Name: Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 14 ounces mac and cheese, leftovers, chilled; 9 ounces corn flakes; 3 eggs; 5 ounces cheddar cheese, cut into cubes; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder

These Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls are a fun and delicious twist on a classic comfort food. Leftover mac and cheese is transformed into crispy, cheesy bites that are perfect for a party appetizer, a game day snack, or a playful addition to any meal. With a crunchy cornflake coating and a gooey cheese center, these mac and cheese balls are sure to be a hit with everyone!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fun and Flavorful: These mac and cheese balls are a playful and delicious way to enjoy a classic comfort food.
Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and your trusty air fryer, these cheesy bites are a breeze to prepare.
Kid-Friendly: Kids will love the fun shape and cheesy flavor of these mac and cheese balls.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls:

Leftover mac and cheese: Chilled, the base of the recipe.
Corn flakes: Processed into a fine texture, creates a crispy coating.
Eggs: Whisked, helps the cornflake coating adhere to the mac and cheese balls.
Cheddar cheese: Cut into cubes, adds a gooey cheese center.
Garlic powder: Adds a hint of garlic flavor.
Onion powder: Adds a subtle onion flavor.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F.

Step 2: Prepare the Cornflake Coating

Process the corn flakes in a food processor until they reach a fine texture suitable for breading. Pour the processed corn flakes into a shallow dish and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Egg Mixture

In a bowl, whisk the eggs together with the garlic powder and onion powder.

Step 4: Shape the Mac and Cheese Balls

Take a small amount of the chilled leftover mac and cheese and shape it into a ball using your hands. Press a cube of cheddar cheese into the center of each ball, then reshape the ball to ensure the cheese is fully enclosed.

Step 5: Coat the Balls

Dip each mac and cheese ball into the egg mixture to coat, then roll it in the cornflake crumbs until completely covered.

Step 6: Air Fry

Arrange the coated mac and cheese balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they aren’t touching. Air fry for 12 minutes, turning the balls halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.

Step 7: Serve

Remove the mac and cheese balls from the air fryer and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Start with chilled mac and cheese: Make sure your leftover mac and cheese is cold and firm before you start. This will prevent the balls from falling apart during shaping and cooking.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket: Leave some space between the mac and cheese balls to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy. If necessary, cook them in batches.
Get them golden: Spritz a little olive oil cooking spray over the mac and cheese balls in the air fryer to help them crisp up perfectly.

How to Serve

Party Appetizer: These mac and cheese balls are perfect for parties, game day gatherings, or potlucks.
Kid-Friendly Snack: Serve them as a fun and cheesy snack for kids.
Side Dish: Pair them with your favorite main courses for a playful and delicious side dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes until warmed through and crispy.

FAQs

Can I use homemade mac and cheese?

Yes, you can use either homemade or leftover store-bought mac and cheese for this recipe.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a blend of your favorites.

Can I bake these mac and cheese balls instead of air frying them?

Yes, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

How can I make these mac and cheese balls healthier?

Use whole wheat pasta and reduced-fat cheese to make a healthier version of this recipe. You can also bake them instead of frying them.