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Air Fryer Macaroni and Cheese Balls

These air fryer macaroni and cheese balls feature crispy exteriors encasing a rich, cheesy filling, perfect as a snack or appetizer for everyone to enjoy.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 cup elbow macaroni Forms the base of the dish.
  • 2 tablespoons butter Used for making the roux.
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour For the roux.
  • 1.25 cups milk Adds creaminess to the cheese sauce.
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder Enhances flavor.
  • 0.5 teaspoon onion powder Adds depth to the flavor.
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt For seasoning.
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper For seasoning.
  • 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Provides gooey texture.
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese Adds a strong cheese flavor.
  • 1 large egg Used for coating.
Coating and Additional Ingredients
  • 0.5 cup bread crumbs For coating the balls.
  • 0.5 cup panko bread crumbs For an extra crunchy texture.
  • 0.25 cup all-purpose flour For dusting.
  • as needed Vegetable oil for spraying To ensure crispiness while cooking.

Method
 

Cooking the Macaroni
  1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
Making the Cheese Sauce
  1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
  2. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to avoid lumps, then add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, whisking until smooth.
  3. Allow the mixture to simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  4. Stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth.
  5. Remove from heat and add the cooked macaroni, stirring to coat the pasta evenly with the cheese sauce. Let cool for 15-20 minutes.
Forming the Balls
  1. Once cooled, scoop small portions of the mixture and form them into balls with your hands. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  2. In a shallow dish, whisk the egg until fully beaten. In another shallow dish, combine bread crumbs and panko.
  3. Roll each ball in the egg first, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring even coverage.
  4. Place the coated balls back on the parchment-lined sheet and spray lightly with vegetable oil.
Air Frying
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the macaroni balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they’re not touching each other.
  2. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden brown and crispy.
  3. Carefully remove the macaroni cheese balls and allow them to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

For best results, spray the balls evenly with oil and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. You can also add spices to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor. These balls can be refrigerated or frozen for later use.