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Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls Recipe

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  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 32 minutes
  • Yield: 10 balls 1x
  • Category: Appetizer, Snack
  • Method: Air Fryer
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls are a fun and cheesy snack or appetizer that’s ready in minutes! Leftover mac and cheese is transformed into crispy, golden brown balls with a cheesy surprise inside. They’re perfect for a party, game day, or a casual weeknight treat.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 14 ounces leftover mac and cheese, chilled
  • 9 ounces cornflakes
  • 3 large eggs
  • 5 ounces cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Dipping sauce of your choice

Instructions

  1. Prep and Preheat: Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Process cornflakes in a food processor until finely ground. Place in a shallow dish.
  2. Make Egg Wash: In a bowl, whisk eggs with garlic powder and onion powder.
  3. Form Balls: Shape chilled mac and cheese into small balls. Press a cheese cube into the center of each ball and reshape to enclose the cheese completely.
  4. Coat and Air Fry: Dip each ball in the egg mixture, then roll in the crushed cornflakes to coat. Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
  5. Serve: Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

  • Use chilled mac and cheese for easier shaping.
  • Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket for even cooking.
  • For extra crispiness, spritz the mac and cheese balls with olive oil cooking spray before air frying.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 mac and cheese ball
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg