Transform that leftover mac and cheese into a delicious, handheld snack with these cheesy, crispy Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Bites! Place scoops of your cheesy pasta in a flavorful panko breading and air fry until golden for a snack or side dish that will please the whole family.
Table of Contents
🛒 Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Bites Ingredients
- Leftover Macaroni and Cheese
- Eggs
- Milk
- Panko
- Parmesan Cheese
- Salt
- Pepper
- Onion Powder
- Garlic Powder
*see recipe card for detailed amounts
How to Make Mac and Cheese Bites in the Air Fryer
- Using a ½ inch cookie scoop, scoop out spoonfuls of mac and cheese and roll each one into a ball. Place the balls on a parchment-lined tray and set them in the freezer for 30 minutes.
- Whisk together eggs and milk. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, stir together panko, parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder.
- Place the panko crumb mixture next to the air fryer and the egg mixture next to the crumb mixture. Once the bites are frozen, place the tray of mac and cheese bites next to the egg mixture.
- Dip each mac and cheese ball in the egg mixture, roll it in the panko mixture, then place it in the air fryer.
- Bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until golden.
Helpful Notes:
- Using cold, leftover mac and cheese will give you the best result. It’ll be easier to roll and stay together in a ball.
- Chop up bacon and add it to the mac and cheese for a smoky twist.
- You don’t want to overcrowd the air fryer basket, so you may want to cook these mac and cheese bites in batches.
Storage and Reheating Instructions:
These mac and cheese bites are absolutely delicious the next day as a snack or easy lunch!
IN THE FRIDGE: Store in an air-tight container in the fridge for 3 days.
IN THE FREEZER: Wrap well and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
REHEATING INSTRUCTIONS: To reheat, place these mac and cheese bites in the air fryer at 350°F for 5 minutes or until warm. If reheating from frozen, add a couple of minutes.
FAQS
I recommend using day-old mac and cheese, as the mac and cheese balls will stay together better. When choosing mac and cheese for this recipe, it’s best to find one with a sauce that will thicken as it cools.
Yes, but these bites are best fresh out of the air fryer. I recommend you finish coating the mac and cheese bites with the egg and panko mixture, then put them in the freezer. Then, cook them from frozen for a few extra minutes when you’re ready to eat!
Substitute parmesan cheese for cheddar, swiss, or any of your favorite melty cheeses.
Try Some of My Other Favorite Snack Air Fryer Recipes
EQUIPMENT
- Air Fryer
- Mixing Bowls
- Parchment Paper
- Baking Tray
INGREDIENTS
- 4 cups leftover mac and cheese, refrigerated
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 cup panko
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
INSTRUCTIONS
- Using a ½ inch cookie scoop, scoop out spoonfuls of mac and cheese and roll each one into a ball. Place the balls on a parchment-lined tray and set them in the freezer for 30 minutes.
- Whisk together eggs and milk. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, stir together panko, parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder.
- Place the panko crumb mixture next to the air fryer and the egg mixture next to the crumb mixture. Once the bites are frozen, place the tray of mac and cheese bites next to the egg mixture.
- Dip each mac and cheese ball in the egg mixture, roll it in the panko mixture, then place it in the air fryer.
- Bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until golden.
NOTES
- Using cold, leftover mac and cheese will give you the best result. It’ll be easier to roll and stay together in a ball.
- Chop up bacon and add it to the mac and cheese for a smoky twist.
- You don’t want to overcrowd the air fryer basket, so you may want to cook these mac and cheese bites in batches.
