Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls

4.7
(10)

These air fryer mac and cheese bites make great little appetizers or finger food. Kids love them!

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an overhead shot of air fryer mac n cheese balls on a wire rack
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Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
25 mins
Additional Time:
3 hrs
Total Time:
3 hrs 40 mins
Servings:
24
Yield:
24 balls
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 24 servings

  • 1 (7.25 ounce) package macaroni and cheese dinner mix (such as Kraft)

  • ¼ cup milk

  • 4 tablespoons margarine

  • ¾ cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

  • nonstick cooking spray

  • 2 large eggs, beaten

  • ½ cup panko bread crumbs

  • ½ cup seasoned bread crumbs

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Directions

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Cook macaroni pasta from the dinner package in boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender, 7 to 8 minutes. Drain; do not rinse. Return pasta to the pot.

  2. Stir cheese sauce from the dinner package, milk, and margarine into pasta. Mix in Cheddar cheese until well combined and cheese is melted. Transfer macaroni and cheese to a bowl and refrigerate until firm, 2 hours to overnight.

  3. Scoop chilled macaroni and cheese into 1 1/2-inch balls and place on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Freeze for 1 hour.

  4. Preheat an air fryer to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) according to manufacturer's instructions. Spray the basket with nonstick cooking spray.

  5. Place beaten eggs in a bowl. Mix together panko, bread crumbs, salt, and garlic powder in a shallow bowl.

  6. Dip each frozen macaroni and cheese ball in beaten eggs, then press in bread crumb mixture to coat. Place coated balls into the prepared air fryer basket in a single layer with space between; cook in batches if necessary.

  7. Cook in the preheated air fryer for 6 to 8 minutes. Turn over and fry until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes more.

    an overhead shot of air fryer mac n cheese balls on a wire rack

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Recipe Tip

Prepare macaroni and cheese mix according to individual package instructions.

25 home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

87 Calories
4g Fat
9g Carbs
4g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 24
Calories 87
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 4g 5%
Saturated Fat 2g 8%
Cholesterol 21mg 7%
Sodium 227mg 10%
Total Carbohydrate 9g 3%
Dietary Fiber 0g 1%
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 4g 7%
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 55mg 4%
Iron 1mg 3%
Potassium 57mg 1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.