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Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls
Video
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Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Cooking spray
Instructions
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
Troubleshooting
Recipe Variations
Serving Suggestions
Nutrition Facts
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Frequently Asked Questions
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.