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At the heart of every great mac and cheese dish is the pasta. For this recipe, cooked macaroni pasta serves as the foundation, contributing not only to the dish's signature texture but also to its delightful flavor profile. The small, curved shape of macaroni captures the creamy cheese sauce, ensuring that each bite is packed with flavor. When selecting macaroni, opt for high-quality pasta; the sturdiness of well-made macaroni will hold up better during the frying process, resulting in a perfect bite every time.

Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls

Discover the irresistible Crunchy Delight Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls, a modern twist on classic comfort food. These golden bites combine creamy macaroni and cheese with a crispy panko coating, making them a perfect snack for any occasion. Ideal for parties or cozy nights in, this recipe is simple to make and offers a healthier alternative to traditional frying. Indulge guilt-free in this delicious treat that everyone will love!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked macaroni pasta

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature

1/4 cup sour cream

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and black pepper to taste

1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs, beaten

Cooking spray

Instructions
 

Prepare the Mac and Cheese Mixture:

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, shredded sharp cheddar, grated Parmesan, softened cream cheese, and sour cream. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, along with salt and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended into a creamy consistency.

      Chill the Mixture:

        Cover the mixing bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Let the mac and cheese mixture chill for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. Chilling helps the mixture firm up, making it easier to shape into balls.

          Form the Balls:

            After chilling, take the bowl out of the refrigerator. With clean hands, scoop approximately 2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll it gently into a ball. Continue this process until all of the mixture has been shaped into around 12-15 balls, depending on your preferred size.

              Coat the Mac and Cheese Balls:

                Set up a breading station consisting of three shallow bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with the beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs. Start by rolling each mac and cheese ball in the flour, ensuring it is evenly coated. Next, dip the ball into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off, and finally, coat it thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs for a satisfying crunch.

                  Preheat the Air Fryer:

                    Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating will help achieve even cooking and crispiness for the balls.

                      Air Fry the Balls:

                        Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the mac and cheese balls in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they are not touching each other for optimal air circulation. Spray the tops of the balls with additional cooking spray to enhance their crispiness.

                          Cook:

                            Air fry the mac and cheese balls for 10-12 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown and achieve a crispy exterior. At the halfway mark, give the basket a gentle shake to promote even cooking.

                              Serve:

                                Carefully remove the mac and cheese balls from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them warm alongside your favorite dipping sauces, such as marinara or ranch, and indulge in the deliciousness!

                                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 1 hr 15 min | 12-15 balls