Mac and Cheese Bites
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Air Fried Mac and Cheese Bites are the snack you didn’t know you needed but can’t live without. Got leftover mac and cheese? Perfect. These crispy, cheesy little gems turn last night’s dinner into today’s party MVP. They’re crunchy, gooey, and ridiculously easy to make—basically everything an appetizer should be.
Try serving this easy appetizer with dipping sauce, a quick side salad, or go all in with some tater tots!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Leftover Magic: Transform boring leftover mac and cheese into crispy, gooey, snackable bites. Waste not, want not!
- Party Perfect: These bites are an instant crowd-pleaser, making them ideal for game days, gatherings, or any party spread.
- Kid-Friendly: Picky eaters love anything bite-sized and cheesy. These are sure to be a hit!
- Easy Prep: Minimal ingredients and effort, especially if you already have leftover mac and cheese.
Who knew leftover mac and cheese could turn into pure snack magic? These Air Fryer mac n cheese bites are crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and dangerously delicious. Perfect for game day, movie night, or when you’re just feeling fancy with your leftovers!
Got 20 minutes and a craving for something amazing? This recipe has you covered. With a quick coat of breadcrumbs and a spin in the air fryer, you’ll have golden, cheesy bites that’ll disappear faster than you can say “pass the dip!”
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making air fried macaroni and cheese bites is as easy as gathering a few simple ingredients you probably already have on hand. These bites are proof that leftover magic is real and oh-so-delicious! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Leftover Macaroni and Cheese: Homemade works best since it’s usually a bit thicker and easier to form into bites. Boxed works in a pinch, but you may need to chill it first to firm up.
- Eggs: These are the glue that holds everything together, making sure your bread crumbs stick perfectly to each bite.
- Bread Crumbs: Regular or panko will work, but panko gives that extra crunch factor. Go for seasoned bread crumbs if you want an extra flavor boost.
- Seasonings: Italian seasoning, salt, and garlic powder are the perfect trio to elevate the flavor of your breading. Adjust to taste if you’re feeling bold!
- Sauce for Dipping: Whether it’s marinara, ranch, or honey mustard, don’t skip the dip. It’s the finishing touch that makes these bites irresistible.
With just a handful of ingredients, you can turn leftovers into a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack. So, gather your mac and cheese and get ready to impress!
Variations and Substitutions
These swaps and upgrades make it easy to customize these mac and cheese balls recipe to your taste or dietary needs while keeping it delicious!
- Cheese Lovers Unite: Mix in shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or even pepper jack into the macaroni before shaping for an extra cheesy kick.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne, smoked paprika, or chili powder to the breadcrumb mixture for a subtle heat.
- Breadcrumb Alternatives: Try crushed crackers, panko, or even crushed tortilla chips for a fun twist on the coating.
- Herb Infusion: Add dried Italian seasoning, parsley, or rosemary to the breadcrumb mix for a pop of flavor.
Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Bites
There’s something magical about crispy, golden air fryer macaroni and cheese! Perfect for snacks, parties, or indulgent cravings, these air fryer mac and cheese balls are a hit every time. Here’s a quick overview to get you started:
- Chill and shape: Chill your macaroni and cheese until firm (2 hours or overnight), scoop into balls, and freeze for 1 hour.
- Prep the coating: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Set up a coating station with beaten eggs in one bowl and a breadcrumb mixture in another.
- Coat and cook: Dip each frozen ball in eggs, coat with breadcrumbs, and air fry in a single layer for 9-12 minutes, turning halfway through.
Golden and crispy perfection is just minutes away! Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce and watch them disappear.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storage:
- Store any leftover mac and cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the cooked balls. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
- From the Refrigerator: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until warmed through and crispy.
- From Frozen: No need to thaw! Pop them straight into the air fryer at 350°F for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy. The air fryer is the best way to bring back that crispy, golden texture.
Enjoy these bites as good as new anytime you’re craving cheesy goodness!
Tips for Success:
Chill Thoroughly: Make sure the macaroni and cheese is well chilled—2 hours to overnight. This helps the mixture firm up, making it easier to shape into balls that hold their shape during cooking.
Don’t Skip the Freeze: Freezing the shaped balls for at least an hour is key to preventing them from falling apart when coating or air frying.
Even Coating is Key: Use one hand for dipping in the egg and the other for the breadcrumb mixture to keep things neat and ensure every ball gets a thorough coating.
Space Them Out: Arrange the balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving enough space for air to circulate. This ensures they cook evenly and get perfectly crispy.
Mist, Don’t Drench: A light spray of cooking oil on the coated balls helps them turn golden brown without making them soggy.
Turn for Even Crispiness: Flip the balls halfway through cooking to ensure all sides are evenly browned.
Customize the Seasoning: Adjust the breadcrumb mixture with spices or herbs to suit your taste—paprika, Parmesan, or Italian seasoning are great options!
Recipe FAQs
Technically, yes. However we recommend using homemade macaroni and cheese for this recipe.
Freezing helps the balls hold their shape during the coating and cooking process. Skipping this step might result in them falling apart.
If it’s too sticky, try adding a little extra shredded cheese or breadcrumbs to the mixture to firm it up before shaping.
Yes! Preheat your oven to 400°F and bake the coated balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through.
Make sure to mist them lightly with cooking spray before air frying, and don’t overcrowd the basket. Proper spacing allows the air to circulate for maximum crispiness.
Definitely! You can shape and freeze the balls in advance. When you’re ready to cook, go straight from the freezer to the air fryer.
More Air Fryer Recipes to Try
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Air Fried Mac and Cheese Bites
Ingredients
- 1 cup macaroni and cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Chill your macaroni and cheese for at least one hour, overnight is best, making it easier to shape. Scoop 1 to 2-inch balls of the chilled mixture and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze the balls for 1 hour to help them hold their shape.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) following the manufacturer’s instructions. While it heats, prepare a breading station:
- Place the egg in a small bowl and whisk.
- In a second shallow dish, mix bread crumbs, salt, and garlic powder.
- Remove the frozen macaroni and cheese balls from the freezer. Dip each ball into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help the coating stick.
- Arrange the coated balls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each one. Mist the balls lightly with cooking spray to enhance crispiness.
- Cook the balls at 350°F for 9-12 minutes, turning them once halfway through. They’re done when golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce or enjoy them on their own! These cheesy bites are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Nutrition
The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.
