This mac and cheese bites air fryer recipe is really a game-changer for all mac and cheese lovers out there.
These little balls of goodness are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, making them the perfect snack or appetizer. And the best part? They’re super easy to make!
In this recipe, we take classic mac and cheese and transform it into delicious finger food.
Try these amazing mac and cheese bites in air fryer and you won’t be disappointed! They are really good.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
It’s easy to make: With just a few ingredients and simple steps, anyone can make these air fried mac and cheese bites.
The recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly, making it perfect for those who are new to cooking or air frying.
It’s a crowd-pleaser: Whether you’re hosting a party, game night, or potluck, these mac and cheese balls are sure to impress.
They’re a fun and unique finger food that everyone will love. And with the variety of dipping sauces and flavor variations, there’s something for everyone.
It’s healthier than traditional fried snacks: Air frying is a healthier alternative to deep frying. It uses less oil and results in a crispy exterior without the added fat and calories.
👨🍳 Air Fryer Mac And Cheese Bites Ingredients
To make these delicious air fryer mac and cheese balls you will need:
- 2 cups Mac And Cheese (cooked)
- 2 Eggs (large)
- 1 cup Italian Bread Crumbs
- 1/4 teaspoons Salt
- 3/4 teaspoons Garlic Powder
- 1/2 teaspoons Parsley (dried)
- 1/2 teaspoons Smoked paprika
✨ Mac And Cheese Bites Air Fryer Recipe
Follow this easy mac and cheese balls air fryer recipe:
Step 1
Scoop out the mac and cheese (I used a cookie scoop) and roll it into a small ball. Place all pieces on parchment paper, and then place in the freezer for about 40 minutes.
Step 2
Mix the breadcrumbs and seasonings in a small bowl.Then, in another bowl- beat the eggs.
Step 3
Remove the mac and cheese balls from the freezer, and roll them in the egg mixture. Then, dip them into the breadcrumbs- making sure they are evenly coated.
Step 4
Preheat your air fryer to 360F (180C). Once hot, place the bites in the air fryer basket and spray with cooking oil (I like to use olive oil cooking spray).
Air fry for 5-6 minutes, then flip them and cook for 3-4 more minutes until golden.
Step 5
Remove from the air fryer and serve with your favorite dipping sauce. That’s it! Enjoy these easy and delicious air fryer mac and cheese bites!
🟢 More Air Fryer Recipes
If you liked my mac n cheese bites air fryer recipe, make sure to check out these easy recipes too:
- Air Fryer Pumpkin Fritters
- Air Fryer Panko Chicken
- Air Fryer Chicken & Shrimp Alfredo
- Air Fryer Sugar Cookies
💡 Important Tips
Here are my top tips for making the best air fry mac and cheese bites:
1. Freeze The Mac and Cheese Balls
Freezing the mac and cheese balls before air frying is a very important step.
Freezing helps the mac and cheese balls hold their shape during cooking and prevents them from falling apart.
It also helps the coating adhere to the balls better, resulting in a crispy texture.
Make sure to freeze the mac and cheese balls for at least 30 minutes, but no more than an hour. This will ensure they are firm but not completely frozen.
2. Season the Bread Crumbs
Seasoning the bread crumbs adds extra flavor and depth to the mac and cheese bites. The mac and cheese bites air fryer recipe calls for Italian bread crumbs, but you can also use plain bread crumbs and add your own seasonings.
In addition to the garlic powder and parsley called for in the recipe, you could also add dried basil, oregano, or thyme.
3. Add Some Heat
You can add some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the mac and cheese mixture before rolling it into balls.
This will give the bites a spicy kick and add some complexity to the dish.
Or, you can sprinkle some hot sauce or chili powder on the finished mac and cheese bites before serving.
4. Add Bacon
To make these air fried mac and cheese balls extra tasty, you can add some protein to the mac and cheese mixture. You can mix in some cooked and crumbled bacon, diced ham, or shredded chicken.
5. Add Some Crunch
To add even more crunch to your air fryer mac and cheese balls, you can add some chopped nuts to the bread crumb coating.
Pecans or almonds work well and add a nice texture contrast to the creamy mac and cheese.
You can also add some crispy bacon bits or crushed croutons to the coating for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
✔️ Variations
1. Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Bites: For a spicy twist, mix in some cooked and shredded chicken to the mac and cheese mixture.
Then, add a few tablespoons of buffalo sauce to the egg mixture before dipping the mac and cheese balls in the breadcrumbs.
Air fry as directed and serve with ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
2. Air Fryer Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese Bites: Add cooked and chopped broccoli florets to the mac and cheese mixture for a healthy and delicious variation.
3. Air Fryer Taco Mac and Cheese Bites: Mix in some cooked and seasoned ground beef to the mac and cheese mixture for a taco-inspired twist.
Add some crushed tortilla chips to the breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy coating. Serve with sour cream and salsa for dipping.
4. Air Fryer Pizza Mac and Cheese Bites: Add diced pepperoni, sliced black olives, and chopped green bell pepper to the mac and cheese mixture for a pizza-inspired variation.
