Description
Quick and easy air fryer fried macaroni and cheese balls, perfect for a family-friendly dinner or snack.
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 for dredging
- Vegetable oil for spraying
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
- Slowly add the milk while whisking to avoid lumps, then stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook until thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan, stirring until melted and combined. Remove from heat and mix with the cooked macaroni.
- Let the mixture cool for 15-20 minutes, then form into balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- In one dish, whisk the egg. In another dish, mix the bread crumbs and panko. Roll each macaroni ball in the egg, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Lightly spray the breaded balls with vegetable oil.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Air fry the balls for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the air fryer and let cool slightly before serving with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
Try substituting different cheeses or adding vegetables for variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 60mg