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Air Fryer Mac 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 drain and let cool slightly
In large bowl mix cooked macaroni cheddar cheese cream cheese milk garlic powder onion powder salt and pepper
Stir until well combined and creamy
Refrigerate mixture 30 minutes to firm up for easier shaping
Set up breading station with three bowls flour in first beaten eggs in second panko-parmesan mixture in third
Using ice cream scoop form mac and cheese into 1.5-inch balls
Roll each ball in flour then egg then breadcrumb mixture pressing firmly
Place on parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate 15 minutes
Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes
Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray
Arrange mac and cheese balls in single layer not touching
Spray tops generously with cooking spray
Cook at 400°F for 6 minutes then flip carefully
Spray flipped side and cook additional 6 minutes until golden brown
Let cool 3 minutes before serving to prevent cheese burns
🔧 Kitchen Tools & Equipment
📋 Complete Tools List
- Air fryer
- Large mixing bowl
- Three shallow bowls
- Ice cream scoop
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
⚡ Quick Cooking Tips
Chill mixture thoroughly for easier shaping
Use ice cream scoop for uniform balls
Press breadcrumbs firmly to coat well
Don't skip refrigeration steps
Spray generously with oil for crispiness
Let cool before eating cheese is very hot
📊 Nutrition Facts
📦 Storage & Meal Prep
🥶 Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keep sauce separate until serving.
⏰ Make Ahead Tips
- Form and bread balls up to 24 hours ahead. Refrigerate until cooking.
❄️ Freezing Guide
- Freeze uncooked balls for up to 2 months. Cook from frozen add 5-7 minutes.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve with marinara ranch or honey mustard for dipping.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- Not chilling causes balls to fall apart. Skipping double chill makes coating slide off.
🎨 Recipe Variations
- Bacon lovers add crumbled bacon
- Spicy add jalapeños and pepper jack
- Buffalo toss with buffalo sauce after
- Truffle drizzle with truffle oil
- Pizza add pepperoni and marinara
- Loaded add bacon green onions and sour cream
❓ Quick Cooking Q&A
Yes leftover works great as long as it's cold and firm enough to shape.
First chill firms mixture second chill sets coating to prevent falling apart.
Yes bake at 400°F for 15-18 minutes flipping halfway. Less crispy than air fryer.
Sharp cheddar is best but any melting cheese works well.
Yes use gluten-free pasta flour and breadcrumbs throughout.
