If you have a love for mac and cheese and crave a fun, crunchy snack, this Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine crispy, golden-brown exteriors giving way to gooey, cheesy centers that burst with every bite. It’s the perfect way to transform leftover mac and cheese into delightful, bite-sized treats that everyone will rave about. Whether you’re serving these at a party, enjoying them as an appetizer, or simply indulging yourself, these mac and cheese balls are irresistibly delicious and surprisingly easy to make with the magic of your air fryer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward, accessible, and each plays a crucial role in making your Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls Recipe shine. From the creamy leftover mac and cheese to the crispy cornflake coating, every component contributes to the perfect harmony of flavor and texture.
- 14 ounces leftover mac and cheese: The creamy base you’ll transform into crunchy, cheesy bites; chilling it first helps with shaping.
- 9 ounces cornflakes: Finely ground to create an irresistible crispy crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior.
- 3 large eggs: Whisked together to form the flavorful egg wash that helps the coating stick perfectly.
- 5 ounces cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes: Melts inside each ball, giving an extra cheesy surprise.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle kick of aromatic flavor to your egg wash.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Balances the seasoning with mild savory notes, enhancing every bite.
- Dipping sauce of your choice: The perfect finishing touch, whether you prefer tangy marinara, spicy ranch, or classic ketchup.
How to Make Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Start by preheating your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). While the air fryer warms up, process your cornflakes in a food processor until they reach that perfect fine, crumb-like texture. This will become the key to that crunchy golden coating everyone’s going to love.
Step 2: Make the Egg Wash
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, garlic powder, and onion powder. This egg wash isn’t just a binder—it’s infused with flavor that will give your mac and cheese balls an extra savory boost once cooked.
Step 3: Form the Mac and Cheese Balls
Using cold, leftover mac and cheese makes the shaping easy and less messy. Take small portions and roll them into balls with your hands. Gently press a small cube of cheddar cheese into the center of each ball, then carefully reshape the outer mac and cheese to completely enclose the cheese, ensuring each bite has a gooey center.
Step 4: Coat and Air Fry
Dip each mac and cheese ball into the egg wash, letting any excess drip off, then roll them evenly in the crushed cornflakes to create that unbeatable crunchy crust. Arrange the balls in a single layer inside the air fryer basket—avoid overcrowding so they cook evenly. Cook for about 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and irresistibly crispy all around.
How to Serve Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls Recipe
Garnishes
A light sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that balances the rich cheese. You can also dust with a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky undertone that makes these bites extra special.
Side Dishes
These Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls shine as a snack, but they also pair beautifully with fresh green salads or a tangy coleslaw. If you want to turn them into a full meal, serve alongside crispy chicken tenders or roasted vegetables for a satisfying dinner everyone will enjoy.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party-ready presentation, serve your mac and cheese balls on a wooden platter or a colorful ceramic dish with an array of dipping sauces in small bowls. You can even skewer a few together for bite-sized party favors or stack them pyramid-style on a platter to wow your guests visually and tasty-wise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover mac and cheese balls (though they rarely last long), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will maintain their flavor for up to 3 days, but the crispiness might soften slightly.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange the mac and cheese balls on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This way you can keep them fresh for up to 3 months, making it easy to have a quick snack ready whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
The air fryer is your best friend for reheating these. Cook at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5-6 minutes until crispy again. This helps bring back the crunch without drying out the gooey center.
FAQs
Can I use freshly made mac and cheese instead of leftovers?
Absolutely! Just make sure to chill it well so it’s firm enough to shape into balls. Fresh mac and cheese tends to be creamier, so chilling helps prevent the balls from falling apart during cooking.
What if I don’t have cornflakes for the coating?
Crushed breadcrumbs or panko can be a great substitute for cornflakes. They will still give you that satisfying crunch, just with a slightly different texture and flavor.
Can I bake the mac and cheese balls instead of air frying?
You can bake them at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. While baking works, the air fryer tends to give a lighter and crispier crust, which is why it’s our favorite method.
Is there a way to make these gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the cornflakes with gluten-free cornflakes or gluten-free breadcrumbs, and ensure your leftover mac and cheese does not include any gluten-based ingredients. This lets you enjoy a safe, delicious treat without compromising on taste.
What dipping sauces pair best with Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls Recipe?
Classic marinara, honey mustard, ranch dressing, or even a spicy sriracha mayo are all fantastic choices. Feel free to experiment with what you love best!
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls Recipe is a brilliant way to turn something familiar into a crispy, cheesy delight that will impress on any occasion. Easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfectly crunchy thanks to the air fryer magic, these bites are pure joy. So grab your leftover mac and cheese, fire up that air fryer, and treat yourself to something truly special today!
Print
Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls are crispy, golden bites with a gooey cheddar cheese center, perfect as a snack or appetizer. Made from leftover mac and cheese, coated in a seasoned cornflake crust, and cooked to perfection in the air fryer, they are quick, delicious, and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Mac and Cheese Balls
- 14 ounces leftover mac and cheese, chilled
- 5 ounces cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes
Coating
- 9 ounces cornflakes
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Serving
- Dipping sauce of your choice
Instructions
- Prep and Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Meanwhile, process the cornflakes in a food processor until they become finely ground and place them into a shallow dish for breading.
- Make Egg Wash: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined to create a flavorful egg wash.
- Form Balls: Take the chilled mac and cheese and shape it into small, compact balls. Press a cube of cheddar cheese into the center of each ball and carefully reshape the mac and cheese around the cheese to fully enclose it.
- Coat and Air Fry: Dip each mac and cheese ball into the egg wash, then roll it in the crushed cornflakes to evenly coat. Arrange the balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even golden brown crispness.
- Serve: Remove the cooked balls from the air fryer and serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce for a deliciously cheesy and crispy treat.
Notes
- Using chilled mac and cheese helps in shaping the balls easily and prevents them from falling apart during cooking.
- Press the cheese cube firmly within the ball to ensure a gooey center.
- Flip the balls halfway through cooking for even browning.
- You can substitute cornflakes with panko breadcrumbs if desired.
- Serve immediately for best texture and cheese pull.
