Crispy Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Bites

These Crispy Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Bites are a unique, yet familiar snack or appetizer idea.

Made with leftover macaroni and cheese coated in panko crumbs, these bites are air fried until they are crisp on the outside and cheesy on the inside.

What is a Mac and Cheese Bite?

A Mac and Cheese Bite is macaroni and cheese that has been shaped into bite-sized portions before being breaded and cooked (baked or fried) until crisp and golden on the outside.

I really like that this is an appetizer that is different from others.

Have you tried my Instant Pot Mac and Cheese?

That Instant Pot Mac and Cheese is a delicious and easy pressure cooker recipe for a creamy cheesy macaroni meal that can be made in about 10 minutes. This recipe for mac and cheese bites is the perfect way to use up the leftover macaroni and cheese from that pressure cooker recipe.

Garlic and herb panko bread crumbs are used in coating the macaroni and cheese in this recipe. You can find garlic and herb panko bread crumbs here.

Why we love air fryer mac and cheese balls.

This is the perfect way to use up leftover macaroni and cheese. Mac and cheese balls are not just easy to make, they are also tasty to eat!

Here is what else we like about this recipe.

• This recipe is made with simple ingredients that you may already have on hand.
• Air fry time is less than 10 minutes.
• The inside of these bites are creamy and cheesy like macaroni and cheese.
• Outside, these bites are crisp and crunchy.
• Personalizing this recipe is as easy as using a different kind of panko or adding some red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
• Mac and cheese bites taste great alone or when dipped into Easy Homemade Ketchup or Homemade Buttermilk Ranch Dressing and Dip.

Ingredients needed to make Mac and Cheese Balls in an Air Fryer.

• Macaroni and Cheese. Use leftover macaroni and cheese that has been refrigerated.
• Bacon. Your bacon should be cooked, cooled, and chopped into small pieces.
• Cheddar Cheese Shredded cheddar should be used.
• Mozzarella Cheese Also shredded.
• Eggs. Your eggs should be whisked.
• Panko Crumbs. Garlic and herb panko was used in making mine.

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Tips for making the best cheesy air fryer macaroni and cheese bites.

Your macaroni and cheese should be cold so that it will keep its shape when air fried. you need cold or leftover mac and cheese for this. If you need to make a fresh batch of macaroni and cheese it is a good idea to dd a cup of cheddar cheese while it is still hot and then let it cool completely for at least an hour before making this recipe.

More helpful tips for you.

1. Bacon is added for a nice flavor twist. Using premade bacon or bacon bits can make this easier for you too.
2. Cheddar and mozzarella cheeses are used in this recipe. Feel free to use the cheese(s) of your choice however, it should be shredded cheese to work in this recipe.
3. To scoop out the macaroni mixture you can use a large spoon or medium cookie scoop (two tablespoon).
4. This recipe uses a dredging station to coat the shrimp. I like to use shallow bowls to make it easier to quickly and efficiently do this step
5. When dredging a fork or dipping tool can come in handy for keeping the mac and cheese balls from falling into the bowl.
6. When placing your mac and cheese bites into your air fryer, leave room for the warm air to circulate. Depending on the size of your air fryer, this recipe may need to be made in batches.

How to make "Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Bites

Prep Time: 10 minutes .
Air Fry Time: 6-7 minutes .
Servings: 4 .

1. Combine. In a large bowl, combine together your cold macaroni and cheese along with the bacon pieces, and cheeses.
2. Form. Start by lining a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a mat. Use a large spoon or cookie scoop to scoop out a ball of the mixture, firmly roll it into a ball, and then place it on to prepared baking sheet. Repeat the process until the mixture is all used. Then place the baking sheet into your refrigerator and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
3. Dredge. In a shallow bowl, lightly whisk your eggs. Then, in another bowl, place your panko crumbs. Dip each of the refrigerated mac and cheese balls into the egg, making sure that it is completely coated, and then roll the coated ball in your panko crumbs and place it back on to the baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
4. Transfer. Transfer the coated bites to your air fryer basket, leaving space between each for the air to circulate. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to make this recipe in batches.
5. Air Fry. Air fry your mac and cheese bites at 375° for six minutes. Flip the bites over and continue to air fryer until gold brown and crisp (four to six minutes).
6. Serve. Allow the bite to cool for a few minutes before serving as they could be hot in the center. Then serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Expert Tip 👉 Lightly spraying the bites with oil or cooking spray before placing them into the air fryer can help make the outsides of the bites crisp.

How to store macaroni and cheese bites.

Once your mac and cheese bites have fully cooled that can be stored in an airtight container or foil. When properly stored, these bits should keep for up to a few days.

You may also be interested in these air fryer recipes as well.

• Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers
• Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets (from scratch)
• Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges
• Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
• Air Fryer Tater Tot Casserole
• Air Fryer Cornflake Chicken Tenders

Print the recipe for Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Bites

Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Bites, an easy appetizer or snack recipe made with breaded macaroni and cheese air fried until crisp.

Please see recipe post for further details on this recipe.