Fried golden and crisp in an air fryer, these little mac and cheese balls make a perfect appetizer or snack that everyone will love.
Preparation Time
15 mins
Cooking Time
10 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Calories
87 Calories
Recipe Instructions
Step 1
Pour water into a bowl and bring to a boil over high heat. Stir in macaroni pasta from dinner package. Cook until tender, stirring occasionally, 7 to 8 minutes. Drain; do not rinse. Return to the pot and stir in included cheese sauce, milk, and margarine. Add Cheddar cheese and stir until well combined and cheese is melted.
Step 2
Refrigerate macaroni and cheese until firm, 2 hours to overnight.
Step 3
Scoop macaroni and cheese into 1 1/2-inch balls and place on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet. Freeze for 1 hour.
Step 4
Preheat an air fryer to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) according to manufacturer's instructions. Spray the basket with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 5
Mix panko, bread crumbs, salt, and garlic powder together in a medium bowl. Dip each ball in beaten eggs and then in panko mixture.
Step 6
Place mac and cheese balls into the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching; cook in batches if necessary.
Step 7
Cook in the preheated air fryer for 6 to 8 minutes. Turn over and fry until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes more.
Ingredients
½ teaspoon salt
¼ cup milk
2 eggs, beaten
½ teaspoon garlic powder
4 tablespoons margarine
¾ cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
6 cups water
nonstick cooking spray
½ cup seasoned bread crumbs
½ cup panko bread crumbs
1 (7.25 ounce) package macaroni and cheese dinner mix (such as Kraft®)
