Description
Crispy, cheesy bites of macaroni and cheese transformed into handheld snacks, perfect for gatherings or game days.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (plus 1/4 cup for dredging)
- 1 1/4 cups whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
- Vegetable oil for spraying
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until just al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Melt the 2 tablespoons butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the 2 tablespoons of flour. Whisk constantly for 1–2 minutes to make a roux; don’t let it brown.
- Slowly pour in the 1 1/4 cups milk while whisking to prevent lumps.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the mixture is smooth.
- Simmer for 3–4 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat and stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan until melted.
- Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until every noodle is coated.
- Cool for 15–20 minutes, then refrigerate for 15–30 minutes to firm up.
- Scoop small portions and form them into balls about 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Beat the large egg in a shallow dish. In another shallow dish, mix the bread crumbs and panko.
- Dredge each ball first in the 1/4 cup flour, then dip in the egg, and coat in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Return the breaded balls to the baking sheet and lightly spray with vegetable oil.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange the balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden brown and crisp.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra crunch, use a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack instead of mozzarella. Can be made gluten-free with appropriate substitutes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: mac and cheese, air fryer, appetizers, snacks, party food, fried