crispy ranch mac and cheese balls in the air fryer
Rubie Freeburger
Ingredients
- **Crispy Ranch Mac and Cheese Balls Ingredients**
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese (1 cup, grated)
- Macaroni (1/2 cup, uncooked elbow macaroni)
- Ranch Dressing Mix (1 tbsp, for flavor)
- Breadcrumbs (1/4 cup, crushed)
- Egg (1, beaten lightly)
- Panko Bread Crumbs (3 tbsp, for extra crunch)
- Butter (2 tbsp, melted, for added crispiness)
*Tip: Use a mix of cheddar and pepper jack cheese to enhance the flavor.*
*Keyword: Mac and Cheese Balls*
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Steps
### How to Make Crispy Ranch Mac and Cheese Balls in the Air Fryer
#### Ingredients:
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1/4 cup ranch seasoning mix
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil for coating
#### Equipment:
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Cookie sheet
- Fork or pastry brush
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
### Step-by-Step Guide:
1. **Prepare the Macaroni Cheese Mixture:**
- Cook 1 cup of elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the macaroni in a colander, then rinse it with cold water to stop cooking and remove excess starch.
- In a large mixing bowl, mix together half (1 cup) of shredded cheddar cheese and the ranch seasoning mix.
2. **Add Egg and Combine:**
- Add the beaten egg to the cheese mixture and stir well until combined.
3. **Mix in Macaroni:**
- Gently fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
- Be careful not to overmix as you want a slightly chunky texture.
4. **Prepare Breadcrumbs and Parmesan Mixture:**
- In another bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and the remaining 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
5. **Form Mac and Cheese Balls:**
- Using a tablespoon or small ice cream scoop, form the macaroni cheese mixture into balls. Place them on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
6. **Coat the Balls:**
- Dip each ball in beaten egg first.
- Roll the coated balls in the breadcrumb and Parmesan mix until well-coated and evenly covered.
7. **Air Fryer Preparation:**
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C).
- Once heated, carefully place the mac and cheese balls into the air fryer basket.
- Drizzle a little olive oil over each ball for extra crispiness if desired.
8. **Cooking Time:**
- Air fry for about 6-7 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- For best results, shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
9. **Serve Hot:**
- Remove the mac and cheese balls from the air fryer using a spatula.
- Serve them immediately while they are still hot and crunchy.
### Tips for Perfect Mac and Cheese Balls:
- Ensure the macaroni is not overcooked; al dente texture adds to the overall taste.
- Use high-quality bread crumbs and Parmesan for enhanced flavor.
- For an extra crispy exterior, sprinkle a bit of flour or corn starch on the coated balls before adding them to the air fryer.
### SEO Optimization:
- **Keywords:** "Crispy Ranch Mac and Cheese Balls," "Air Fryer Recipes," "Mac and Cheese Balls."
- **Meta Description:** Crispy Ranch Mac and Cheese Balls recipe made in an air fryer. Easy, delicious, and perfect for snacking.
- **Title Tag:** How to Make Delicious Crispy Ranch Mac and Cheese Balls in the Air Fryer
By following these steps, you can create a batch of tasty and crispy ranch mac and cheese balls that are both easy to make and perfect for any occasion!