These air fryer mac and cheese balls are crunchy, gooey, and full of delicious cheesy flavor! They are sure to be a hit with your kids or dinner guests, and you’ll get this recipe requested again and again.

It might be obvious by now, but I’m a huge fan of my air fryer! It makes cooking so fast and is a healthier option than oil frying. It’s the best of both worlds! If you have an air fryer and want to make other yummy appetizers in it, I have ideas for you! Try these Crispy Air Fryer Egg Rolls, my absolute favorite Air Fryer Fried Pickles, and these crunchy and flavorful Air Fryer Cream Cheese Wontons.

Mac and Cheese Balls Recipe

This recipe is the ultimate way to use up leftover mac and cheese. We all know that next-day macaroni and cheese doesn’t taste as good because it’s so hard to reheat. Here is the perfect solution! This delicious recipe needs refrigerated mac because they will easily form into balls. After you form it into balls, then you coat it in a delicious crust made from eggs, breadcrumbs, and a scrumptious blend of seasonings. You heat them up in the air fryer, and they become the ultimate leftover hack!

Before placing them in the air fryer, it is important that you place the balls on a pan in the freezer for about 20 minutes to harden. They should be stiff so that they won’t fall apart in the air fryer. This recipe is so fun to make and will turn into a family favorite appetizer or snack!

Ingredients in Mac and Cheese Balls

Here is what you will need to make these mac and cheese balls. Switch up the seasonings to create different flavor profiles that your family will love! Check out the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact measurements.

• Leftover Macaroni and Cheese: You will use leftover macaroni and cheese for this recipe. Make sure it has chilled in the fridge for at least 4 hours before you use it.
• Eggs: I used large eggs in this recipe.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: I mixed the seasonings listed below with the breadcrumbs to make a delicious and flavorful crust!
• Salt: Add salt to taste. The macaroni already has salt in it so you probably won’t need too much extra!
• Garlic Powder: You need to use dry seasonings so that the flavors can blend evenly with the breadcrumbs.
• Smoked Paprika: This seasoning adds a pop of flavor that you would miss if you left out!
• Dried Italian Seasoning: You can buy this at the store or make this at home using this easy recipe.

Making the Mac and Cheese Balls

Since your macaroni is already prepared then you can whip these up in just 15 minutes! I love my air fryer because it makes cooking so simple. If you don’t have an air fryer, don’t worry! Scroll down to see my tips for baking or pan-frying.

1. Form Balls: Once your mac and cheese is cold and chilled, use your hands to form balls that are about two tablespoons per ball. I was able to get about 15 balls using 4 cups of mac and cheese.
2. Freeze: Place formed balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and chill in the freezer for about 20 minutes. The balls should be firm, but not frozen.
3. Make Coating: To a medium-sized bowl, add the panko bread crumbs, Italian seasoning, salt, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir until combined.
4. Whisk: To another medium-sized bowl, crack the eggs and whisk with a fork.
5. Coat: Roll the chilled mac n cheese balls in the whisked egg, then roll the ball around in the panko mixture until completely coated. Then you can repeat the process until all the balls are coated.
6. Spray: Place the coated mac and cheese balls in the basket of the air fryer in a single layer. Lightly spray the balls with non-stick cooking spray to help crisp them up.
7. Cook: Cook in the air fryer at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 6 minutes. Open the air fryer and flip the mac and cheese balls. Spray the other side with non-stick cooking spray and continue to cook for an additional 6 minutes or until golden brown on all sides.