Mac and Cheese Balls

Why Make This Recipe

These Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls are perfect for when you want a tasty snack or appetizer that’s quick and easy to whip up. They’re crispy on the outside, cheesy and creamy on the inside, and sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. Plus, making them in the air fryer adds a healthier twist while keeping all that delicious flavor. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a go-to for family gatherings, game nights, or just a cozy night in.

How to Make Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls

Ingredients:

1 cup elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Vegetable oil for spraying

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Directions:

1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Add the 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to the melted butter and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes to make a roux.
4. Slowly pour in the 1 1/4 cups of milk while whisking to avoid lumps.
5. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the milk mixture and whisk until smooth.
6. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 3-4 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
7. Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until completely melted and smooth.
8. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the cooked elbow macaroni, making sure it’s nicely coated in the cheese sauce.
9. Let the macaroni and cheese mixture cool for about 15-20 minutes.
10. Once cooled, scoop small portions of the macaroni mixture and form them into balls with your hands.
11. Place the macaroni balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
12. In a shallow dish, whisk the large egg until fully beaten.
13. In another shallow dish, mix the bread crumbs and panko bread crumbs together.
14. Roll each macaroni ball first in the egg, then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring each ball is fully covered.
15. Place the breaded macaroni balls back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
16. Spray each ball lightly with vegetable oil to help them crisp up while cooking.
17. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
18. Arrange the breaded macaroni balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t touching.
19. Cook the balls in the air fryer for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
20. Carefully remove the macaroni and cheese balls from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving.

How to Serve Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls

These delicious bites are best served hot and can be paired with your favorite dipping sauce like marinara, ranch, or even spicy ketchup. They make an excellent snack for any gathering or a fun addition to a main meal.

How to Store Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls

If you have any leftovers (though I doubt you will!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them before frying. Just place the formed balls on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, cook them directly from the freezer in the air fryer, adding an extra minute or two to the cooking time.

Tips to Make Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls

• Make sure the macaroni and cheese mixture is cool before forming the balls; this helps them hold their shape better.
• If you want to add a twist, toss in some cooked bacon bits or chopped vegetables to the cheese mixture before forming the balls.
• For extra crunch, you can use crushed tortilla chips instead of the breadcrumb mixture.

Variation

Feel free to experiment with different cheeses! Cheddar, gouda, or pepper jack can add a delightful flavor twist to these cheesy bites.

FAQs

Can I make these macaroni and cheese balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to fry them. Just remember to let them cool before forming the balls.

Can I bake these instead of air frying?
Absolutely! You can place them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until they’re golden brown.

What dipping sauces go well with these cheese balls?
These cheesy delights pair wonderfully with marinara, ranch dressing, or even a spicy aioli for those who love a bit of heat!

Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls

Crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside, these Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls are a quick and delicious snack or appetizer perfect for any gathering.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 150

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Macaroni and Cheese Mixture

• 1 cup elbow macaroni
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour for making roux
• 1.25 cups milk
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Coating

• 1 large egg
• 0.5 cup bread crumbs
• 0.5 cup panko bread crumbs
• 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 spray Vegetable oil for spraying

Method

 

Preparation

1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to the melted butter and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes to make a roux.
4. Slowly pour in 1 1/4 cups of milk while whisking to avoid lumps.
5. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the milk mixture and whisk until smooth.
6. Allow the mixture to simmer for 3-4 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
7. Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until completely melted and smooth.
8. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the cooked elbow macaroni, making sure it’s nicely coated in the cheese sauce.
9. Let the macaroni and cheese mixture cool for about 15-20 minutes.

Forming the Balls

1. Once cooled, scoop small portions of the macaroni mixture and form them into balls with your hands.
2. Place the macaroni balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. In a shallow dish, whisk the large egg until fully beaten.
4. In another shallow dish, mix the bread crumbs and panko bread crumbs together.
5. Roll each macaroni ball first in the egg, then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring each ball is fully covered.
6. Place the breaded macaroni balls back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
7. Spray each ball lightly with vegetable oil to help them crisp up while cooking.

Cooking

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Arrange the breaded macaroni balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t touching.
3. Cook the balls in the air fryer for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
4. Carefully remove the macaroni and cheese balls from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce like marinara, ranch, or spicy ketchup. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen before frying.