Air Fryer Taco Mac and Cheese Balls

In the realm of comfort food, few dishes evoke the warm nostalgia of mac and cheese. This creamy, cheesy classic has long been a staple on dinner tables, offering a sense of satisfaction that is hard to replicate. Now, imagine taking that beloved dish and transforming it into a bite-sized treat that packs a flavorful punch. Enter Crunchy Taco Mac and Cheese Balls—a delightful fusion that combines the rich, creamy goodness of mac and cheese with the vibrant zest of taco seasonings and the satisfying crunch of breadcrumbs.

Transform your comfort food cravings with Crunchy Taco Mac and Cheese Balls! This innovative recipe fuses creamy mac and cheese with zesty taco flavors, all wrapped in a crispy panko coating. Perfect for game days, gatherings, or a unique dinner option, these bite-sized treats are sure to impress. Learn how to create these delicious snacks from scratch with our easy step-by-step guide, including tips on ingredients and cooking methods for the ultimate crunch. Enjoy the flavorful blend of cheese, pasta, and spices in every satisfying bite!

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Ingredients

2 cups cooked macaroni pasta

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated

1 cup pepper jack cheese, grated

1/2 cup diced cooked taco meat (ground beef or turkey)

1/4 cup sour cream

1/4 cup taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)

1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs, beaten

Olive oil spray

Optional toppings: chopped green onions, salsa, or guacamole for dipping

Instructions

Prepare the Mac and Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, sharp cheddar cheese, pepper jack cheese, taco meat, sour cream, and taco seasoning. Mix well until all ingredients are well incorporated.

Cool the Mixture: Allow the mac and cheese mixture to cool slightly, then refrigerate it for about 30 minutes. This will help form the balls more easily.

Form the Balls: Once the mixture is chilled, scoop a tablespoon of the mac and cheese mixture into your hands and form it into a ball. Repeat this process until all the mixture is used, placing the balls on a lined baking sheet.

Set Up Breading Station: Set up three bowls for breading. In the first bowl, place the flour. In the second bowl, put the beaten eggs. In the third bowl, add the panko breadcrumbs.

Bread the Balls: Roll each mac and cheese ball in the flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it with panko breadcrumbs. Ensure each ball is evenly coated for the best crunch.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.

Air Fry the Taco Mac and Cheese Balls: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Place the breaded mac and cheese balls in a single layer, making sure they are not touching. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Cook Until Golden: Air fry the balls for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. You can shake the basket halfway through cooking for even browning.

Serve and Enjoy: Once done, carefully remove the balls from the air fryer. Serve them hot with chopped green onions, salsa, or guacamole for dipping. Enjoy your delicious, crispy Taco Mac and Cheese Balls!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 50 minutes | 4 servings