Introduction
Are you a fan of mac and cheese? Do you love the crispy goodness of fried food? If so, then you need to try making fried mac and cheese balls in an air fryer! This delicious and easy recipe combines the creaminess of mac and cheese with the satisfying crunch of a deep-fried coating. Plus, with the use of an air fryer, you can enjoy this indulgent treat with less guilt. Let’s dive into the details of how to make these mouthwatering fried mac and cheese balls.
Ingredients
To make fried mac and cheese balls, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked macaroni
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Olive oil cooking spray
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Mac and Cheese
Start by cooking the macaroni according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the macaroni and set it aside.
In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, until the mixture is smooth and bubbly. Gradually whisk in the milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is well combined with the macaroni.
Let the mac and cheese mixture cool for about 10 minutes, or until it is easy to handle.
Step 2: Shape the Mac and Cheese Balls
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mac and cheese mixture and roll it into a ball using your hands. Repeat this step until all the mixture is used, yielding approximately 12-15 mac and cheese balls.
Step 3: Coat the Balls
In one bowl, place the beaten eggs. In another bowl, place the breadcrumbs. Dip each mac and cheese ball into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is fully coated. Then roll the ball in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs to the surface. Repeat this step for all the mac and cheese balls.
Step 4: Air Fry the Balls
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the coated mac and cheese balls in the basket, ensuring they are not touching each other.
Cook the mac and cheese balls in the air fryer for approximately 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Flip them halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked, remove the fried mac and cheese balls from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them as a snack, appetizer, or even as a main course with a side of marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy the creamy and crispy goodness!
Conclusion
Fried mac and cheese balls made in an air fryer are a delightful treat that combines the best of both worlds – the creamy comfort of mac and cheese and the satisfying crunch of fried food. This easy recipe allows you to enjoy this indulgent dish with less oil, making it a healthier option. So, go ahead and give this recipe a try. Your taste buds will thank you!