooking.
   • Spray the tops of the balls lightly with cooking spray.
   • Air fry at 375°F for about 5-7 minutes or until the balls are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
5. Serve:
   • Once they are done, carefully remove the mac and cheese balls from the air fryer and serve immediately. Optionally, garnish with extra parmesan or fresh herbs.

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Notes:

• Make-ahead tip: You can freeze these mac and cheese balls before air frying them. Simply place them on a tray in the freezer for about 30 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a zip-lock bag or airtight container. Air fry directly from the freezer—just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Leftover Option: This recipe is a great way to use up leftover mac and cheese. The balls reheat well, so it’s a fantastic snack or meal prep option.
• Dipping Sauces: Serve with ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or a spicy aioli for added flavor.

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Tips:

1. Make them extra cheesy: If you want to amp up the cheesiness, consider adding a handful of shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese into the mac and cheese mixture before forming the balls.
2. Crunchy coating: For an extra crunchy texture, use panko breadcrumbs, which will give your mac and cheese balls a crispier exterior.
3. Avoid overcrowding: Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure that the balls cook evenly and become crispy on all sides.
4. For extra flavor: You can add finely chopped green onions or bacon bits to the macaroni and cheese mixture for an extra pop of flavor.

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Nutritional Info (Approx. per serving – 3 mac and cheese balls):

• Calories: 200-250 kcal (varies depending on the size and type of macaroni & cheese used)
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Protein: 7g
• Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
• Fiber: 2g
• Cholesterol: 40mg
• Sodium: 300-350mg
• Sugar: 2g

Note: Nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredients and quantities used. If you use homemade macaroni and cheese, the nutritional content may be higher or lower depending on the ingredients.

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Health Benefits: Air Fryer Macaroni and Cheese Balls Recipe

• Reduced Fat: Air frying these mac and cheese balls significantly reduces the amount of oil compared to deep frying, making them a healthier alternative.
• Protein: The cheese and egg provide a good source of protein, essential for muscle repair and overall body function.
• Customizable: This recipe can be easily adapted to fit vegetarian, gluten-free, or dairy-free diets by substituting ingredients (e.g., using gluten-free breadcrumbs or dairy-free cheese).

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Q&A:

Q1: Can I make these mac and cheese balls without leftover mac and cheese?

• Yes! You can make mac and cheese specifically for this recipe. Just cook pasta and mix it with cheese sauce, allowing it to cool before forming the balls.

Q2: Can I bake these in the oven instead of using an air fryer?

• Absolutely! You can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You may need to lightly oil or spray them with cooking spray to get a crispy texture.

Q3: How do I store leftover mac and cheese balls?

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to restore their crispiness.

Q4: Can I freeze mac and cheese balls before cooking them?

• Yes! You can freeze the breaded balls before air frying. Simply freeze them on a tray for 30 minutes, then store in a zip-lock bag or airtight container for up to 1 month. Cook directly from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes to the cooking time.

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Final Thoughts:

Air Fryer Macaroni and Cheese Balls are a fun and indulgent way to enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese in a crispy, bite-sized form. Whether for a snack, party appetizer, or a quick meal, they are sure to be a hit!

Internal linkhttps://cookandbakersworld.com/creamy-chicken-pasta-recipe/

External link https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/277601/air-fryer-mac-and-cheese-balls/