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How to Make Crispy Ranch Mac and Cheese Balls in the Air Fryer - A Step-by-Step Guide

Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that never fails to satisfy. But have you ever thought about kicking it up a notch? If you're a fan of mac and cheese and love trying out new recipes, then you're going to love this one: Crispy Ranch Mac and Cheese Balls in the Air Fryer.

This recipe takes your traditional mac and cheese and transforms it into bite-sized, crispy balls that are perfect for snacking or serving as a fun appetizer. The addition of ranch seasoning gives these mac an...

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Ingredients

  • 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

Information

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 35 mins
  • Additional Time: 3 hrs
  • Total Time: 3 hrs 55 mins
  • Servings: 16
  • Yield: 16 mac and cheese balls

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender, 7 to 8 minutes. Drain macaroni without rinsing and return to the pot. Add 1/4 cup milk, margarine, and cheese sauce packet; mix until well combined.
  • Add Cheddar cheese and remaining 1/2 cup milk to the mac and cheese and stir until Cheddar is melted. Transfer to a bowl with a lid and refrigerate for 2 hours.
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use an ice cream scoop to form 1 1/2-inch balls out of the cold mac and cheese. Set balls on the prepared baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour.
  • Pulse cheese crackers in the bowl of a food processor and until they turn into fine crumbs. Transfer crumbs to a bowl and stir in ranch dressing mix. Place beaten eggs in a separate bowl.
  • Preheat air fryer to 360 degrees F (180 degrees C). Spray the basket of the air fryer with cooking spray.
  • Dip mac and cheese balls first in egg and then in the cracker mixture to coat. Place in the air fryer basket, adding as many balls as your basket allows without touching, working in batches, if needed. Spray tops of the balls with cooking spray.
  • Cook in the preheated air fryer for 10 minutes. Spray the tops of the balls again with cooking spray and cook 3 minutes more. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with remaining balls.

    • Nutrition

    147 cal.

    • Total Fat: 8g
    • Saturated Fat: 3g
    • Cholesterol: 32mg
    • Sodium: 375mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 15g
    • Dietary Fiber: 1g
    • Total Sugars: 2g
    • Protein: 5g
    • Vitamin C: 0mg
    • Calcium: 77mg
    • Iron: 1mg
    • Potassium: 105mg

    Categories

    Appetizer recipes
    Snack recipes
    Comfort food recipes
    Game day food recipes
    Party food recipes