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Delicious air fryer fried macaroni and cheese balls served on a plate

Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls

Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, these air fryer macaroni and cheese balls deliver delicious cheesy goodness without the mess of deep frying.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12 pieces
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the macaroni and cheese balls
  • 1 cup elbow macaroni
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour for the sauce base
  • 1 1/4 cups milk whole milk preferred for creaminess
  • 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 can use pre-shredded
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs for coating
  • 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs for additional crunch
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour for breading

Method
 

Cooking the macaroni
  1. Boil the elbow macaroni according to the package directions, then drain well.
Making the sauce
  1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
  2. Whisk in the 2 tablespoons flour for 1–2 minutes until smooth and paste-like.
  3. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Keep whisking until smooth.
  4. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, and let simmer for 3–4 minutes, whisking often, until slightly thickened.
  5. Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until melted and smooth.
Combining and shaping
  1. Remove the pot from heat and stir in the cooked macaroni until all is coated.
  2. Let the mixture cool for 15–20 minutes.
  3. Once cooled, scoop small portions and roll into balls, placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Breading the balls
  1. Beat the egg in one bowl. In another bowl, mix together the bread crumbs and panko.
  2. Roll each ball in the 1/4 cup flour, dip in the beaten egg, then press into the breadcrumb/panko mixture until evenly coated.
  3. Lightly spray each ball with vegetable oil.
Air frying
  1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the balls in a single layer and cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  2. They are ready when golden and crisp.
Serving
  1. Let them cool for about a minute before serving with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

Allow the balls to cool after shaping to keep their form. Serve with various dipping sauces for added flavor.