Air Fryer Mac Cheese Bites

Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Bites transform leftover macaroni and cheese into crispy, golden bites packed with creamy cheesy goodness inside. These snacks are perfect for any occasion and require no oil or oven, making them both convenient and delicious.

My son insists on making these himself whenever we have leftovers, and they always disappear quickly at family gatherings. I love how easy they are to customize with different seasonings too.

Ingredients

• Leftover macaroni and cheese: fully chilled so it holds together. Avoid overly creamy versions as they don’t roll well. You can use homemade or storebought varieties.
• Eggs: act as a binding agent to help the bites hold their shape during cooking.
• Milk: mixed with eggs to create a smooth dredging mixture.
• Panko bread crumbs: provide a crispy exterior. You can also try crushed plain cornflakes for extra crunch.
• Shredded Parmesan cheese: optional but adds a tangy depth to the coating.
• Salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder: enhance the overall flavor. Feel free to adjust seasonings to your taste preferences.

Instructions

Scoop and freeze the mac and cheese balls:

Using a ½ inch cookie scoop, portion out the chilled leftover mac and cheese and roll each scoop into a ball. Place the balls on a parchment lined baking sheet that fits into your freezer. Freeze for 30 minutes until firm. This step is crucial to ensure they hold together during cooking.

Prepare the egg wash and breadcrumb coating:

In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth. In another bowl, stir together the panko bread crumbs, shredded parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. These add a flavorful and crunchy exterior to the bites.

Coat the frozen mac and cheese balls:

Spray your air fryer basket with a nonstick cooking spray. Dip each frozen mac and cheese ball into the egg wash, then roll it thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. Place the coated bites into the air fryer basket making sure not to overcrowd it. You will need to cook them in batches. Allow any remaining coated bites to rest on the parchment paper until ready to air fry.

Air fry until crispy and golden:

Set the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook the bites for 10 to 15 minutes until golden and crispy. You don’t need to preheat the air fryer. If the bottoms start to darken too much, gently shake the basket to rotate them. For extra brownness, lightly spray the tops with cooking spray halfway through cooking.

Serve immediately:

Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Bites taste best fresh and hot from the air fryer. Serve them on their own or with dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, BBQ, or even sriracha for a bit of heat.

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My favorite part is the crispy panko coating which adds wonderful texture to the soft mac and cheese interior. It instantly brings back memories of my son’s excitement when he first made these as a simple afterschool snack, proudly showing off his cooking skills.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover Mac and Cheese Bites wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer safe bag or container for up to three months. When reheating frozen bites, air fry them straight from the freezer, adding several extra minutes to the cook time to keep them crispy and warm without sogginess.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have panko bread crumbs, plain cracker crumbs or crushed cornflakes work well too. You can skip the parmesan cheese or substitute with another hard cheese like Pecorino Romano for similar tanginess. Try adding smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture if you want a spicy kick. If you prefer not to use milk, a dairy free alternative works fine for the egg wash.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Mac and Cheese Bites with marinara sauce for a classic pairing, or try ranch dressing for a cool tang. They also go well with BBQ sauce or spicy mayo if you want to mix it up. For a fun hearty combo, dunk them in a bowl of warm tomato soup. They make great appetizers, snacks, or even a side dish for dinner parties or casual get togethers.

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These Mac and Cheese Bites are an easy, crowd pleasing way to use up leftovers and are a hit with kids and adults alike. They reheat well from frozen and stay crispy when finished in the air fryer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ What size air fryer is best for these bites?

A 6-quart air fryer basket works well, allowing space to cook in batches without overcrowding for even crisping.

→ Can these bites be baked in the oven?

Yes, they can be baked as an alternative. Adjust cooking time accordingly, checking for a golden crust.

→ Is oil needed for cooking these bites?

No added oil is necessary. The air fryer crisps them up nicely with just the panko coating.

→ How do I ensure the bites hold together?

Using fully chilled mac and cheese helps maintain shape. Freezing them before breading and cooking is crucial.

→ What dipping sauces pair well with these bites?

Marinara, ranch, sriracha, BBQ sauce, or even tomato soup make great companions for these crunchy bites.