Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls

1 . Stage

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.

2 . Stage

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.

3 . Stage

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

4 . Stage

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

5 . Stage

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

6 . Stage

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.

7 . Stage

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