Air Fried Crispy Ranch Mac and Cheese Balls

Appetizer

Air Fried Crispy Ranch Mac and Cheese Balls

★★★★ ☆ 4.2 (589)

These crispy mac and cheese balls are packed with creamy ranch flavor and a perfectly crunchy outside. They’re a fun, easy snack or appetizer that’s ready in no time thanks to the air fryer.

◷ 55 min Total Time

♜ 4 Servings

▥ Hard Difficulty

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Ingredients

4 servings

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

Pasta with a smooth and rich white sauce

Instructions

Step 1

Start by boiling a big pot of salted water. Cook the macaroni until it’s tender, about 7 to 8 minutes, then drain it but don’t rinse. Put the pasta back into the pot and stir in the milk, margarine, and cheese sauce packet until everything is nicely combined. Next, add the Cheddar cheese and the rest of the milk, stirring until the cheese melts into a creamy mix. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for a couple of hours to firm up.

Step 2

Once chilled, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use an ice cream scoop to shape the mac and cheese into 1 1/2-inch balls, then place them on the sheet and freeze for about an hour so they hold their shape.

Step 3

While the balls freeze, crush the cheese crackers in a food processor until they’re fine crumbs. Mix those crumbs with the ranch dressing mix in a bowl. Beat the eggs in a separate bowl for dipping.

Step 4

Heat your air fryer to 360°F and spray the basket with cooking spray. Dip each mac and cheese ball into the egg, then roll it in the cracker mixture to coat well. Arrange them in the air fryer basket without crowding, and give the tops a quick spray. Cook for 10 minutes, spray the tops again, then cook for another 3 minutes until they’re golden and crispy. Let them cool on a paper towel-lined plate before digging in. Repeat with the rest of the balls.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These bites are perfectly crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. The ranch seasoning adds a flavorful twist that makes them addictive. They’re easy to make and great for sharing at any gathering.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these with a side of ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce. They pair well with a fresh salad or some crunchy veggies for a balanced snack or appetizer.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to keep them crispy instead of using the microwave.