Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Fried Mac and Cheese Balls

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Crispy fried mac and cheese balls with a gooey, cheesy center – a nostalgic snack that’s easy to make in the air fryer.

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

  1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions, drain and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  3. Add the 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to the melted butter and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes, making a roux.
  4. Slowly pour in the 1 1/4 cups of milk while whisking to avoid lumps.
  5. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the milk mixture and continue to whisk until smooth.
  6. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  7. Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth.
  8. Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the cooked macaroni, stirring to coat.
  9. Let the macaroni mixture cool for about 15-20 minutes.
  10. Once cooled, scoop portions and form them into balls.
  11. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  12. In a shallow dish, whisk the egg until fully beaten.
  13. In another dish, combine breadcrumbs and panko.
  14. Roll each ball in egg then coat with breadcrumbs.
  15. Place the ball back on the baking sheet.
  16. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  17. Arrange the balls in a single layer in the air fryer.
  18. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
  19. Allow to cool slightly before serving with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

Let the mixture cool before shaping for easier handling. Use panko for extra crunch.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: mac and cheese balls, air fryer recipe, snack, comfort food, vegetarian snack

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://cookfastly.com/cheesecake-factory-fried-macaroni-and-cheese-balls/