Why Make This Recipe
So, you’ve got some leftover macaroni and cheese chilling in your fridge, huh? Why not transform that creamy goodness into Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls? 🙌 They’re crispy on the outside and ooey-gooey on the inside—ultimate comfort food in bite-sized pieces! Plus, the air fryer does all the heavy lifting, giving you that satisfying crunch while reducing the guilt of frying in oil.
Imagine serving these golden nuggets at your next gathering or just for a movie night snack—everyone will be raving about them. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love mac and cheese? Let’s jump into how you can whip up this delicious treat!
How to Make Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls
Making these delightful balls is super easy and fun! Here’s a quick rundown of what you need to do:
- Gather your ingredients and get your air fryer ready.
- Mix everything in a bowl, shape them into balls, and roll ‘em in the crunchy stuff.
- Pop them in the air fryer, and watch them go from boring to awesome!
Seriously, it’s straightforward. Keep reading for the exact ingredients and directions!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked macaroni and cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Aren’t those simple ingredients? You probably have most of them at home already. If you’re missing one or two, improvise a bit! That’s how great chefs are born, right? 😉
Directions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, combine the cooked macaroni and cheese with the Parmesan cheese.
- Shape the mixture into balls, roll them in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and coat with breadcrumbs.
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and place the balls in a single layer.
- Give the top of the balls a little spritz with cooking spray.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until golden and crispy, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Serve hot and enjoy the cheers of your friends and family!
Trust me, they won’t last long on the plate!
How to Serve Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls
Serving these is half the fun! You can—
- Serve them with dipping sauces like marinara or ranch for that extra kick.
- Use them as a party appetizer. Your friends will think you’re a culinary genius!
- Pair them with a light salad for a complete meal (but who are we kidding, they’re a meal on their own).
Pro tip: Make sure to have enough because they disappear faster than you can say “mac and cheese!” 🍽️
How to Store Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls
If by some miracle you have leftovers (well done, you!), here’s how to store them:
- Place them in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge.
- They’ll stay good for about 3-4 days.
- When you’re ready to devour them again, just reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes until they’re crispy again!
Who said leftovers had to be boring, right? 🙃
Tips to Make Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls
- Chill your mixture: For easier shaping, try chilling the mac and cheese mixture in the fridge for about 30 minutes before rolling into balls.
- Experiment with seasonings: Throw in some garlic powder, onion powder, or even a pinch of cayenne for a kick!
- Make small balls: Ensure they cook evenly and get crispy all around. Bigger isn’t always better!
Variation
Feeling adventurous? You can add some cooked bacon or diced veggies to the mac and cheese mixture. Mixing things up not only keeps it interesting but also adds layers of flavor. Just think of all the possibilities!
FAQs
Q: Can I make these mac and cheese balls gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Just swap out the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives. Simple as that!
Q: Can I use store-bought mac and cheese?
A: Yes! If you’re in a pinch, go ahead and use store-bought. Just make sure it’s creamy and cheesy enough for that awesome flavor!
Q: What can I do with extra mac and cheese?
A: Besides making these delicious balls, you can also bake it, stuff it into peppers, or top it on nachos! Get creative, my friend! 🎉
Now that you know how to make these tasty Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls, what are you waiting for? Time to get cooking and impress everyone with your new culinary skills!
Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked macaroni and cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour Can be substituted with gluten-free flour.
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- to taste Salt and pepper
- as needed Cooking spray For air frying.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, combine the cooked macaroni and cheese with the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Shape the mixture into balls, roll them in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and coat with breadcrumbs.
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and place the balls in a single layer.
- Give the top of the balls a little spritz with cooking spray.
Cooking
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until golden and crispy, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Serve hot and enjoy with dipping sauces like marinara or ranch.
Notes
Printable Recipe Card
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