Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines two classic comfort foods—mac and cheese and crispy snacks—into one delightful bite. The air fryer makes it possible to enjoy these golden balls without the extra grease from frying, giving you the crispy texture you crave with less fat. The simple yet flavorful ingredients—like smoked paprika and garlic powder—add depth to each bite, while the option to dip them in sauces like ranch or chipotle mayo elevates the experience. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as a snack, these mac and cheese balls are always a hit!

Ingredients

• 4 cups prepared macaroni and cheese (refrigerated)

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon salt, divided

• 1 teaspoon black pepper, divided

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, divided

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, divided

• 2 eggs

• 1 tablespoon milk

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

• Optional: 1/4 cup ranch, garlic aioli, or chipotle mayo (for dipping)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and the air fryer to 370°F.

2. Spread the breadcrumbs evenly on a baking sheet. Bake them for 3 minutes, then shake and bake for another 1–2 minutes until golden brown.

3. Form the chilled mac and cheese into golf ball-sized portions and place them on a baking sheet.

4. In one bowl, whisk together the flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder.

5. In a second bowl, whisk the eggs with the milk.

6. In a third bowl, toss the toasted breadcrumbs with the remaining salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.

7. Coat each mac and cheese ball in the flour mixture, then dip into the egg mixture, and coat with the breadcrumb mixture. Press down to ensure the coating sticks well.

8. Spray the air fryer basket and the balls with cooking spray.

9. Air fry 6–9 balls at a time for 8–10 minutes until they are golden brown.

10. Keep warm in the oven while cooking the remaining balls. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Preparation time: 10 minutes

• Cooking time: 20 minutes

• Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses in the mac and cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of both.

• Herb Additions: Adding chopped herbs like parsley or thyme to the breadcrumb coating can elevate the flavor even further.

• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mac and cheese mixture for an extra kick.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover mac and cheese balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, simply place them in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 370°F to restore their crispy texture.

FAQs

How can I make Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls ahead of time?

You can prepare the mac and cheese balls and coat them with the breadcrumbs in advance. Store them in the fridge until you’re ready to air fry them.

Can I freeze these mac and cheese balls?

Yes! Freeze the prepared mac and cheese balls before air frying. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Air fry directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.

Can I use homemade mac and cheese instead of refrigerated?

Absolutely! Homemade mac and cheese will work just as well in this recipe. Let it cool down in the fridge before forming the balls.

What dipping sauces go well with these?

These mac and cheese balls pair well with dipping sauces like ranch, garlic aioli, chipotle mayo, or even a spicy buffalo sauce for a tangy contrast.

Can I make these without eggs?

Yes, you can use an egg substitute like a flax egg or a vegan egg replacer to make this recipe egg-free.

How long should I cook these in the air fryer?

Cook the mac and cheese balls in the air fryer for 8–10 minutes at 370°F, checking for golden brown perfection. The time may vary depending on the size of the balls.

Can I add vegetables to the mac and cheese?

Feel free to add small, cooked vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or even peas to the mac and cheese before forming the balls.

Do I need to spray the balls with oil before cooking?

Yes, spraying both the air fryer basket and the mac and cheese balls with a light layer of cooking spray ensures they crisp up beautifully.

Are these Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls kid-friendly?

Definitely! Kids will love the cheesy, crunchy texture, and you can adjust the seasoning to suit their taste preferences.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Yes, you can easily double the recipe. Just make sure to cook the mac and cheese balls in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls are a delicious and fun way to enjoy a classic comfort food in a lighter, air-fried version. Whether you’re using up leftovers or making them for a special occasion, these crispy, creamy bites are sure to please everyone. They’re easy to make, customizable, and perfect for dipping into your favorite sauces. Try them for your next get-together and watch them disappear in no time!