Description
Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, these air-fried macaroni and cheese balls are perfect for snacking or as an appetizer.
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
- 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.
- Add the 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to the melted butter and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Slowly pour in the 1 1/4 cups of milk while whisking to avoid lumps.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the milk mixture, continuing to whisk until smooth.
- Allow the mixture to simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese until they melt and combine, creating a velvety cheese sauce.
- Remove from heat and mix in the cooked macaroni, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated with cheese. Let cool for 15-20 minutes.
- Once cooled, form small balls from the mixture and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- In a shallow dish, whisk the egg. In another shallow dish, combine the bread crumbs and panko breadcrumbs.
- Roll each macaroni ball in egg, then coat with breadcrumbs, ensuring full coverage.
- Place them back on the baking sheet and lightly spray each ball with vegetable oil.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange the balls in the air fryer basket in a single layer to avoid overlapping.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
For best results, use freshly shredded cheese and avoid overmixing the cheese sauce for a smoother texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 balls
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 70mg