Description
These 30 Minute Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls are crispy on the outside, creamy and cheesy on the inside, and perfect for a quick appetizer, snack, or party bite. Made in the air fryer for a lighter, mess-free version of a classic comfort food treat.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked macaroni and cheese (homemade or store-bought, chilled)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko recommended)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Cooking spray or oil, for air fryer
Instructions
- Ensure the mac and cheese is chilled for at least 1 hour so it’s firm enough to shape.
- Scoop about 2 tablespoons of mac and cheese and roll into balls. Repeat until all mixture is used.
- Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
- Coat each ball in flour, dip into egg, then roll in breadcrumbs until evenly coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes.
- Lightly spray mac and cheese balls with cooking spray and arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each.
- Air fry for 12–15 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving—they’ll be hot inside!
- Serve with marinara sauce, ranch, or spicy aioli for dipping.
Notes
Use Panko breadcrumbs for a crispier coating.
Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella to the mac and cheese for extra cheesiness.
Mix Parmesan into the breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
Freeze uncooked balls for up to 2 months and air fry straight from frozen, adding 2–3 extra minutes to cooking time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fried
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 mac and cheese balls
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
