Introduction

These Irresistible Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls are a crispy, cheesy snack ready in just 30 minutes. Perfectly golden and crunchy on the outside, with a gooey mac and cheese center, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering or as a comforting treat.

A white plate holds six golden brown, round croquettes with a crispy and crunchy texture on the outside. One croquette is broken open in the middle, revealing creamy, yellow macaroni and melted cheese strands that stretch out, showing the gooey inside. The macaroni pieces have a smooth and soft look, contrasting with the rough, fried outer coating. The plate is set on a white marbled surface near a window with soft natural light highlighting the warm colors of the dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups cooked macaroni
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup milk
1 egg
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp butter

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, mix the cooked macaroni, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until well combined.
Step 2: Refrigerate the mixture for 1 hour to allow it to firm up, making it easier to shape.
Step 3: Using your hands, shape the chilled mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball.
Step 4: Whisk the egg in a separate bowl and dip each macaroni ball into the egg, coating it completely.
Step 5: Roll each ball in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere a good coating.
Step 6: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Step 7: Lightly grease the air fryer basket with butter to prevent sticking.
Step 8: Place the mac and cheese balls in the basket, making sure to leave some space between them for even cooking.
Step 9: Cook for 8-10 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Step 10: Serve the mac and cheese balls warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For extra cheesiness, add a small cube of mozzarella inside each ball before coating.
Try mixing in some cooked bacon bits or chopped jalapeños for added flavor and a spicy kick.
Use Panko breadcrumbs for an even crispier texture.
If you don’t have an air fryer, these can be baked in a 400°F oven for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through.

Storage

Store leftover mac and cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain the crispy texture, or gently warm in the oven. They are best enjoyed fresh but still delicious after reheating.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of several golden-brown fried mac and cheese balls stacked on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. Each ball has a crunchy, textured outer crust with visible crispy bits and seasoning. Two of the balls are cut in half, revealing creamy macaroni with small pasta tubes inside, mixed with melted, gooey cheese stretching out slightly. Some macaroni pieces and gooey cheese have fallen out onto the plate, adding to the appetizing look. The background is softly blurred. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, simply replace the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I freeze mac and cheese balls?

Absolutely! Freeze the shaped, uncooked balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen in the air fryer, increasing cooking time by a few minutes.

Irresistible Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls in 30 Minutes Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 143 reviews

These irresistible Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls are a perfect crispy and cheesy snack or appetizer made with creamy macaroni and cheddar cheese, lightly seasoned, and cooked to golden perfection in just 30 minutes using an air fryer. They are easy to prepare and delightfully crunchy on the outside while gooey and cheesy on the inside.

Author: Sophie
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Yield: Approximately 15 mac and cheese balls 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Mac and Cheese Mixture

2 cups cooked macaroni
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup milk
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp garlic powder

Coating

1 egg
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 tbsp butter (for greasing the air fryer basket)

Instructions

Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder thoroughly to create a creamy mixture.
Chill Mixture: Refrigerate the mixture for 1 hour to allow it to firm up, making it easier to form into balls.
Form Balls: Using your hands, shape the chilled mixture into small, bite-sized balls.
Prepare for Coating: Whisk the egg in a separate bowl to create an egg wash for coating the balls.
Coat Balls: Dip each macaroni ball into the whisked egg, then roll it in the breadcrumbs until fully coated for a crispy exterior.
Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat for a few minutes.
Grease Basket: Lightly grease the air fryer basket with melted butter to prevent sticking and add flavor.
Arrange Balls: Place the coated mac and cheese balls in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is space between each ball for even cooking.
Air Fry: Cook the balls for 8-10 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Serve: Remove the balls carefully and serve warm as a delicious snack or appetizer.

Notes

For extra crispiness, you can spray the balls lightly with cooking spray before air frying.
Use sharp cheddar cheese for a stronger cheese flavor.
Ensure the balls are not overcrowded in the air fryer basket to allow even cooking.
If the mixture is too soft to shape, refrigerate for a longer time before forming balls.
Serve with your favorite dipping sauce like marinara, ranch, or spicy mayo.

Keywords: air fryer mac and cheese balls, crispy mac and cheese, easy appetizer, cheesy snack, air fryer recipes, party food