These cheesy bites are the perfect crispy, gooey snack that everyone will love. Made in the air fryer with a flavorful ranch coating, they’re easy to whip up and impossible to resist!
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 in the pot, add the milk, margarine, and the cheese sauce packet, and stir everything together until it’s smooth. Stir in the Cheddar cheese and the rest of the milk, mixing until the cheese melts completely. Pop the mac and cheese into a covered bowl and chill it in the fridge for a couple of hours so it firms up.
Once it’s cold, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a scoop or spoon to shape the mac and cheese into balls about 1 1/2 inches wide. Set them on the sheet and freeze for an hour to help them hold their shape.
While the balls are chilling, crush the cheese crackers in a food processor until they’re fine crumbs. Mix the crumbs with the ranch seasoning in a bowl. In another bowl, beat the eggs.
When you’re ready, preheat your air fryer to 360°F and spray the basket with cooking spray. Dip each mac and cheese ball into the eggs, then roll it in the cracker mixture until it’s fully coated. Arrange the balls in the basket without them touching (you might need to do this in batches). Give the tops a quick spray with cooking spray.
Cook them for 10 minutes, then spray the tops again and cook for 3 more minutes until they’re crispy and golden. Transfer the finished balls to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any extra oil, and repeat with the rest.
- Make sure the mac and cheese is well chilled before shaping into balls to help them hold together.
- Spray the coated balls lightly with cooking spray for an extra crispy finish.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
These cheesy bites are perfectly crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. They make a great snack or appetizer that everyone will enjoy. Plus, using an air fryer means less oil and a healthier treat without sacrificing flavor.
Serve these with a side of ranch dressing or a spicy dipping sauce for added flavor. They also go well with a fresh green salad or some crunchy veggie sticks to balance out the richness.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at a low temperature to bring back their crispiness instead of using a microwave.
