Mac and Cheese Balls

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These air fryer mac and cheese balls are crunchy, gooey, and full of delicious cheesy flavor! They are sure to be a hit with your kids or dinner guests, and you'll get this recipe requested again and again.

Prep Time10

Cook Time6

Chill Macaroni4 20

Total Time4 36

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: mac and cheese balls

Servings: balls

Author: Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

4 cups mac and cheese, cooked and chilled
2 large eggs
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 teaspoon salt more to taste
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Instructions

Once your mac and cheese is cold and chilled, use your hands to form balls that are about two tablespoons per ball. I was able to get about 15 balls using 4 cups of mac and cheese.
Place formed balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and chill in the freezer for about 20 minutes. The balls should be firm but not frozen.
Add the panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, salt, garlic powder, and paprika to a medium-sized bowl. Stir until combined.
To another medium-sized bowl, crack the eggs and whisk with a fork.
Roll the chilled mac and cheese balls in the whisked egg, then roll the ball around in the panko mixture until completely coated. Repeat the process until all the balls are coated.
Place the coated mac and cheese balls in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray the balls with non-stick cooking spray to help crisp them up.
Cook in the air fryer at 380° Fahrenheit for 6 minutes. Open the air fryer and flip the mac and cheese balls. Spray the other side with non-stick cooking spray and continue to cook for an additional 6 minutes or until golden brown on all sides.

Nutrition

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