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Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls

Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, these air fryer fried macaroni and cheese balls reinvent a beloved comfort food classic for a lighter, delectable snack or appetizer.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Macaroni and Cheese Mixture
  • 1 cup elbow macaroni
  • 2 tablespoons butter for making the roux
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour plus additional for coating
  • 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 for the filling
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese for the filling
  • 1 large egg beaten, for coating
Coating
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs
  • 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
  • Vegetable oil for spraying Vegetable oil to ensure crispiness

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, whisking continuously for 1-2 minutes until you form a roux.
  3. Gradually pour in the milk while continuing to whisk to avoid any lumps. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, whisking until the mixture is smooth and combined.
  4. Allow the mixture to simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly to a creamy consistency.
  5. Stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese until completely melted and combined. Remove from heat, and fold in the cooked macaroni until well mixed.
  6. Let the mixture cool for 15-20 minutes, then use your hands to form small balls, about an inch in size.
Breading
  1. Set up a breading station by preparing a shallow dish with the beaten egg and another with the mixture of bread crumbs and panko.
  2. Roll each ball in the beaten egg, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture. Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet and spray lightly with vegetable oil.
Cooking
  1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Once heated, place the balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd.
  2. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping the balls halfway through. Look for a golden brown color and a crispy exterior before removing them.
  3. Serve warm, ideally with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

Tips for Best Results: Ensure the macaroni is al dente before mixing it with the cheese sauce; allow the cheese mixture to cool thoroughly before forming the balls; don't skip the oil spray on the balls before air frying for enhanced crisp texture; for spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture.