Best Air Fryer Mac And Cheese Balls Recipes

Air fryer mac and cheese balls are a delicious snack or appetizer that combines two crowd-pleasing favorites - mac and cheese and crispy balls. This dish is easy to prepare, requires only a few ingredients, and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. In this article, we will explore what air fryer mac and cheese balls are, what ingredients are needed, and how to make them.

What are Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls?

Air fryer mac and cheese balls are small bite-sized rounds of creamy macaroni and cheese coated in seasoned panko breadcrumbs and air-fried until crispy. The result is a crispy exterior and a warm gooey interior that will leave your taste buds dancing. The use of the air fryer provides a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried foods while also being quick and easy to prepare.

Ingredients Needed

The ingredients needed to make air fryer mac and cheese balls are simple and straightforward. You will need the following:

Mac and Cheese

• 8 oz dried elbow macaroni
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Breading

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 large eggs, beaten

How to Make Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls

Now that we have our ingredients, let's dive into how to make air fryer mac and cheese balls.

Step 1: Cook the macaroni

Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Make the cheese sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk well to combine. Continue whisking for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and bubbly. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. Once all the milk has been added, stir in the cream cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook the cheese sauce for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened.

Step 3: Add the cheddar cheese

Stir the shredded cheddar cheese into the cheese sauce until it has melted and the sauce is smooth. Add the cooked macaroni to the sauce and stir well to combine.

Step 4: Form the mac and cheese balls

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop out 1-2 tablespoons of the mac and cheese mixture and roll it into a ball using your hands. Place the ball onto the baking sheet and repeat with the remaining mixture until all of it has been used up.

Step 5: Bread the mac and cheese balls

In a shallow dish, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In another shallow dish, beat the two eggs. Dip each mac and cheese ball into the beaten eggs, then roll it in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, making sure it is fully coated. Place each ball back onto the baking sheet.

Step 6: Air fry the mac and cheese balls

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F for 5 minutes. Once preheated, spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the mac and cheese balls into the basket, making sure they are not touching each other. Air fry the balls for 8-10 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Step 7: Serve and enjoy

Serve the air fryer mac and cheese balls hot and enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce.

Conclusion

Air Fryer mac and cheese balls are a fun way to enjoy macaroni and cheese as a snack or appetizer. With the use of the air fryer, this treat is crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, providing a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried foods. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can make this delicious treat in no time to share with friends and family.

Mac and cheese balls are a classic comfort food that is loved by many. However, the traditional way of preparing this dish can make it unhealthy due to the use of deep frying. With the of air fryers, it is now possible to prepare mac and cheese balls in a much healthier way. In this article, we will look at valuable tips to consider when making air fryer mac and cheese balls recipes.

Tip 1: Choosing the Right Type of Cheese

The choice of cheese you use in your mac and cheese balls recipe can make a big difference in the outcome. Different types of cheeses have varying levels of moisture content, which can significantly affect how the balls come together. It is important to choose cheese with low moisture content. Cheeses such as cheddar and parmesan are great choices because they have a dry texture that makes them ideal for use in mac and cheese balls.

Tip 2: Cook the Pasta to the Right Consistency

The pasta that you use in your mac and cheese balls recipe should be cooked to the right consistency. Overcooked pasta will break apart when you try to roll it into balls, while undercooked pasta will be too hard to chew. The ideal consistency is when the pasta is cooked al dente, which means it is firm to the bite.

Tip 3: Cool the Mac and Cheese Completely Before Rolling into Balls

Once you have cooked your mac and cheese, it is important to let it cool completely before rolling it into balls. Rolling the mixture while it is still hot will make it too mushy to hold its shape. It is recommended that you refrigerate the mixture for at least an hour before rolling it into balls. This will enable the cheese to solidify and make it easier to handle.

Tip 4: Use a Binding Agent

To make the mac and cheese balls hold their shape, you need to use a binding agent. A binding agent is a substance that can help the mixture stick together. Common binding agents used in mac and cheese balls recipes include eggs, breadcrumbs, and flour. Adding a binding agent will result in firmer, more manageable balls that will hold their shape when cooked.

Tip 5: Coat the Balls with Panko Breadcrumbs

Coating your mac and cheese balls with Panko breadcrumbs will create a crispy outer layer when you air fry them. Panko breadcrumbs are more delicate and lighter than regular breadcrumbs, which make them perfect for use in these recipes. They also have a unique texture that creates a crunchier, crispier layer on your mac and cheese balls.

Tip 6: Use the Right Amount of Oil

When air frying your mac and cheese balls, it is important to use the right amount of oil. Using too much oil will make the balls greasy and oily, while using too little will result in them being dry and hard. The ideal amount of oil varies depending on your air fryer model, but usually, a tablespoon of oil is sufficient to cook a batch of mac and cheese balls.

Tip 7: Arrange Balls Properly in the Air Fryer Basket

To ensure that your mac and cheese balls cook evenly and crispy, you need to arrange them properly in the air fryer basket. It is recommended that you do not overcrowd the basket. This will allow the hot air to circulate and cook the balls evenly. Leaving some space between the balls will also ensure that they do not stick together during the cooking process.

Tip 8: Use the Correct Temperature and Cooking Time

The temperature and cooking time are critical when air frying your mac and cheese balls. The ideal temperature for cooking is usually between 375 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of your balls and the amount you are cooking. A good rule of thumb is to cook the balls for about 10 to 15 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Tip 9: Experiment with Different Flavors and Add-Ins

Mac and cheese balls are a versatile dish that you can experiment with by adding different flavors and add-ins. Bacon, jalapeno, and herbs are some of the common add-ins that you can incorporate into your mac and cheese balls. You can also add spices such as paprika, cayenne pepper, or garlic powder to add more flavor to your balls. The options are endless, and you can let your creativity run wild when making air fryer mac and cheese balls.

Conclusion

Air fryer mac and cheese balls are a healthier way to enjoy this classic comfort food. By following these valuable tips, you can make perfectly crispy and delicious mac and cheese balls that your family and friends will love. With the right ingredients, techniques, and equipment, you can create a dish that is both healthy and tasty. Experiment with different flavors and add-ins to make it your own, and enjoy the satisfaction of preparing a dish that is both nourishing and satisfying.