Who doesn’t love the delightful combination of crispy and cheesy? Our Crispy Ranch Mac and Cheese Balls in the Air Fryer bring together the creamy comfort of mac and cheese with a satisfying crunch, all with a zesty ranch flavor. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or party treat, these bite-sized delights are sure to be a hit. The air fryer makes them extra crispy without the need for deep frying, keeping them lighter and less greasy. Let’s dive into this easy and delicious recipe that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
To make these delicious mac and cheese balls, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Mac and Cheese:
- 2 cups cooked elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 packet of ranch seasoning mix
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Breading:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup ranch-flavored tortilla chips, crushed
- Cooking:
- Cooking spray
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Mac and Cheese
- Cook the Macaroni: Follow the package instructions to cook 2 cups of elbow macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a large saucepan, melt 1/4 cup unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Add 1/2 cup milk and stir until combined.
- Gradually add 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Mix in 1 packet of ranch seasoning mix. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Macaroni and Cheese Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix well until the macaroni is fully coated.
Step 2: Form the Mac and Cheese Balls
- Chill the Mixture: Let the mac and cheese mixture cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This makes it easier to form into balls.
- Shape the Balls: Using your hands, form the chilled mac and cheese mixture into 1-inch balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 3: Bread the Mac and Cheese Balls
- Prepare the Breading Stations:
- Place 1 cup all-purpose flour in a shallow bowl.
- Beat 2 eggs in another shallow bowl.
- Combine 1 cup panko breadcrumbs and 1/2 cup crushed ranch-flavored tortilla chips in a third shallow bowl.
- Bread the Balls:
- Roll each mac and cheese ball in flour, then dip it in the beaten eggs, and finally coat it with the panko breadcrumb and tortilla chip mixture. Make sure each ball is evenly coated.
Step 4: Air Fry the Mac and Cheese Balls
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Cook the Balls:
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Place the mac and cheese balls in the basket, making sure they are not touching. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping.
Tips and Variations
Tips
- Chilling the Mac and Cheese: Ensure the mac and cheese mixture is thoroughly chilled before forming the balls. This helps them hold their shape better.
- Even Coating: Make sure each ball is well-coated with the breadcrumb mixture for maximum crispiness.
- Air Fryer Time: Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model. Keep an eye on the mac and cheese balls to prevent overcooking.
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce for a spicy version.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack for unique flavors.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free macaroni and breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of Crispy Ranch Mac and Cheese Balls (approx. 4 balls) contains:
- Calories: 320
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 580mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 29g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 10g
Conclusion
Our Crispy Ranch Mac and Cheese Balls in the Air Fryer are a delicious and easy-to-make treats that will delight everyone. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want a tasty snack, these mac and cheese balls are sure to please. Don’t forget to share your experiences and any variations you try in the comments below. And if you love this recipe, be sure to check out our other air fryer recipes on easycrispyrecipes.com.