Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls

These crispy air fryer mac and cheese balls are the perfect snack or appetizer to serve. All you need is some leftover mac and cheese, plus they come together in no time.

Prep:

15 mins

Cook:

24 mins

TOtal:

39 mins

servings:

10

Ingredients

4 1/2 to 5 cups leftover (cooked and cooled) macaroni and cheese
4 oz shredded cheese (cheddar)
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups panko
1 tsp smoked paprika
avocado oil spray
flaky salt (for garnish)
chopped fresh chives (for garnish)

Instructions

Once the macaroni and cheese has been cooked and cooled completely in a large bowl (see notes), add the cheese a little at a time to the bowl until mixed well.
Using a cookie or ice cream scoop, scoop the macaroni and cheese into balls and use your hands to form them.
Whisk the eggs in one bowl, and the panko and smoked paprika in another bowl.
Dip each ball into the egg and coat on all sides. Then transfer to the panko and coat on all sides.
Preheat the air fryer to 360ºF.
Place the mac and cheese balls in the air fryer and spray with avocado oil. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes (flipping halfway through and spraying the other side), until the balls are lightly browned and crispy.
Remove the balls and season with a pinch of flaky salt and garnish with chives. Serve and enjoy!