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Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls

These crispy air fryer macaroni and cheese balls are a delightful appetizer with a crunchy exterior and a gooey, cheesy interior, perfect for parties or a cozy night in.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Cheese Mixture
  • 1 cup elbow macaroni Cook according to package instructions.
  • 2 tablespoons butter For making the roux.
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour Used in the roux.
  • 1.25 cups milk Whole milk for creamy texture.
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder Adds flavor.
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder Adds flavor.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt To season the mixture.
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper For seasoning.
  • 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese For the cheesy filling.
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese For added flavor.
  • 1 large egg For binding.
Coating and Frying
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs For coating.
  • 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs For extra crunch.
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour For coating.
  • Vegetable oil for spraying To help achieve a crispy exterior.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
  3. Slowly pour in 1 1/4 cups of milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, whisking until the mixture is smooth.
  4. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  5. Stir in shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
  6. Remove the saucepan from the heat and fold in the cooked elbow macaroni, stirring to coat the pasta evenly with the cheese sauce. Let cool for about 15-20 minutes.
Forming Balls
  1. Scoop small portions of the macaroni and cheese mixture and form them into ball shapes with your hands. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  2. In a shallow dish, whisk the large egg until fully beaten. In another shallow dish, combine the bread crumbs and panko bread crumbs.
  3. Roll each macaroni and cheese ball first in the egg, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring each ball is fully covered.
Cooking
  1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the breaded macaroni balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other.
  2. Cook the balls in the air fryer for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
  3. Carefully remove the macaroni and cheese balls from the air fryer and allow them to cool slightly before serving. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

For extra crispiness, ensure to use panko breadcrumbs and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. You can make these ahead of time and freeze them for later use.