Hi there, Seafoodies! 

Keep in mind when everybody all of a sudden had a bread maker? Or, that summer season when spiralizers had been all the trend? The kitchen gadget world is like trend—developments come and go sooner than you possibly can say “avocado toast.” However each now and again, a real star emerges. Enter the air fryer—the mealtime helper that’s confirmed it’s right here to remain.

Very similar to our beloved mac and cheese, which has additionally stood the check of time (out of your childhood desk to present day), the air fryer has cemented its place as a culinary important. And while you mix these two kitchen go-tos, a culinary favourite is born!

This recipe takes creamy mac and cheese, elevates it with protein-packed tuna, rolls it into bite-sized morsels after which crisps every part as much as golden perfection within the air fryer! Think about your favourite tuna casserole, however in a enjoyable, finger-food model. It’s the most effective of each worlds—the nostalgia of a basic dish with the short, more healthy cooking technique of at present’s kitchens.

And to make issues even simpler—you in all probability have most of those components already hanging out in your pantry and fridge. We’ve stored all of the consolation meals necessities, like our prime Seafoodie tackle mac-and-cheese, however swapped in 2% milk to maintain issues on the lighter aspect. 

And the shelf-stable tuna isn’t just alongside for the journey—it’s delivering protein and omega-3s that’ll maintain you happy lengthy after the final chew! Coat all of that goodness into panko breadcrumbs, then air fry till golden brown and in about half-hour you’ve received bite-sized, crunchy bites—that increase the gobble-up issue exponentially.

Whereas everybody from toddlers to grandparents will love this recipe, these bites are an particularly intelligent strategy to sneak extra wholesome seafood into youngsters’ diets. 

Honest warning: you would possibly wish to make a double batch. We prefer to maintain some within the fridge for an after-school snack or a fast little-one lunch when time is of the essence, however we nonetheless wish to serve one thing healthful and selfmade. 

Prepared to provide it a attempt? Hearth up that air fryer! 

Print

• 2 cups raw complete grain elbow macaroni
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup 2% milk, divided
• ¼ teaspoon turmeric
• 5 ounces canned or pouched tuna, drained and flaked
• 1 egg
• 1½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Nonstick cooking spray
• Favourite ready tartar or marinara sauce for dipping

1. Cook dinner macaroni in response to instructions; drain. Add macaroni again to pot, and add cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, ½ cup milk and turmeric; combine effectively. Add tuna; stir to combine effectively. Let sit till cool sufficient to deal with with palms.
2. Whereas mac-and-cheese is cooling, spray air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray and preheat it to 400 levels F for five minutes.
3. Place remaining ½ cup milk and egg in a small mixing bowl; whisk till effectively mixed. In one other small mixing bowl, place panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, paprika and garlic powder; combine to mix.
4. Utilizing a spoon, scoop about 2 tablespoons of mac-and-cheese and roll tightly right into a ball (ought to make about 12 smaller or 16 larger balls). Roll every ball within the milk and egg combination till well-coated, then roll in panko combination till all sides are coated. Reshape right into a agency ball (it’s possible you’ll must squeeze some liquid out to reshape).
5. Place balls in air fryer basket and spray every mac-and-cheese ball with nonstick cooking spray. Make certain to not overlap balls (prepare dinner in batches, if mandatory). Cook dinner for five minutes or till golden brown on prime; then flip every ball, spray different aspect with cooking spray and prepare dinner for one more 4 minutes, or till bites are crispy and golden. Get pleasure from heat together with your selection of sauce.

Notes

Beneficial Utensils; Air fryer, pot, spatula, two small mixing bowls, spoon

• Writer: Dish on Fish
• Prep Time: 20
• Cook dinner Time: 10
• Class: Tuna

Key phrases: Tuna, Tuna Recipes, Air Fryer Crispy Mac-and-Cheese Tuna Bites

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