Crispy Mac Cheese Balls (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Main Components
01 -
2 cups of cold, leftover macaroni and cheese
02 -
1 large fresh egg
→ Crispy Coating
03 -
3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
04 -
1/4 teaspoon fine salt (adjust to your preference)
05 -
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
06 -
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (optional)
→ For Cooking
07 -
Avocado oil cooking spray
# Instructions:
01 -
Set up two separate bowls on your counter. Crack the egg into the first bowl and whisk it thoroughly with a fork until well beaten. In the second bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper, mixing everything together until evenly distributed.
02 -
Using clean, dry hands, scoop up about 1/4 cup of the cold mac and cheese. Gently but firmly squeeze and roll it into a compact ball, making sure the noodles stick together well. The mixture should hold its shape when formed.
03 -
Roll each mac and cheese ball first in the beaten egg, letting any excess drip off. Then immediately roll it in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks completely all around. Place the finished ball on a clean plate.
04 -
Repeat the shaping and coating process with the remaining mac and cheese until you have about 8 to 9 evenly sized, fully breaded balls arranged on your plate.
05 -
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F and let it warm up completely before adding the food.
06 -
Give each breaded ball a light spray with the avocado oil - this helps create that beautiful golden-brown color. Arrange the balls in the air fryer basket, making sure they're not touching each other.
07 -
Cook the balls at 380°F for 8 to 9 minutes total. About halfway through, carefully flip each ball over and give them another light spray of oil if you'd like extra crispiness. They're done when they're golden brown all over and heated through completely.
08 -
Carefully remove the hot mac and cheese balls from the air fryer and serve them right away. Let them cool for just a minute or two before biting in - they'll be very hot inside!
# Notes:
01 -
This recipe works best with mac and cheese that's been refrigerated overnight - the cold temperature helps the balls hold their shape better.
02 -
Avoid using mac and cheese that's too creamy or saucy, as it won't form proper balls.
03 -
You can use any type of mac and cheese - homemade, boxed, or store-bought all work great.
04 -
Don't overcrowd your air fryer basket, as this prevents even browning and crisping.
05 -
Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your specific air fryer model and the size of your balls.