Use Italian seasoned breadcrumbs and sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the bites before air frying. Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
5. Air Fryer Lobster Mac and Cheese Bites: Mix in cooked and chopped lobster meat to the mac and cheese mixture.
Use panko breadcrumbs for the coating and sprinkle some smoked paprika on top of the bites before air frying. Serve with a side of lemon aioli for dipping.
6. Air Fryer Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese Bites: Add cooked and sliced steak, sauteed onions, and green bell peppers to the mac and cheese mixture for a Philly cheesesteak-inspired twist.
↩️ Ingredient Substitutions
Italian Bread Crumbs – If you don’t have Italian bread crumbs, you can use plain bread crumbs and add your own Italian seasoning blend.
To make it, mix together dried basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and garlic powder.
Garlic Powder – If you don’t have garlic powder, you can substitute minced garlic cloves.
Parsley (dried) – If you don’t have dried parsley, you can use fresh parsley.
Smoked Paprika – You can use regular paprika or chili powder.
🎉 How To Reheat
To reheat the air fried mac and cheese balls, you can use either an air fryer or an oven.
To reheat in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350F (175C) and place the bites in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
To reheat in an oven, preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and place the bites on a baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
👍 Best Dipping Sauces
Marinara Sauce – The classic marinara sauce is an excellent choice for dipping these crispy air fryer mac and cheese bites.
Ranch Dressing – Another classic dipping sauce that pairs well with air fryer mac and cheese balls is ranch dressing.
The creamy and tangy dressing’s cool and refreshing flavor balances the bites’ richness.
Sriracha Mayo – If you’re a fan of spicy food, then you’ll love this sauce. Combine sriracha sauce with mayonnaise to create a creamy and spicy dipping sauce that will add a fiery kick to your air fried mac and cheese bites.
Garlic Aioli – This creamy and garlicky sauce is made with mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil.
The rich and tangy flavor of the aioli complements the air fryer mac and cheese bites perfectly.
Barbecue Sauce – If you prefer a smoky and sweet flavor, then barbecue sauce is the perfect dipping sauce for you.
Honey Mustard – For a sweeter dipping sauce, honey mustard is an excellent option. The combination of honey and mustard creates a sweet and tangy flavor that balances the richness of the mac and cheese bites.
👑 Best Mac & Cheese For This Recipe
For the ultimate air fryer mac and cheese bites, the best mac and cheese to use is one that’s rich, creamy, and flavorful.
A classic homemade mac and cheese recipe using a blend of sharp cheddar, Colby Jack, and Gruyere will create the perfect base for these scrumptious bites.
The sharp cheddar provides a tangy kick, while the Colby Jack adds a delightful melty texture, and the Gruyere brings an earthy depth to the dish.
However, if you’re short on time or prefer a store-bought option, there’s no shame in using a high-quality boxed mac and cheese. Look for one with a creamy cheese sauce, rather than a powder, for optimal results.
Some brands offer a deluxe version with a blend of cheeses that will work wonderfully for these air fried mac and cheese balls.
👪 FAQ
What are some other ingredients I can add to air fryer mac and cheese bites?
You can add a variety of other ingredients to this mac and cheese bites air fryer recipe to change the flavor. Some great additions include:
- Bacon
- Ham
- Chicken
- Vegetables (such as broccoli, carrots, or zucchini)
- Cheese (such as cheddar, Parmesan, or Gruyère)
- Spices (garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika)
How do I store Air Fryer Mac And Cheese Bites?
Air fryer mac and cheese balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat them, simply place them in the air fryer or oven for a few minutes, or until heated through.
I hope you liked my mac n cheese balls air fryer recipe. I like this dish so much, it’s the perfect thing to have as a snack or even an appetizer.
If you have any questions about how to air fry mac and cheese bites- feel free to ask. I’ll be happy to help you out! Also, don’t forget to check out other air fryer recipes on my website.
Air Fryer Mac And Cheese Bites
- 2 cups Mac And Cheese (cooked)
- 2 Eggs (large)
- 1 cup Italian Bread Crumbs
- 1/4 teaspoons Salt
- 3/4 teaspoons Garlic Powder
- 1/2 teaspoons Parsley (dried)
- 1/2 teaspoons Smoked Paprika
- Scoop out the mac and cheese (I used a cookie scoop) and roll it into a small ball. Place all pieces on parchment paper, and then place in the freezer for about 40 minutes.
- Mix the breadcrumbs and seasonings in a small bowl.Then, in another bowl- beat the eggs.
- Remove the mac and cheese balls from the freezer, and roll them in the egg mixture. Then, dip them into the breadcrumbs- making sure they are evenly coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 360F (180C). Once hot, place the bites in the air fryer basket and spray with cooking oil (I like to use olive oil cooking spray).Air fry for 5-6 minutes, then flip them and cook for 3-4 more minutes until golden.
- Remove the bites from the air fryer and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
What a great idea! Thank you