Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls Recipe Guide: Perfect for Parties

Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls

Yields: About 20 mac and cheese balls Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 10-12 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup elbow macaroni, cooked al dente

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/4 cup milk

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 large egg, beaten

• Cooking spray
  

Equipment:

• Air fryer

• Large bowl

• Medium saucepan

• Baking sheet
  

Instructions

Get started:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
   

Make the mac and cheese filling:

1. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour, salt, and pepper until smooth. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens.

2. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

3. Stir in cooked macaroni until well coated.
   

Form the mac and cheese balls:

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Use a cookie scoop or your hands to form the mac and cheese mixture into 1-inch balls.

3. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet.
   

Bread the mac and cheese balls:

1. In a shallow dish, combine panko bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese.

2. Dip each mac and cheese ball in the beaten egg, then roll in the bread crumb mixture until evenly coated.
   

Air fry the mac and cheese balls:

1. Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray.

2. Arrange the mac and cheese balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

3. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through.
   

Serve immediately.

For a fun twist, you could also serve these with a marinara dipping sauce.