Description
These Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls are a fun and cheesy snack or appetizer that’s perfect for parties, game days, or a casual weeknight treat. Leftover mac and cheese is transformed into crispy, golden brown balls with a gooey cheese surprise inside. They’re easy to make in the air fryer and are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Process the corn flakes in a food processor until finely crushed. Place in a shallow dish.
- Whisk Eggs: In a bowl, whisk the eggs with garlic powder and onion powder.
- Form Mac and Cheese Balls: Shape a small amount of chilled mac and cheese into a ball. Press a cheddar cheese cube into the center and reshape to enclose the cheese completely.
- Coat Balls: Dip each mac and cheese ball into the egg mixture, then roll in the crushed corn flakes until fully coated.
- Air Fry: Arrange the coated balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they aren’t touching. Air fry for 12 minutes, turning halfway through, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Serve the mac and cheese balls hot with your favorite dipping sauces, such as marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or ketchup.
Notes
- Use chilled mac and cheese for best results, as warm mac and cheese will be too soft to shape.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. Cook in batches if needed.
- Spritz the mac and cheese balls with olive oil cooking spray before air frying to help them crisp up.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 302kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 602mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0.01
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 63mg
