Air Fryer Mac Cheese Bites (Printer-Friendly)
Crunchy mac and cheese bites air fried to golden perfection, creamy inside with a crispy coating.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Main
01 -
4 cups leftover macaroni and cheese, fully chilled
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 table salt
07 -
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
08 -
½ teaspoon onion powder
09 -
½ teaspoon garlic powder
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper to fit inside the freezer.
02 -
Using a half-inch cookie scoop, portion chilled macaroni and cheese and roll each into a ball. Arrange on the prepared baking sheet.
03 -
Place the baking sheet with mac and cheese balls in the freezer for 30 minutes to firm up.
04 -
In a bowl, whisk together 2 eggs and 2 tablespoons milk until combined. Set aside.
05 -
In a separate bowl, blend 1 cup panko, ½ cup Parmesan, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder.
06 -
Spray a 6-quart air fryer basket lightly with nonstick cooking spray. Dip each frozen mac and cheese ball in egg wash, then roll in panko mixture. Place balls in the basket without overcrowding. Work in batches as needed.
07 -
Cook at 350°F (177°C) for 10 to 15 minutes until golden and crispy. Shake basket gently if bottoms brown too quickly. Optionally, spray bites with cooking spray for extra browning.
08 -
Repeat coating and cooking with remaining balls. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
# Helpful Hints:
01 -
Ensure macaroni and cheese is fully chilled to maintain ball shape during frying.
02 -
If using fresh mac and cheese, allow it to thicken well before forming balls.
03 -
These bites freeze well after breading; cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.