Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls

Ingredients

• 1 package macaroni and cheese dinner mix , 7.25 ounce
• 0.25 cups milk
• 4 tablespoons margarine
• 0.75 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
• nonstick cooking spray
• 2 large eggs , beaten
• 0.5 cups panko bread crumbs
• 0.5 cups seasoned bread crumbs
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoons garlic powder

Instructions

1. 1

   Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Cook macaroni pasta from the dinner package in boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender, 7 to 8 minutes. Drain; do not rinse. Return pasta to the pot.

2. 2

   Stir cheese sauce from the dinner package, milk, and margarine into pasta. Mix in Cheddar cheese until well combined and cheese is melted. Transfer macaroni and cheese to a bowl and refrigerate until firm, 2 hours to overnight.

3. 3

   Scoop chilled macaroni and cheese into 1 1/2-inch balls and place on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Freeze for 1 hour.

4. 4

   Preheat an air fryer to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) according to manufacturer's instructions. Spray the basket with nonstick cooking spray.

5. 5

   Place beaten eggs in a bowl. Mix together panko, bread crumbs, salt, and garlic powder in a shallow bowl.

6. 6

   Dip each frozen macaroni and cheese ball in beaten eggs, then press in bread crumb mixture to coat. Place coated balls into the prepared air fryer basket in a single layer with space between; cook in batches if necessary.

7. 7

   Cook in the preheated air fryer for 6 to 8 minutes. Turn over and fry until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes more.