Description
A delightful twist on a classic comfort food, these air-fried macaroni and cheese balls offer a perfect balance of creamy and crunchy flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni as per the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add 2 tablespoons of flour and whisk for 1-2 minutes until it forms a roux.
- Gradually whisk in 1 1/4 cups of milk to the roux, mixing in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until evenly coated. Allow to cool for 15-20 minutes.
- Scoop small amounts of the mixture into your hands and roll into balls. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Dip each ball in whisked egg, then roll in the breadcrumb mixture until coated and return to the baking sheet.
- Spray each ball lightly with vegetable oil.
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Remove the balls and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Serve with dipping sauces like marinara, ranch dressing, or sriracha mayo. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: macaroni and cheese balls, air fryer, appetizer, comfort food, cheesy snacks