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Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls
📹 Video Tutorial from YouTube
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🛒 Quick Ingredients
📋 Complete Ingredients List
💡 Pro tip: Tap items to check them off as you prep!
🍳 Quick Cooking Steps
Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente, drain and let cool slightly
In large bowl, mix cooked macaroni, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper until well combined
Refrigerate mac and cheese mixture for 30 minutes to firm up for easier shaping
Set up breading station with three bowls: flour in first, beaten eggs in second, panko breadcrumbs in third
Using ice cream scoop, form mac and cheese mixture into 1.5-inch balls
Roll each ball in flour, then dip in beaten egg, then coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs
Place breaded balls on parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate 15 minutes to set coating
Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes
Lightly spray air fryer basket with cooking spray
Arrange mac and cheese balls in single layer in basket, not touching, spray tops lightly with oil
Cook at 400°F for 6 minutes, then shake basket or flip balls
Cook additional 6 minutes until golden brown and crispy, internal temperature reaches 165°F
Let cool 3 minutes before serving to prevent cheese from being too hot
🔧 Kitchen Tools & Equipment
📋 Complete Tools List
- Air fryer
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium bowls for breading station
- Ice cream scoop or spoon
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Whisk
⚡ Quick Cooking Tips
Chill mac and cheese mixture thoroughly before shaping for easier handling
Use ice cream scoop for uniform-sized balls that cook evenly
Press breadcrumbs firmly onto balls to ensure coating adheres during cooking
Work quickly when breading to prevent mixture from warming up
Spray balls generously with oil for maximum crispiness and golden color
Don't skip refrigeration steps - they're crucial for structural integrity
📊 Nutrition Facts
🔥 Time to Burn Calories
Walking 65min, Running 35min, Cycling 45min
📦 Storage & Meal Prep
🥶 Storage Instructions
- Store cooled mac and cheese balls in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep uncooked breaded balls separate from cooked ones.
⏰ Make Ahead Tips
- Prepare and bread balls up to 24 hours ahead, refrigerate on baking sheet covered with plastic wrap. Freeze uncooked breaded balls for up to 1 month. Cook frozen mac and cheese mixture the same day for food safety.
❄️ Freezing Guide
- Freeze uncooked breaded balls on baking sheet until solid, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 2 months. Cook from frozen, add 5-7 minutes to cooking time. Do not thaw before cooking for best texture.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or spicy aioli for dipping. Pair with fresh salad to balance richness. Great as appetizer for parties or game day. Garnish with fresh parsley and grated parmesan.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- Not chilling mixture before forming balls - results in balls falling apart during cooking Overcrowding air fryer basket - causes uneven cooking and soggy coating Using hot macaroni - melts cheese too much making mixture difficult to shape Skipping the chilling step after breading - coating slides off during cooking Not spraying balls with oil - won't achieve golden crispy exterior Making balls too large - center won't heat through properly
🎨 Recipe Variations
- Bacon lovers: Add ½ cup crumbled cooked beef bacon to mac and cheese mixture Spicy kick: Mix 1 tsp cayenne pepper into breadcrumbs and add diced jalapeños to filling Three cheese: Use mix of cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan for richer flavor Buffalo style: Add 2 tbsp buffalo sauce to mixture, serve with ranch dressing Herbed: Mix dried Italian herbs into breadcrumbs for Mediterranean twist Truffle mac balls: Add 1 tsp truffle oil to mac mixture for gourmet version
❓ Quick Cooking Q&A
Yes! Leftover mac and cheese works great. Just make sure it's cold and firm enough to shape into balls.
Chill the mixture thoroughly before shaping, use enough breadcrumbs, and refrigerate after breading to set the coating.
Yes, deep fry at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until golden. Air frying is healthier with less oil.
Sharp cheddar provides best flavor, but mozzarella, gouda, or cheese blends also work well.
Yes, use gluten-free pasta, gluten-free flour, and gluten-free breadcrumbs for coating.
