Mac And Cheese Balls: Air Fryer Magic!

Mac and cheese balls are a perfect snack or appetiser, and can be made easily using an air fryer. They are crispy on the outside and gooey and cheesy on the inside. The process is simple: form leftover mac and cheese into balls, coat them in egg and breadcrumbs, and then air fry them. You can also add seasonings to the breadcrumbs, such as garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and Italian seasoning. The air fryer temperature should be set to between 350 and 380 degrees Fahrenheit, and the mac and cheese balls should be cooked for around 10 minutes, or until they are golden brown.

How to make the mac and cheese mixture

To make the mac and cheese mixture, you will need cooked macaroni pasta, cheese sauce, milk, margarine, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Mix these ingredients together in a pot and return the macaroni to the pot. Stir until the cheese is melted and well combined. Transfer the macaroni and cheese to a bowl and refrigerate until firm. This can be done for 2 hours or even overnight.

Once the mixture is chilled, you can start forming it into balls. Use a scoop or your hands to portion out the mac and cheese into balls of around 1.5-2 tablespoons each. Squeeze and roll the mixture firmly so that the balls hold together. Place the mac and cheese balls on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and freeze for about 20 minutes to an hour. This step will help the balls firm up and ensure they don't fall apart during the air frying process.

You can also add additional shredded cheese to the mixture to enhance the cheese pull and make the mac and cheese balls even cheesier.

Forming the mac and cheese balls

To form the mac and cheese balls, you'll need to start with cooked and chilled macaroni and cheese. It's important that the macaroni and cheese is thoroughly chilled and firm, so it's best to refrigerate it for at least 2 hours, or even overnight if possible. This will make it easier to form the mixture into balls and ensure they hold together.

Once your macaroni and cheese is chilled, you can start forming it into balls. Use your hands to shape the mixture into balls that are around 1.5 to 2 tablespoons in size. Squeeze the mixture firmly so that the balls hold their shape. Aim for uniformity in size so that the balls cook evenly. Place the formed balls on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.

If your macaroni and cheese mixture is not firm enough to shape into balls, you can try adding a small amount of milk to make it creamier. Alternatively, you can place the balls in the freezer for about 20 to 30 minutes to help them firm up before air frying.

After forming the balls, they should be chilled again to ensure they hold their shape during the cooking process. Place the baking sheet with the mac and cheese balls in the freezer for about 1 hour or until they are firm. This step is crucial to ensuring the balls don't fall apart during cooking.

The dredging station method

Step 1: Prepare the Mac and Cheese

Start by preparing your mac and cheese according to the package directions. You can use a box of mac and cheese, such as Kraft, or make your own homemade version. It's important to note that the pasta should be cooked until soft, rather than al dente, as this will help the balls hold together better. Once your mac and cheese is ready, transfer it to a bowl and cover it. Then, place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours until it is completely chilled and firm. This step is crucial, as it will ensure that your mac and cheese balls hold their shape during the frying process.

Step 2: Form the Mac and Cheese Balls

Take your chilled mac and cheese out of the refrigerator. At this stage, you can mix in some extra shredded cheese, such as cheddar, gouda, or American cheese, to add more cheesiness to your balls. Using a small scoop or your hands, portion out the mac and cheese and roll it into balls. Each ball should be about 1.5 to 2 tablespoons in size. Place the formed mac and cheese balls on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.

Step 3: Set Up the Dredging Station

Now, it's time to set up your dredging station. You will need three separate bowls for this step. In the first bowl, whisk a few eggs until they are well beaten. You can also add a splash of milk to the eggs if you like. The second bowl will contain the dredging mixture. Combine panko breadcrumbs with seasonings like garlic powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and salt. You can adjust the seasonings to your taste preferences. The third bowl will be used for the final coated mac and cheese balls.

Step 4: Coat the Mac and Cheese Balls

Take each mac and cheese ball and dip it first into the egg mixture, making sure it is coated evenly. Then, roll it in the panko mixture until it is completely coated. Repeat this process for each ball, placing the coated balls on the prepared baking sheet. At this point, you can choose to double-coat the balls by dipping them back into the egg mixture and then the panko mixture again for an extra crispy crust.

Step 5: Freeze the Coated Balls

Place the coated mac and cheese balls in the freezer for about 20-30 minutes to firm up. This step will help the balls hold their shape and ensure they don't fall apart during air frying.

Step 6: Air Fry the Mac and Cheese Balls

Preheat your air fryer to 350-380 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the mac and cheese balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't touch each other. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the balls in batches. Air fry the balls for 6-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the mac and cheese balls from the air fryer, and they are ready to be served! You can enjoy them as is, or pair them with a dipping sauce such as BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, fry sauce, or marinara sauce. These mac and cheese balls are perfect as an appetizer, snack, or side dish and are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults!

Air fryer temperature and duration

The temperature and duration for air frying your mac and cheese balls will depend on the brand and model of your air fryer, as well as the size of the mac and cheese balls. However, generally, you should cook your mac and cheese balls in the air fryer at a temperature between 350-380°F (175-190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping them over halfway through.

For example, one source recommends cooking the mac and cheese balls at 380°F for 6 minutes, flipping them over, and then cooking for an additional 6 minutes or until golden brown. Another source recommends cooking at 360°F for 11-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

It's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of your air fryer basket and the number of mac and cheese balls you are cooking at once. It's best to cook the balls in batches if necessary, leaving at least 1-1.5 inches between each ball to allow for proper air circulation.

Additionally, it is recommended to preheat your air fryer according to the manufacturer's instructions before adding the mac and cheese balls.

Dipping sauces

While mac and cheese balls are delicious on their own, they can be taken to the next level with a great dipping sauce. Here are some ideas for sauces that will perfectly complement the crispy, gooey, cheesy goodness of air-fried mac and cheese balls:

BBQ Sauce

A classic and family-friendly option, BBQ sauce adds a tangy and smoky flavour that pairs perfectly with the cheese. Both mild and spicy varieties will work well, offering something for all taste preferences.

Ranch Dressing

Cool, creamy, and tangy, ranch dressing is the perfect foil for the rich, crunchy mac and cheese balls. It's a match made in heaven that you won't regret making from scratch or buying ready-made.

Fry Sauce

This classic mayo-based sauce is a surprisingly perfect pairing with mac and cheese balls. The tanginess of the Worcestershire sauce and pickle brine brightens up the cheesy goodness.

Marinara Sauce

A warm, herby marinara sauce is another excellent option for dipping your mac and cheese balls. The fresh herbs and grated Parmesan in the sauce add extra flavour dimensions to the dish.

Sweet Thai Chili Sauce

For a touch of sweetness and a bit of spice, Sweet Thai Chili Sauce is an excellent choice. It offers a unique flavour profile that complements the cheese and crispy texture of the balls.

Frequently asked questions