Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls

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

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®)

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.