Air Fryer Mac And Cheese Balls

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Air Fryer Mac And Cheese Balls

Mac and Cheese Balls are basically the most perfect appetizer. I mean, what could be better than fried macaroni and cheese? In this case they’re “air fried”, but of course you could deep fry these as well…or even bake them! If you’re looking for an appetizer or easy snack food idea that will be a huge hit with your friends and family will love, this is the recipe for you! Yes, there are a few steps involved, but the payoff is absolutely worth it!

Air Fryer Mac And Cheese BallsThe Quick Breakdown:What Kind Of Mac and Cheese Do You Use?Ingredients:How To Make Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls Mac and Cheese Bites Dipping Sauce IdeasHow To Reheat:Can You Make Mac and Cheese Balls In the Oven?More Air Fryer Recipes:Get the Recipe

The Quick Breakdown:

What Kind Of Mac and Cheese Do You Use?

The great thing about these little fried mac n cheese balls is that you can use pretty much any kind of mac and cheese you would like! If you have homemade macaroni and cheese that would work great, or just your store bought favorite mac and cheese! You can use a box of Kraft (which is what I did for this recipe) and that works great…plus it’s simple! OR you could even heat up a frozen tray of mac and cheese, like Trader Joe’s Mac, Marie Callenders or Stouffers! There’s no reason to go to the trouble of making homemade mac and cheese especially for this recipe.

Ingredients:

Macaroni and cheese. For this recipe I use Kraft, as it is easily accessible and quick to make, but you can use any brand you like, or even homemade. A box of Kraft makes approximately 3 cups of mac and cheese, so you can easily sub any other type you prefer. Whatever type you use, it needs to be COMPLETELY chilled, so it holds together and forms the balls. Also note that the pasta should no be cooked al dente. It should cooked until soft, which will allow the balls to hold together better, as well as result in a softer, cheesier mac and cheese bite! cooled completely and refrigerated until firm *see noteGrated sharp cheddar cheesePlain panko bread crumbsPlain bread crumbsKosher salt (you can even add a little fresh ground black pepper if you would like)PaprikaGarlic powderWhisked Eggs

How To Make Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls

Mac and Cheese Bites Dipping Sauce Ideas

These crispy mac and cheese bites are so good on their own, but can be dipped in a variety of sauces too! Here are a few ideas:

Marinara Sauce. This is our go-to with these cheesy bites. I just heat up a jarred sauce in a bowl and serve along side!Chicken Dipping Sauce. This might sound strange, but it’s such a great dipping sauce that it pairs well with just about everything!BBQ SauceHoney MustardKetchupRanch. Chipotle Ranch would be great too!Cheese Sauce. You can even use a queso or nacho cheese sauce!SalsaBlue Cheese Dressing. If you really love cheese, this is a great dipping option!

How To Reheat:

Can You Make Mac and Cheese Balls In the Oven?

Sure! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can absolutely deep fry these OR bake them in the oven. Even better of your oven has a convection setting, in which you would follow the air fryer instructions exactly! If you don’t have a convection setting, bake these on a nonstick baking sheet at 400°F for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through baking!