Mac N Cheese Balls: Air Fryer Magic

Mac and cheese balls are a delicious snack or appetizer that can be made in an air fryer. They are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, making them a perfect comfort food. This recipe is a great way to use up leftover macaroni and cheese. The process is simple: mix leftover mac and cheese with shredded cheese, roll into balls, dip in egg, coat with breadcrumbs, and air fry! The air fryer makes this recipe healthier than deep-frying and less messy.

Choosing the right mac and cheese

• Leftover mac and cheese: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover cooked and cooled macaroni and cheese. It's a great way to give new life to leftovers, as reheated mac and cheese may not always taste the best. Make sure your mac and cheese has been refrigerated, as this helps it stick together and makes rolling it into balls easier. Aim for a minimum of four to five hours of refrigeration, and preferably leave it overnight.
• Cheese sauce: Opt for a mac and cheese with a cheese sauce that will thicken once refrigerated. Most macaroni and cheese varieties will do this, but not all. Baked macaroni and cheese usually thickens up nicely when chilled. If you're making the mac and cheese on the same day, be sure to give it ample time to cool and thicken before proceeding with the recipe.
• Homemade vs. boxed: While you can use boxed mac and cheese, some people have reported better results with homemade mac and cheese that uses real, shredded cheese. Homemade mac and cheese may be more likely to hold together when rolled into balls. If using boxed mac and cheese, consider adding a bit of milk to make it creamier and easier to work with.
• Gluten-free: If you have gluten intolerance or sensitivity, opt for gluten-free macaroni and gluten-free breadcrumbs in your recipe.
• Dairy-free: For those with dairy allergies or intolerances, you can use your favourite dairy-free shredded cheese. Choose an option that melts well to ensure the best results.

Remember, the key to successful mac and cheese balls is to start with leftover, cooked, and cooled mac and cheese that has been properly refrigerated. This will make it easier to roll the mixture into balls and help them hold their shape during the air frying process.

Forming the balls

To form the mac and cheese balls, start by taking large chunks of your chilled mac and cheese—about 2 tablespoons—and roll them into balls. Set them aside on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. You can also use a cookie or ice cream scoop to portion out the mac and cheese before forming it into balls.

If your mac and cheese is not firm enough to roll into balls, you can add a small amount of milk to the mixture. If the mixture is still not firm enough, place the balls in the freezer to firm up for 30 minutes before frying.

Once you have formed the mac and cheese balls, place them in the freezer for about 20 minutes to an hour to harden. The balls should be stiff so that they don't fall apart in the air fryer.

Making the coating

The coating is a crucial step in achieving the perfect mac n cheese balls. It ensures a crispy exterior and helps hold the balls together during the frying process. Here is a detailed guide on creating the coating:

Firstly, prepare two separate bowls for the coating process. In the first bowl, whisk together some eggs and a small amount of milk. This step ensures the eggs are well combined and creates a smooth mixture that will easily coat the mac n cheese balls. You can also add a little water to the eggs if you prefer. The number of eggs you need will depend on the quantity of mac n cheese balls you are making, but typically, two large eggs should be sufficient.

In the second bowl, prepare the dry coating mixture. For this, you will need breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs are often recommended for a crispier texture, but regular breadcrumbs will also work. To the breadcrumbs, add your choice of seasonings. Some popular options include garlic powder or garlic salt, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. You can also add cooked and chopped bacon bits for extra flavour, although this is entirely optional. Mix the dry ingredients well to ensure an even distribution of seasonings.

Now you are ready to begin the coating process! Take each mac n cheese ball and dip it first into the egg mixture. Ensure the ball is well coated by turning it gently in the egg mixture until it is entirely covered. Then, transfer the egg-coated ball to the bowl of dry ingredients. Gently press the ball into the breadcrumbs, turning it and gently patting it to ensure an even coating.

Place the coated balls on a lined baking sheet or tray. Repeat the coating process for each mac n cheese ball until they are all well-coated. At this stage, you can choose to double-coat the balls for an extra crispy exterior. Simply dip the coated balls back into the egg mixture and then again into the breadcrumbs, ensuring a thorough second coating.

Once all the mac n cheese balls are well-coated, place them in the freezer for about 30 minutes to firm up. This step helps the balls hold their shape during the frying process and ensures they don't fall apart.

Cooking the balls

Once you have your mac and cheese mixture, it's time to shape it into balls. You can use a cookie or ice cream scoop or measuring cup to portion out the mixture, then use your hands to form it into balls. The size of the balls will depend on your preference, but they should be around 1.5-2 tablespoons each. Place the shaped balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and put them in the freezer for about 20 minutes to an hour to firm up.

While the mac and cheese balls are chilling, you'll need to set up your dredging station. This will involve whisking eggs in one bowl and combining the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and any other desired seasonings in another bowl. You can also add some shredded cheese to the breadcrumb mixture for extra cheesiness.

Now it's time to coat your mac and cheese balls. Dip each ball into the egg mixture, making sure to coat it evenly. Then, roll it in the breadcrumb mixture until it's completely coated. Repeat this process for all the balls, and place them back on the baking sheet.

Preheat your air fryer to around 350-380 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the coated mac and cheese balls into the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't touch each other. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches. Give the balls a light spray with cooking spray or avocado oil to help them crisp up.

Cook the mac and cheese balls in the preheated air fryer for 6-10 minutes, until they're golden brown. You may need to flip them halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

Once they're cooked to perfection, remove the mac and cheese balls from the air fryer and serve them warm. They can be enjoyed as is or with a dipping sauce such as BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or marinara sauce.

Dipping sauces

Now that you've made your mac and cheese balls, it's time to think about what sauces you'll be serving them with. Here are some ideas:

• Ranch dressing: The creamy tanginess of ranch dressing pairs exceptionally well with the rich mac and cheese flavor.
• BBQ sauce: The sweet and smoky notes of BBQ sauce create an interesting contrast with the cheese. Offer both mild and spicy varieties to suit different taste preferences.
• Marinara sauce: A spicy marinara sauce can add a kick to your mac and cheese balls.
• Homemade salsa: For those who prefer a fresher taste, salsa is a great option.
• Sweet Thai Chili Sauce: A sweet and spicy sauce like this one can add an extra layer of flavor to your mac and cheese balls.

Feel free to experiment with different sauces and even create your own unique combinations!

Frequently asked questions