Best 2 Air Fryer Mac Cheese Balls Recipes
**Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls: A Crispy, Cheesy Delight**
Mac and cheese, a classic comfort food, gets a fun and delicious makeover with these Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls. These bite-sized balls of creamy macaroni and cheese are coated in a crispy breadcrumb crust and cooked to golden perfection in an air fryer. A perfect appetizer or snack, these mac and cheese balls are sure to be a hit with people of all ages.
This recipe offers two irresistible variations: classic mac and cheese balls made with elbow macaroni, cheddar cheese, and a blend of spices, and buffalo mac and cheese balls that add a spicy kick with hot sauce, cayenne pepper, and blue cheese crumbles. Both variations are easy to make and can be customized with your favorite add-ins, such as bacon, jalapeños, or chopped vegetables.
The air fryer cooks the mac and cheese balls quickly and evenly, resulting in a crispy golden exterior and a gooey, melted cheese interior. These mac and cheese balls are best served hot and fresh out of the air fryer, accompanied by your favorite dipping sauce.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat your air fryer, and get ready to indulge in these delightful Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls. Be it a game day gathering, a casual party, or a cozy night in, these cheesy bites are sure to bring joy and satisfaction to everyone's taste buds.
AIR FRYER MAC AND CHEESE BALLS
These little mac and cheese balls make great little appetizers or finger food. Kids love them!
Provided by Yoly
Categories Appetizers and Snacks Pasta Appetizer Recipes
Time 3h25m
Yield 24
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- 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.
- Refrigerate macaroni and cheese until firm, 2 hours to overnight.
- Scoop macaroni and cheese into 1 1/2-inch balls and place on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet. Freeze for 1 hour.
- Preheat an air fryer to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) according to manufacturer's instructions. Spray the basket with nonstick cooking spray.
- Mix panko, bread crumbs, salt, and garlic powder together in a medium bowl. Dip each ball in beaten eggs and then in panko mixture.
- 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.
- Cook in the preheated air fryer for 6 to 8 minutes. Turn over and fry until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes more.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 87.2 calories, Carbohydrate 9.3 g, Cholesterol 21.4 mg, Fat 4.2 g, Fiber 0.3 g, Protein 3.7 g, SaturatedFat 1.6 g, Sodium 227.4 mg, Sugar 1.2 g
CRISPY RANCH MAC AND CHEESE BALLS IN THE AIR FRYER
Perfectly crispy on the outside, gooey mac and cheese on the inside, and made in the air fryer. The best part is no dipping sauce is needed because the ranch is built right in the balls!
Provided by Soup Loving Nicole
Categories Appetizers and Snacks Pasta Appetizer Recipes
Time 3h55m
Yield 16
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender, 7 to 8 minutes. Drain macaroni without rinsing and return to the pot. Add 1/4 cup milk, margarine, and cheese sauce packet; mix until well combined.
- Add Cheddar cheese and remaining 1/2 cup milk to the mac and cheese and stir until Cheddar is melted. Transfer to a bowl with a lid and refrigerate for 2 hours.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use an ice cream scoop to form 1 1/2-inch balls out of the cold mac and cheese. Set balls on the prepared baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour.
- Pulse cheese crackers in the bowl of a food processor and until they turn into fine crumbs. Transfer crumbs to a bowl and stir in ranch dressing mix. Place beaten eggs in a separate bowl.
- Preheat air fryer to 360 degrees F (180 degrees C). Spray the basket of the air fryer with cooking spray.
- Dip mac and cheese balls first in egg and then in the cracker mixture to coat. Place in the air fryer basket, adding as many balls as your basket allows without touching, working in batches, if needed. Spray tops of the balls with cooking spray.
- Cook in the preheated air fryer for 10 minutes. Spray the tops of the balls again with cooking spray and cook 3 minutes more. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with remaining balls.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 147.4 calories, Carbohydrate 14.7 g, Cholesterol 31.5 mg, Fat 7.5 g, Fiber 0.5 g, Protein 5.1 g, SaturatedFat 2.7 g, Sodium 374.7 mg, Sugar 1.9 g
Tips:
- Use different cheeses for a variety of flavors. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Parmesan, and Gruyère are all great options.
- Add cooked bacon, ham, or vegetables to the mac and cheese mixture for extra flavor and texture.
- If you don't have an air fryer, you can bake the mac and cheese balls in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve the mac and cheese balls with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing, ketchup, or barbecue sauce.
Conclusion:
Air fryer mac and cheese balls are a quick, easy, and delicious appetizer or snack. They're perfect for parties, potlucks, or game day gatherings. With a variety of dipping sauces to choose from, there's something for everyone to enjoy. So next time you're looking for a fun and tasty treat, give air fryer mac and cheese balls a try!
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