Description
Deliciously crispy air fryer macaroni and cheese balls filled with gooey cheese and seasoned pasta, perfect for any gathering.
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 according to the package instructions. Once al dente, drain and set aside to cool.
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the all-purpose flour to the melted butter, whisking continuously for about 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Pour in the milk while whisking vigorously to prevent lumps.
- Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, whisking until smooth. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened.
- Melt in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring until fully melted. Remove from heat.
- Fold in the cooked macaroni until coated and let cool for 15-20 minutes.
- Scoop small portions and form them into balls, placing on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Whisk the egg in a shallow dish. Combine the regular breadcrumbs and panko in another dish.
- Roll each macaroni ball in the egg wash, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Lightly spray each ball with vegetable oil.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C), then arrange the cheese balls in a single layer in the fryer basket.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Carefully remove the balls and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Make ahead by preparing and breading the balls a day in advance. Store in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: macaroni and cheese balls, air fryer apppetizer, comfort food, cheesy snack, game day recipe