Description
Crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, these air-fried mac and cheese balls are a delightful treat that brings a gourmet twist to a beloved classic.
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. Drain and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour to create a roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually add the milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Continue to whisk until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Add the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Incorporate the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is coated. Let this cool for 15-20 minutes.
- Form small balls of the macaroni mixture and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- In a shallow dish, whisk the egg until fully beaten. In another dish, combine bread crumbs and panko.
- Roll each mac and cheese ball in the egg, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture. Set back onto the baking sheet.
- Lightly spray each ball with vegetable oil to enhance crispiness.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the breaded balls in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden and crisp.
- Let cool slightly before serving with your favorite dipping sauce, if desired.
Notes
For an extra kick, try adding diced jalapeños or cooked bacon bits. Consider serving with marinara sauce, aioli, or ranch dressing for a delightful dip.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: macaroni and cheese, air fryer recipe, comfort food, appetizers, easy recipe