Crunchy Ranch Mac and Cheese Balls Cooked in the Air Fryer

If you're craving a crispy, cheesy snack that's easy to make, these mac and cheese balls are perfect for you. Cooked in the air fryer, they come out golden and crunchy without the extra oil.

Ingredients 0/8

1 (7.25 ounce) package macaroni and cheese dinner mix ¾ cup milk, divided ¼ cup margarine, cut into pieces ½ cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese 2 cups cheese-flavored crackers (such as Cheez-It®) 1 (1 ounce) envelope ranch dressing mix 2 eggs, beaten nonstick cooking spray

Why You'll Keep Making This

These crispy bites combine creamy mac and cheese with a flavorful ranch twist. They are easy to make and come out perfectly crunchy thanks to the air fryer. It’s a fun and tasty snack that everyone will enjoy.

Cooking Advice

- Make sure the mac and cheese is well chilled before shaping into balls to help them hold together.
- Spray the air fryer basket with a little oil to prevent sticking and promote even crisping.
- Cook in a single layer without overcrowding to ensure each piece gets crispy all around.

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni until it’s tender, about 7 to 8 minutes, stirring now and then. Drain the pasta and put it back into the pot without rinsing. Stir in the milk, margarine, and the cheese sauce packet until everything is well mixed. Then add the Cheddar cheese along with the rest of the milk and keep stirring until the cheese melts completely.

Step 2

Once your mac and cheese is ready, transfer it to a bowl, cover it, and pop it in the fridge for a couple of hours to chill and firm up. When it’s cold, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and use an ice cream scoop or spoon to shape the mac and cheese into balls about 1 1/2 inches wide. Place them on the sheet and freeze for about an hour.

Step 3

While the balls are chilling, pulse some cheese crackers in a food processor until they’re finely crumbed, then mix in the ranch seasoning. Beat a couple of eggs in a separate bowl.

Step 4

Heat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C) and spray the basket lightly with cooking spray. Take each mac and cheese ball, dip it in the eggs, then coat well with the cracker mixture. Arrange the balls in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch, and work in batches if needed. Give the tops a quick spray of cooking spray before cooking.

Step 5

Air fry the balls for 10 minutes, then spray the tops again and cook for 3 more minutes until they’re golden and crispy. Transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, and repeat with any remaining balls. Enjoy!

How To Present This Dish

Serve these with a side of ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce. They also pair well with fresh veggies or a light salad to balance the richness. Great for parties, game days, or as a fun appetizer.

How To Save Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to bring back the crunch before serving. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

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By Arjun Patel

Recipe Contributor

Arjun enjoys creating straightforward recipes that work well in real kitchens.