Go Back
–+ servings
Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls

Crispy Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls You’ll Love

Deliciously crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, these Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls are a nostalgic and customizable snack delight.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Cooling Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 balls
Course: Snacks
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Mac and Cheese Filling
  • 1 cup Elbow Macaroni Classic pasta choice
  • 4 tablespoons Butter Adds richness to the cheese sauce
  • ¼ cup All-purpose Flour Helps thicken the sauce
  • 2 cups Milk Creates a creamy base
  • ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder Infuses warmth and depth
  • ½ teaspoon Onion Powder Enhances depth
  • to taste Salt Essential for enhancing flavors
  • to taste Black Pepper Adds a gentle kick
  • 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese Creates that gooey texture
  • ½ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Brings nutty flavor to the mix
  • 1 Large Egg Binds the filler together
For the Coating
  • 1 cup Panko Bread Crumbs Adds extra crispiness
  • ½ cup Bread Crumbs Provides texture and crunch
  • as needed Vegetable Oil for Spraying Helps achieve that crispy finish

Equipment

  • Air fryer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, about 7–8 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool.
  2. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour, whisking continuously for 1–2 minutes to create a roux.
  3. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Whisk until the mixture thickens, about 3–4 minutes.
  4. Mix in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, and let simmer for an additional minute.
  5. Stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.
  6. Fold in the cooked macaroni and spread it out to cool for about 15–20 minutes.
  7. Once cooled, scoop and roll the mixture into 1–2 inch balls, placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  8. Whisk the egg with water to create an egg wash. Mix together the panko and regular breadcrumbs in another dish.
  9. Dip each ball into the egg wash, then roll in the breadcrumb mixture to coat.
  10. Spray the coated balls lightly with vegetable oil. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  11. Arrange the balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  12. Let the balls cool slightly before serving with your favorite dipping sauces.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ballCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 8gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 350mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 400IUCalcium: 200mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Allow the macaroni filling to cool significantly before shaping into balls to prevent them from falling apart during cooking.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!