Best 2 Air Fryer Mac Cheese Balls Recipes

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Are you craving a delicious and crispy snack that is easy to make? Air fryer mac cheese balls are the perfect solution. These bite-sized delights are made with creamy mac and cheese rolled into balls and coated in bread crumbs, then air-fried until golden brown. They're the perfect appetizer, side dish, or even a main course. With this article, you'll learn how to make the best air fryer mac cheese balls that are sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

AIR FRYER MAC AND CHEESE BALLS



Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls image

These little mac and cheese balls make great little appetizers or finger food. Kids love them!

Provided by Yoly

Categories     Appetizers and Snacks     Pasta Appetizer Recipes

Time 3h25m

Yield 24

Number Of Ingredients 11

6 cups water
1 (7.25 ounce) package macaroni and cheese dinner mix (such as Kraft®)
¼ cup milk
4 tablespoons margarine
¾ cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
nonstick cooking spray
½ cup panko bread crumbs
½ cup seasoned bread crumbs
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon garlic powder
2 eggs, beaten

Steps:

  • Pour water into a bowl and bring to a boil over high heat. Stir in macaroni pasta from dinner package. Cook until tender, stirring occasionally, 7 to 8 minutes. Drain; do not rinse. Return to the pot and stir in included cheese sauce, milk, and margarine. Add Cheddar cheese and stir until well combined and cheese is melted.
  • Refrigerate macaroni and cheese until firm, 2 hours to overnight.
  • Scoop macaroni and cheese into 1 1/2-inch balls and place on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet. Freeze for 1 hour.
  • Preheat an air fryer to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) according to manufacturer's instructions. Spray the basket with nonstick cooking spray.
  • Mix panko, bread crumbs, salt, and garlic powder together in a medium bowl. Dip each ball in beaten eggs and then in panko mixture.
  • Place mac and cheese balls into the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching; cook in batches if necessary.
  • Cook in the preheated air fryer for 6 to 8 minutes. Turn over and fry until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes more.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 87.2 calories, Carbohydrate 9.3 g, Cholesterol 21.4 mg, Fat 4.2 g, Fiber 0.3 g, Protein 3.7 g, SaturatedFat 1.6 g, Sodium 227.4 mg, Sugar 1.2 g

CRISPY RANCH MAC AND CHEESE BALLS IN THE AIR FRYER



Crispy Ranch Mac and Cheese Balls in the Air Fryer image

Perfectly crispy on the outside, gooey mac and cheese on the inside, and made in the air fryer. The best part is no dipping sauce is needed because the ranch is built right in the balls!

Provided by Soup Loving Nicole

Categories     Appetizers and Snacks     Pasta Appetizer Recipes

Time 3h55m

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 (7.25 ounce) package macaroni and cheese dinner mix
¾ cup milk, divided
¼ cup margarine, cut into pieces
½ cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
2 cups cheese-flavored crackers (such as Cheez-It®)
1 (1 ounce) envelope ranch dressing mix
2 eggs, beaten
nonstick cooking spray

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender, 7 to 8 minutes. Drain macaroni without rinsing and return to the pot. Add 1/4 cup milk, margarine, and cheese sauce packet; mix until well combined.
  • Add Cheddar cheese and remaining 1/2 cup milk to the mac and cheese and stir until Cheddar is melted. Transfer to a bowl with a lid and refrigerate for 2 hours.
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use an ice cream scoop to form 1 1/2-inch balls out of the cold mac and cheese. Set balls on the prepared baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour.
  • Pulse cheese crackers in the bowl of a food processor and until they turn into fine crumbs. Transfer crumbs to a bowl and stir in ranch dressing mix. Place beaten eggs in a separate bowl.
  • Preheat air fryer to 360 degrees F (180 degrees C). Spray the basket of the air fryer with cooking spray.
  • Dip mac and cheese balls first in egg and then in the cracker mixture to coat. Place in the air fryer basket, adding as many balls as your basket allows without touching, working in batches, if needed. Spray tops of the balls with cooking spray.
  • Cook in the preheated air fryer for 10 minutes. Spray the tops of the balls again with cooking spray and cook 3 minutes more. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with remaining balls.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 147.4 calories, Carbohydrate 14.7 g, Cholesterol 31.5 mg, Fat 7.5 g, Fiber 0.5 g, Protein 5.1 g, SaturatedFat 2.7 g, Sodium 374.7 mg, Sugar 1.9 g

Tips:

  • Use high-quality macaroni and cheese. This will make a big difference in the flavor of your mac and cheese balls.
  • Make sure your macaroni and cheese is cold before you start making the balls. This will help them hold their shape better.
  • Use a large enough air fryer basket. You don't want to overcrowd the basket, or the mac and cheese balls won't cook evenly.
  • Preheat your air fryer to the correct temperature before adding the mac and cheese balls.
  • Cook the mac and cheese balls for the recommended amount of time, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
  • Serve the mac and cheese balls immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Conclusion:

Air fryer mac and cheese balls are a delicious and easy appetizer or snack. They're perfect for parties or game days, and they're also a great way to use up leftover macaroni and cheese. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make these tasty treats in no time. So what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try today!

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