Description
Crispy, cheesy bites of macaroni and cheese in a fun, finger-friendly form, perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups 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
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Vegetable oil for spraying
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add 2 tablespoons of flour to the melted butter and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
- Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to avoid lumps.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, and continue to whisk until smooth.
- Let the mixture simmer for about 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in the cooked macaroni.
- Let the mixture cool for about 15-20 minutes.
- Scoop portions of the macaroni mixture and shape them into balls.
- Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- In a shallow dish, whisk the egg until beaten.
- In another shallow dish, combine the bread crumbs and panko.
- Roll each ball first in the egg and then in the breadcrumb mixture until well-coated.
- Place the breaded balls back on the baking sheet.
- Spray each ball lightly with vegetable oil.
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange the balls in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
- Carefully remove the balls and allow them to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Great for dipping in marinara, ranch, or spicy aioli.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 balls
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 70mg