Description
Air Fryer Macaroni and Cheese Balls with a crispy golden coating and creamy cheddar center. Perfect bite-sized appetizer for parties or snacks.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (7.25-ounce) package macaroni and cheese dinner mix
- 1/4 cup milk
- 4 tablespoons margarine
- 3/4 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook macaroni 7 to 8 minutes until tender; drain and return to pot.
- Stir in cheese sauce packet, milk, and margarine until creamy, then mix in shredded Cheddar until melted.
- Transfer macaroni and cheese to a bowl and refrigerate at least 2 hours until firm.
- Scoop into 1 1/2-inch balls, place on parchment-lined sheet, and freeze 1 hour.
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F and spray basket with nonstick spray.
- Dip each frozen ball in beaten eggs, then coat with panko, seasoned bread crumbs, salt, and garlic powder mixture.
- Place in single layer in air fryer basket and cook 6 to 8 minutes.
- Turn over and cook 3 to 4 minutes more until golden brown and crisp.
Notes
- Chill macaroni thoroughly before shaping to prevent falling apart.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket.
- For extra crunch, double dip in egg and breadcrumb mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg