If comfort food had a party form, these Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls would be it. Each bite combines creamy, gooey macaroni and cheese inside a crisp, golden coating—all made lighter with the air fryer. They’re easy to prep, fun to serve, and completely irresistible from the first crunch.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls
These mac and cheese balls are pure nostalgia with a crispy twist.
- Perfectly crunchy on the outside, creamy on the inside
- Made in the air fryer—no messy deep-frying
- Great for parties, snacks, or appetizers
- Freezer-friendly for make-ahead cooking
- Family- and kid-approved
- Easy to customize with your favorite cheeses
I made these first for my son’s birthday party, and they disappeared faster than anything else on the table. That creamy center and crunchy exterior—honestly, they never make it to the plate without a few going missing on the way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple pantry staples for maximum flavor and crunch.
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1¼ cups milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Breading and Coating
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup bread crumbs
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- Vegetable oil spray
Optional Add-Ons or Substitutes
- Use cheddar or Monterey Jack instead of mozzarella
- Add a pinch of cayenne for spice
- Substitute gluten-free pasta and crumbs if needed
- Mix in chopped green onions or bacon bits for flavor
- Serve with marinara or ranch for dipping
Step-by-Step Instructions
Crunchy perfection starts with creamy mac and cheese and ends in a golden, air-fried finish.
- Cook the macaroni.
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside. - Make the cheese sauce.
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. - Add seasonings and cheese.
Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add mozzarella and Parmesan until melted and creamy. - Combine and cool.
Mix in cooked pasta and stir to coat evenly. Spread onto a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for 1 hour (or freeze for 30 minutes) until firm. - Shape the balls.
Scoop small portions and roll into 1½-inch balls. Set aside on a tray. - Bread the mac and cheese balls.
Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten egg, and one with the breadcrumb and panko mixture. Roll each ball in flour, dip in egg, then coat in breadcrumbs. - Air fry to perfection.
Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray basket with oil. Arrange balls in a single layer and air fry for 8–10 minutes, turning halfway and spraying lightly again until golden and crisp.
Quick reminders before serving:
- Don’t overcrowd the basket—crispiness needs air flow
- Chill mac and cheese well before shaping
- Spray lightly with oil for even browning
- Serve hot for the perfect gooey center
Expert Tips for Success
These tips guarantee that perfect crispy-crunchy, cheesy bite every time.
- Use cold mac and cheese—it holds shape better
- Double-bread for extra crunch
- Keep air fryer temperature consistent at 375°F
- Add a sprinkle of paprika or Parmesan before air frying for extra flavor
- Let them rest 2–3 minutes before serving—they’ll crisp up beautifully
Serving Suggestions
These air fryer mac and cheese balls are versatile, fun, and crowd-pleasing.
- Serve with marinara, ranch, or chipotle aioli
- Pair with a crisp salad for balance
- Add to a party platter with sliders or wings
- Perfect for game day, holidays, or family movie nights
- Garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan
They’re golden, cheesy perfection in every bite.
Storing and Reheating
These store and reheat beautifully without losing their crunch.
How to Store It
- Cool completely before storing
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Freeze up to 2 months (uncooked or cooked)
- Layer between parchment paper to prevent sticking
How to Reheat It
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 4–5 minutes until hot and crispy
- Microwave for 30–60 seconds for a softer texture
- Avoid overcooking to prevent cheese from drying out
- If frozen, air fry directly from frozen for 2–3 minutes longer
They reheat so well, you’ll wish you made a double batch.
Estimated Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 410 | Protein: 17g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Carbohydrates: 34g | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Sodium: 510mg | Cholesterol: 85mg | Calcium: 260mg | Iron: 2mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use leftover mac and cheese?
Absolutely! Just chill it until firm before shaping and breading.
Can I bake them instead?
Yes, bake at 400°F for 15–20 minutes, turning halfway through.
What’s the best cheese blend?
Mozzarella for stretch and Parmesan for flavor—it’s the perfect combo.
Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls are everything you want in comfort food—crispy, creamy, and full of melty cheese. Whether for a snack, appetizer, or fun dinner side, they deliver big flavor in every bite.
- Chill the mac and cheese before shaping
- Spray lightly for perfect crispiness
- Serve fresh and hot for ultimate gooeyness
Crispy outside, cheesy inside—this is comfort food with crunch.
Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in the 2 tbsp flour and cook 1 minute to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk until the sauce is smooth. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan; stir until melted and creamy.
- Stir in the cooked macaroni until evenly coated. Spread the mac & cheese mixture onto a parchment‑lined tray and refrigerate 1 hour (or freeze 30 minutes) until firm.
- Scoop portions (about 1½‑inch balls) and roll them into balls.
- Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten egg, and one with mixed bread crumbs + panko. Dredge each ball in flour, dip in egg, then coat in crumbs.
- Preheat air fryer to 375 °F (190 °C). Lightly spray the basket with oil. Arrange balls in a single layer (don’t overcrowd). Air fry for 8–10 minutes, turning halfway and spraying lightly again until golden and crisp.
- Remove and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce (marinara, ranch, etc.).
Nutrition
Notes
- Chilling the mac & cheese thoroughly before forming balls helps them hold their shape better.
- For best crispiness, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket and spray lightly with oil before cooking.
