If you’re craving a delicious and cheesy snack, look no further than Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls! These tasty bites combine the classic flavors of mac and cheese into a fun and crispy treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, watching a game, or just looking for something special to enjoy, these mac and cheese balls are sure to please your taste buds and satisfy your cravings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: This recipe comes together in no time, making it a perfect choice for busy days.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these ingredients at home already!
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves mac and cheese, and turning it into crispy balls will impress your guests.
- Unbelievably Delicious: The combination of cheeses provides rich, mouthwatering flavor in every bite.
- Versatile Snack: Great as an appetizer, snack, or even a meal!
Ingredients Needed
- For the base:
- 2 cups cooked macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the coating:
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- Oil spray for air frying
How to Make Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls
- Mix the base: In a large bowl, add the cooked macaroni, cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, cream cheese, and the egg. Mix everything until it is well blended. Don’t forget to season it with salt and pepper to taste!
- Form the balls: Take a small amount of the mixture and roll it into a ball, about the size of a golf ball. Repeat this process until all the mixture is shaped into balls.
- Coat the balls: Roll each ball in breadcrumbs until they are evenly coated. This creates that crunchy outer layer when cooked.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for cooking.
- Arrange the balls: Place the macaroni balls in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Lightly spray them with oil for a crispy finish.
- Cook to perfection: Air fry the balls for about 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure they are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Serve warm: Once cooked, serve your mac and cheese balls warm and enjoy!
Serving and Storage Tips
These mac and cheese balls are best served warm, right out of the air fryer. They make a delightful appetizer accompanied by your favorite dipping sauce, like marinara or ranch. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them back into the air fryer for a few minutes to regain their crispy texture!
Helpful Notes
- Tips for Perfection: Ensure your macaroni is cooked al dente, as this will help keep them from falling apart when forming the balls.
- Make it Your Own: Feel free to add in some diced veggies or cooked bacon for added flavor!
- Fun Variations: Experiment with different cheeses or spices to cater to your taste preferences.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls are not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious and satisfying. With simple ingredients and a quick preparation time, they are the perfect snack for any gathering or just a fun treat for yourself. If you try this recipe, we’d love to hear your thoughts! Please leave a comment and a star rating, and feel free to share your tasty results on social media. What unique twists did you try with your mac and cheese balls? Let us know below!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes, you can substitute regular macaroni with gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
How do I make these mac and cheese balls vegetarian?
All the ingredients listed are vegetarian, but make sure to check that your cheeses are rennet-free if you want a strictly vegetarian version.
Can I freeze these mac and cheese balls?
Absolutely! You can freeze them before air frying. Just thaw them in the refrigerator before cooking, and they’ll be ready to enjoy!
Print
Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and cheesy mac and cheese balls that are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, perfect for snacks or appetizers.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- Oil spray for air frying
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine cooked macaroni, cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, cream cheese, and the egg. Season with salt and pepper, mixing well.
- Shape the mixture into balls, about the size of a golf ball.
- Roll each ball in breadcrumbs until evenly coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange the balls in the air fryer basket in a single layer and lightly spray with oil.
- Air fry for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
Best served warm. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a crispy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 30mg