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–+ servings
Air Fryer Fried Macaroni

Crispy Air Fryer Fried Macaroni for Ultimate Comfort Bites

Delight in these Air Fryer Fried Macaroni cheese balls with a crunchy exterior and creamy filling, perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Cooling Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 balls
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Mac and Cheese Filling
  • 1 cup Elbow Macaroni Can substitute with penne
  • 2 tablespoons Butter Adds richness to the cheese sauce
  • 2 tablespoons All-purpose Flour Thickens the cheese sauce
  • 1 cup Milk Whole milk works best
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Enhances flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder Adds depth
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Adjust according to cheese saltiness
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Adds a mild kick
  • 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese Delivers gooeyness
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Adds sharpness
  • 1 large Egg Acts as a binding agent
For the Crunchy Exterior
  • 1 cup Bread Crumbs Use plain or seasoned
  • 1 cup Panko Bread Crumbs For extra crunch
  • as needed Vegetable Oil (for spraying) For a crispy finish

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • medium saucepan
  • Baking Sheet
  • colander
  • Shallow Dishes

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Boil a pot of salted water and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, about 7-9 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbling.
  3. Gradually pour in 1 cup of milk while whisking until smooth. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened.
  4. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix in mozzarella and parmesan cheese until melted.
  5. Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce. Let it cool for 15-20 minutes.
  6. Shape the mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball, and place on a lined baking sheet.
  7. In one dish, beat the egg. In another, combine breadcrumbs and panko. Coat each macaroni ball in egg, then breadcrumbs.
  8. Spray the breaded balls with vegetable oil and preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  9. Air fry the macaroni balls in a single layer for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
  10. Cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 3ballsCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 12gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 300mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Cool the macaroni mixture completely before shaping for better texture. Lightly spray with vegetable oil for crispiness and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket for even cooking.

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