Description
These Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls are a crispy, cheesy snack perfect for using up leftover mac and cheese. They feature a crunchy cornflake coating and a gooey cheddar cheese center, air fried to golden perfection for a healthier alternative to deep frying.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 14 ounces leftover mac and cheese, chilled
- 9 ounces cornflakes
- 3 large eggs
- 5 ounces cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Dipping sauce of your choice
Instructions
- Prep and Preheat: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). While the air fryer is heating, process the cornflakes in a food processor until they are finely ground. Transfer the crushed cornflakes into a shallow dish to prepare for coating.
- Make Egg Wash: In a bowl, whisk the eggs together with the garlic powder and onion powder until well combined. This mixture will be used to help the coating stick to the mac and cheese balls.
- Form Balls: Take the chilled leftover mac and cheese and shape it into small balls, roughly bite-sized. Press a small cube of cheddar cheese into the center of each ball, then 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 mixture, ensuring it’s well coated. Then roll it in the crushed cornflakes to cover completely. Place the balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch. Cook for 12 minutes total, flipping halfway through to ensure even golden crispness.
- Serve: Remove the mac and cheese balls from the air fryer and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious and melty snack or appetizer.
Notes
- Use chilled mac and cheese so the balls hold their shape better.
- For extra crispiness, double coat the balls by repeating the egg wash and cornflake coating steps.
- If you don’t have a food processor, place cornflakes in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin until finely crushed.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or add herbs and spices to the egg wash for varied flavors.
- To keep crispy, serve immediately; leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer for a few minutes.
