There is nothing quite like the comforting, cheesy goodness of the Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls Recipe to elevate your snack game or appetizer spread. These golden, crispy bites combine creamy leftover mac and cheese with a surprise cube of melted cheddar inside, all perfectly crisped in an air fryer for a delightful texture contrast. They are irresistible little pockets of ooey-gooey joy that transform simple ingredients into a party favorite you’ll find yourself craving over and over again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls Recipe plays a crucial role, coming together to create texture, flavor, and that perfect crunch. The beauty lies in the simplicity—familiar pantry staples combined to make an extraordinary treat.
- 14 ounces leftover mac and cheese: This is the creamy base that forms the heart of your mac and cheese balls, offering that rich, cheesy flavor we all love.
- 9 ounces cornflakes: When crushed, they provide a wonderfully crunchy outer coating that crisps up beautifully in the air fryer.
- 3 large eggs: They bind the coating ingredients and help the cornflake crust adhere to each ball.
- 5 ounces cheddar cheese: Cut into small cubes, this gives a molten, cheesy surprise right in the center of every bite.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory note that enhances the overall flavor without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Offers a hint of sweetness and depth to the seasoning.
- Dipping sauce of your choice: Whether spicy, tangy, or creamy, the right dipping sauce takes these bites to the next level.
How to Make Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Meanwhile, process the cornflakes in a food processor until they become finely ground—this will create the crispy coating that gives the balls their lovely crunch. Place the crushed cornflakes in a shallow dish ready for coating.
Step 2: Make the Egg Wash
In a mixing bowl, whisk the three eggs together with the garlic powder and onion powder. This seasoned egg wash not only binds the cornflake crumbs to the mac and cheese balls but infuses them with irresistible flavor.
Step 3: Form the Mac and Cheese Balls
Take your chilled leftover mac and cheese and shape it into individual small balls using your hands. Don’t forget to press a cheddar cheese cube into the center of each ball and reshape the mac and cheese around it to completely enclose the cheese. This hidden cheese cube is the melty treasure inside.
Step 4: Coat and Air Fry
Dip each mac and cheese ball into the egg mixture, then roll it thoroughly in the crushed cornflakes to create an even coating. Place the balls in a single layer inside the air fryer basket—you want enough space so they can crisp evenly. Cook for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are beautifully golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Serve Hot
Once out of the air fryer, serve these golden delights immediately with your favorite dipping sauce to enjoy that perfect combination of crunchy exterior and gooey interior. This is when you know the Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls Recipe truly shines!
How to Serve Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top for a fresh pop of color and an herbaceous note that complements the richness of the cheese. A light dusting of smoked paprika or chili flakes can also add a vibrant visual appeal and a slight kick if you enjoy a little spice.
Side Dishes
These mac and cheese balls pair exceptionally well with crisp salads like a tangy coleslaw or a mixed greens salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance out the richness. For a heartier option, serve alongside roasted vegetables or a bowl of warm tomato soup for classic comfort food vibes.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re planning to impress at a party, arrange the mac and cheese balls on a platter with small cups of different dipping sauces—ranch, spicy sriracha mayo, garlic aioli, or even honey mustard work beautifully. For individual servings, stack them on colorful skewers for a fun finger food presentation that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To keep them crispy, avoid stacking the balls; instead, place them in a single layer with parchment paper between layers if needed.
Freezing
For make-ahead convenience, freeze the uncooked, coated balls on a parchment-lined tray until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They will keep well for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, just pop them into the air fryer straight from the freezer—add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to their original crispy glory, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes or until hot and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it softens the coating and makes them less enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I use freshly made mac and cheese?
Absolutely! Just make sure the mac and cheese is well chilled and firm enough to shape. Refrigerate it for at least a couple of hours or overnight so it holds its shape when forming the balls.
What can I substitute for cornflakes?
If you don’t have cornflakes, crushed panko breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers are excellent alternatives that give a similar crunchy texture and golden color.
Do I need an air fryer to make this recipe?
The recipe is designed for the air fryer because it creates a crispy crust with less oil. However, you can bake them in a conventional oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown, turning halfway through.
Can I add other cheeses inside the balls?
Definitely! Mix it up with mozzarella for extra stretchiness, pepper jack for a spicy twist, or gouda for a smoky depth. Just cut your cheese into small cubes and enclose them within the mac and cheese balls as usual.
What’s the best dipping sauce for Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls Recipe?
This really depends on your mood! Classic ranch or marinara sauce pairs wonderfully, but spicy sriracha mayo or honey mustard offers a delicious contrast. Experiment to find your perfect match.
Final Thoughts
The Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug — crispy on the outside, cheesy and comforting on the inside, and absolutely fun to share. It’s a fantastic way to reinvent leftover mac and cheese, impress your friends, and satisfy snack cravings any time of day. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try; your taste buds will thank you!
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
Crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, these Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls are a delicious way to transform leftover mac and cheese into a fun, bite-sized snack. Coated with a crunchy cornflake crust and stuffed with melted cheddar cheese, they’re perfect as an appetizer or party finger food.
Ingredients
Mac and Cheese Balls
- 14 ounces leftover mac and cheese, chilled
- 5 ounces cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Coating
- 9 ounces cornflakes
To Serve
- 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 are finely ground and place them in a shallow dish for coating.
- Make Egg Wash: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs with garlic powder and onion powder to create a flavorful egg wash for binding the coating.
- Form Balls: Take the chilled mac and cheese and shape it into small 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 until well coated. Place the balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Serve: Remove the mac and cheese balls from the air fryer and serve warm with your preferred dipping sauce for a delightful snack or appetizer.
Notes
- Using leftover mac and cheese that’s well chilled helps the balls hold their shape better.
- Make sure to press the cheese cubes firmly inside the balls to avoid leakage during cooking.
- For extra crunch, you can double coat the balls by repeating the egg wash and cornflake coating steps before air frying.
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model; keep an eye to avoid overcooking.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and gooey cheese experience.
