Description
Enjoy these crispy, bite-sized Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls that bring classic flavors into a fun snack.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces Elbow Macaroni
- 4 tablespoons Butter (divided)
- 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
- 2 cups Half & Half Cream
- 8 ounces Mild Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 3 Large Eggs
- 2 tablespoons Milk
- 3–4 cups Panko (may need more if coating twice)
- 3 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- Nonstick Cooking Spray
- Marinara Sauce (for serving)
- Grated Parmesan (for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about one minute.
- Gradually whisk in the half and half cream and cook until it thickens. Add the cheese, salt, and pepper, stirring until melted.
- Mix in the cooked macaroni, then chill the mixture until it firms up.
- In a bowl, beat the eggs with the milk. In another bowl, put the panko breadcrumbs and mix in the Italian seasoning.
- Take a scoop of the chilled macaroni and cheese, roll it into a ball, then dip it in the egg mixture and coat with panko breadcrumbs. Repeat until all mixture is used.
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Spray the basket with nonstick cooking spray.
- Place the coated balls in the basket, drizzle with olive oil, and air fry for about 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve the fried macaroni and cheese balls hot with marinara sauce and a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese.
Notes
For extra crispiness, coat the balls in panko a second time before air frying.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 90mg