Cheesy Delights: Air Fryer Mac & Cheese Balls

Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Cook macaroni pasta from the dinner package in boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender, 7 to 8 minutes. Drain; do not rinse. Return pasta to the pot.

Stir cheese sauce from the dinner package, milk, and margarine into pasta. Mix in Cheddar cheese until well combined and cheese is melted. Transfer macaroni and cheese to a bowl and refrigerate until firm, 2 hours to overnight.

Scoop chilled macaroni and cheese into 1 1/2-inch balls and place on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Freeze for 1 hour.

Preheat an air fryer to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) according to manufacturer’s instructions. Spray the basket with nonstick cooking spray.

Place beaten eggs in a bowl. Mix together panko, bread crumbs, salt, and garlic powder in a shallow bowl.

Dip each frozen macaroni and cheese ball in beaten eggs, then press in bread crumb mixture to coat. Place coated balls into the prepared air fryer basket in a single layer with space between; cook in batches if necessary.

Cook in the preheated air fryer for 6 to 8 minutes. Turn over and fry until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes more.