Deliciously crunchy mac and cheese balls from the air fryer!
These air fryer mac and cheese bites make great little appetizers or finger food. Kids love them!
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Ingredients

  • 1 (7.25 ounce) package macaroni and cheese dinner mix (such as Kraft)
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 4 tablespoons margarine
  • ¾ cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
  • nonstick cooking spray
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • ½ cup panko bread crumbs
  • ½ cup seasoned bread crumbs
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Directions

  • Step 1:
    Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Cook macaroni pasta from the dinner package in boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender, 7 to 8 minutes. Drain; do not rinse. Return pasta to the pot.
  • Step 2:
    Stir cheese sauce from the dinner package, milk, and margarine into pasta. Mix in Cheddar cheese until well combined and cheese is melted. Transfer macaroni and cheese to a bowl and refrigerate until firm, 2 hours to overnight.
  • Step 3:
    Scoop chilled macaroni and cheese into 1 1/2-inch balls and place on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Freeze for 1 hour.
  • Step 4:
    Preheat an air fryer to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) according to manufacturer's instructions. Spray the basket with nonstick cooking spray.
  • Step 5:
    Place beaten eggs in a bowl. Mix together panko, bread crumbs, salt, and garlic powder in a shallow bowl.
  • Step 6:
    Dip each frozen macaroni and cheese ball in beaten eggs, then press in bread crumb mixture to coat. Place coated balls into the prepared air fryer basket in a single layer with space between; cook in batches if necessary.
  • Step 7:
    Cook in the preheated air fryer for 6 to 8 minutes. Turn over and fry until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes more. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios