I’m just a mom who loves whipping up fun snacks for my family. You know those moments when you have leftover macaroni and cheese, and you’re wondering what to do with it? Well, I stumbled upon the perfect solution – Air Fried Mac & Cheese Bites! They’re a hit at our gatherings, and I promise your family will love them too.
The first time I made these bites was for a family get-together. As usual, I had some mac and cheese left over from dinner the night before. Instead of reheating it in the microwave (which never seems to turn out quite right), I decided to experiment a little. I figured why not try something new? So, into the air fryer they went, and oh my goodness, they were delicious!
What’s great about this recipe is how simple it is. We all lead busy lives, so finding a quick yet tasty snack can be a game-changer. Plus, these bites are fun to make! The kids even enjoy helping out, especially when it comes to rolling the macaroni balls in breadcrumbs. It’s like our own little assembly line of deliciousness.
If you’re anything like me, you might sometimes wonder if these creative ideas will work out. Let me tell you – this one definitely does. These mac and cheese bites are crispy on the outside while staying gooey on the inside. They’re perfect for dipping in your favorite sauces, and they disappear fast once they hit the table.
Whether you’re planning a casual hangout or need a snack for movie night, these Air Fried Mac & Cheese Bites are sure to please everyone. Give them a try; I bet they’ll become a staple in your home too!
How to Make Air Fried Mac & Cheese Bites
Click here to get printable version
Ingredients:
- 4 cups macaroni and cheese (leftover mac and cheese works great!)
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Directions:
- Scoop out portions of chilled mac and cheese using a ½ inch cookie scoop. Roll each into a ball and place on a parchment-lined tray.
- Freeze the mac and cheese balls for 30 minutes until firm.
- In one bowl, whisk together eggs and milk. In another bowl, combine panko crumbs, parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Create a dredging station by placing both bowls near your air fryer.
- Dip each frozen mac and cheese ball into the egg mixture first, then roll it thoroughly in the panko mixture.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the coated balls in the air fryer basket without crowding them.
- Cook for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping!
No Parmesan? Try These Alternatives
If you’re out of parmesan or just looking for something different, try using Romano or Asiago cheese instead. For a different flavor twist altogether, cheddar or gouda can be fantastic substitutes as well.
The Best Accompaniments for Mac & Cheese Bites
Serve these delightful bites with marinara sauce or ranch dressing on the side for dipping. Pair them with a light salad or some fresh veggies to balance out the richness of the bites.
Seasonal Twists for Mac & Cheese Bites
Add finely chopped seasonal herbs like chives or parsley in spring, or incorporate roasted pumpkin puree into the mix during fall for extra flavor. In summer, serve alongside fresh corn salad for a refreshing combo.
Secrets to Perfecting Your Mac & Cheese Bites
Ensure your mac and cheese is cold before shaping into balls; this helps them hold their shape better. When coating with breadcrumbs, press gently but firmly so that they adhere well. Always preheat your air fryer for an even cook.
The Best Way to Store Your Mac & Cheese Bites Safely
If you have leftovers (unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes until warmed through; they’ll stay nice and crisp!
FAQ Section:
Can I use gluten-free breadcrumbs?
Certainly! Gluten-free panko breadcrumbs work just as well in this recipe if you’re avoiding gluten. They provide that same satisfying crunch without compromising on flavor or texture.
What can I use instead of an air fryer?
If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake these bites in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes or until they’re golden brown. Remember to flip them halfway through cooking for an even crispness!
Is it possible to make these ahead of time?
You bet! Prepare them up to step four (just before frying) and freeze them until ready to cook. This makes it easy to pull out as many as needed without any hassle when you’re hosting guests or just want a quick snack.
Are there any dairy-free alternatives?
You can substitute dairy-free cheese options for both macaroni and parmesan if you’re looking to cut out dairy. Almond milk or any preferred plant-based milk works well instead of regular milk in this recipe too!
How do I prevent them from falling apart?
The key here is making sure the mac and cheese is thoroughly chilled before forming into balls; freezing solidifies them more securely too. Also, avoid overcrowding your air fryer basket so they have room to cook evenly without breaking apart.
Can I add other ingredients?
This recipe is quite flexible! Consider adding cooked bacon bits or jalapeños into your mac and cheese mixture prior to forming balls if you’d like additional flavors infused directly within each bite.
Air Fried Mac & Cheese Bites
Ingredients
- 4 cups macaroni and cheese leftover mac and cheese works great
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Use a ½-inch cookie scoop to portion out chilled macaroni and cheese. Form each portion into a ball and place on a parchment-lined tray. Freeze for 30 minutes.
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs. In another bowl, mix the panko bread crumbs, shredded parmesan, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Create a dredging station with the egg mixture and the panko mixture. Dip each frozen mac and cheese ball in the egg, then coat with the panko mixture.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Cook the mac and cheese bites in batches for 10-15 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
- Serve the bites with marinara sauce for dipping.