Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these Crispy Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls! They are like little bites of heaven! I remember the first time I made them; I could hardly wait for them to cool down before diving in. The creamy, cheesy filling paired with that perfectly crispy exterior is just irresistible. They’re a fantastic snack for movie night, a fun appetizer for gatherings, or just a little treat to reward yourself after a long day. Seriously, once you make these, you’ll find yourself craving them all the time! Plus, they come together quickly and easily, making them perfect for any occasion. Trust me, they’ll become a staple in your household before you know it!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups cooked macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
How to Prepare Crispy Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls
Alright, let’s get cooking! Making these Crispy Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls is a fun and straightforward process, and I promise you’ll love every step of the way. Here’s how to do it:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the cooked macaroni with the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined—trust me, the aroma is going to be mouthwatering!
- Now, it’s time to form the mixture into small balls. I like to use about a tablespoon of the mixture for each ball, but you can make them bigger if you’re feeling indulgent. Just remember that the cooking time might need a little adjustment!
- Next, set up a little assembly line. Dip each ball into the flour first, making sure to coat it well. Then, dunk it into the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off. Finally, roll it in the breadcrumbs until it’s fully coated. Ooh, that crunch is going to be amazing!
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). This step is super important because it gives your mac and cheese balls that perfect crispy texture.
- Once it’s preheated, place the balls in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Give them a light spray with cooking spray for that extra crispiness.
- Air fry them for about 10-12 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Make sure to keep an eye on them so they don’t get too toasty!
- Finally, serve them hot and watch everyone dive in. Trust me, you’re going to be the star of the snack table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Deliciously creamy inside with a satisfying crispy exterior.
- Great for any occasion, whether it’s a snack, appetizer, or party treat.
- No deep frying needed—just a simple air fryer makes cleanup a breeze!
- Customizable—add your favorite ingredients like herbs or bacon for extra flavor.
Tips for Success
Alright, here are my top tips to make sure your Crispy Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls turn out perfectly every single time! First off, make sure your macaroni is well-drained; excess water can make the mixture too soggy. If you want to jazz it up, feel free to throw in some cooked bacon bits or fresh herbs—yum! Also, when forming the balls, don’t worry about them being perfect; a little irregularity adds charm!
While air frying, remember to give the basket a gentle shake halfway through cooking for even browning. And if you’re making a larger batch, keep them warm in the oven at a low temperature while the rest cook. Finally, don’t skip the cooking spray—it’s key to achieving that delightful crunch! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Nutritional Information
These Crispy Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls are not only delicious but also pack a decent nutritional punch for a snack! Each serving, which is about three balls, contains approximately 250 calories. You’ll also get 10 grams of protein, making them a satisfying treat. Of course, keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and portion sizes. So, enjoy these cheesy bites guilt-free, and remember to share with friends—if you can resist the temptation to keep them all to yourself!
FAQ Section
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the Crispy Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls ahead of time. Just form the balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them and pop them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply air fry them straight from the fridge—just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they’re heated through and crispy!
What can I serve with Crispy Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls?
These little bites are incredibly versatile! Serve them with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, and watch everyone go wild for that combo! You could also pair them with ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or a zesty hot sauce. If you want to keep it simple, a fresh green salad on the side makes for a delightful contrast to the rich, cheesy goodness!
Can I use different types of cheese?
Of course! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses to find your perfect flavor combination. Mozzarella adds a wonderful stretchiness, while pepper jack brings a spicy kick. You could even mix in some blue cheese for a bold twist. Just remember to maintain a balance of flavors and textures so that your Crispy Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls stay creamy and delicious on the inside!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your Crispy Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls, consider serving them alongside a refreshing salad or some crunchy vegetable sticks for a delightful contrast. I love pairing them with a zesty marinara sauce or a creamy ranch dressing for dipping. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a spicy sriracha mayo for a kick! And don’t forget a chilled drink, like a sparkling lemonade or iced tea, to wash it all down. These little bites are sure to shine on any party platter!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have any Crispy Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls left over (which is a big if, trust me!), you’ll want to store them properly to keep that delicious crunch. Just pop them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and give them a quick reheat for about 5-6 minutes. This will help restore that crispy exterior while keeping the inside nice and creamy—yum!
And if you’re feeling ambitious, you can also freeze the uncooked balls! Just assemble them, place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, and then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re craving a snack, no need to thaw—just pop them straight into the air fryer for a couple of extra minutes. Easy peasy!
Print
Crispy Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls: 5 Ways to Indulge
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Crispy Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls are a delicious snack or appetizer. They are creamy on the inside and crispy on the outside.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix cooked macaroni, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Form the mixture into small balls.
- Dip each ball in flour, then in beaten eggs, and finally coat with breadcrumbs.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
- Place the balls in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Spray with cooking spray.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
- For extra flavor, add cooked bacon or herbs to the mixture.
- Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 balls
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Crispy Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls