Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls

Ingredients

• 1 (7.25 ounce) package macaroni and cheese dinner mix (such as Kraft®)
• ¼ cup milk
• 4 tablespoons margarine
• ¾ cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
• nonstick cooking spray
• ½ cup panko bread crumbs
• ½ cup seasoned bread crumbs
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 eggs, beaten

​Directions

• Step 1 Pour water into a bowl and bring to a boil over high heat. Stir in macaroni pasta from dinner package. Cook until tender, stirring occasionally, 7 to 8 minutes. Drain; do not rinse. Return to the pot and stir in included cheese sauce, milk, and margarine. Add Cheddar cheese and stir until well combined and cheese is melted.
• Step 2 Refrigerate macaroni and cheese until firm, 2 hours to overnight.
• Step 3 Scoop macaroni and cheese into 1 1/2-inch balls and place on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet. Freeze for 1 hour.
• Step 4 Preheat an air fryer to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) according to manufacturer's instructions. Spray the basket with nonstick cooking spray.
• Step 5 Mix panko, bread crumbs, salt, and garlic powder together in a medium bowl. Dip each ball in beaten eggs and then in panko mixture.
• Step 6 Place mac and cheese balls into the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching; cook in batches if necessary.
• Step 7 Cook in the preheated air fryer for 6 to 8 minutes. Turn over and fry until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes more.

NOTE: prepare mac and cheese according to individual package instructions, or make your own.

Recipe and photo by Yoly on allrecipes.com