Air Fryer Mac Cheese Bites (Print Version)

Crispy air fried bites with panko crust and creamy mac and cheese filling, ready in under an hour.

# Ingredients You'll Need:

→ Macaroni and Cheese

01 - 4 cups leftover macaroni and cheese, fully chilled

→ Binding

02 - 2 large eggs
03 - 2 tablespoons whole milk

→ Coating

04 - 1 cup panko bread crumbs
05 - ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
06 - 1 teaspoon salt
07 - ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
08 - ½ teaspoon onion powder
09 - ½ teaspoon garlic powder

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper suitable for the freezer.
02 - Using a ½-inch cookie scoop, portion chilled macaroni and cheese and roll each into a compact ball. Place balls on the prepared baking sheet.
03 - Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer and freeze the balls for 30 minutes to firm.
04 - In a bowl, whisk together eggs and milk until homogenous and set aside.
05 - In a separate bowl, thoroughly mix panko bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder.
06 - Remove frozen balls, dip each into egg wash, then evenly coat with the breadcrumb mixture. Avoid overcrowding while preparing batches.
07 - Lightly spray a 6-quart air fryer basket with nonstick spray, preferably olive oil-based to prevent residue buildup.
08 - Arrange coated balls in a single layer in the basket, frying at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes until golden brown. Gently shake the basket halfway through cooking if bottoms brown too fast. Optionally, lightly spray the tops before finishing for enhanced crispness.
09 - Cook remaining mac and cheese bites in batches, maintaining spacing to ensure even crisping.
10 - Enjoy bites fresh and hot for optimal texture and flavor.

# Extra Tips & Details:

01 - Ensure leftover macaroni and cheese is thoroughly chilled with a thicker sauce to retain shape when rolled into balls.
02 - Air fryer basket size may require slight adjustments in cooking times.
03 - For best results, freeze coated bites before cooking and cook from frozen, adding extra cooking time if necessary.

Back