Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Bites Recipe

Learn how to make these homemade, crispy air fryer mac and cheese bites with a golden crunchy coating and gooey cheesy center. The best easy baking recipe for game day appetizers or kid-friendly snacks that delivers all the comfort food flavor with less oil than traditional frying methods.

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

45 mins

Cook Time:

10 mins

Serves:

24 bites

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">200g elbow macaroni pasta</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30g unsalted butter</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">25g all-purpose flour</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">240ml whole milk</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">120g sharp cheddar cheese, grated</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60g mozzarella cheese, grated</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30g parmesan cheese, finely grated</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp mustard powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp garlic powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp onion powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp paprika</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Salt and pepper to taste</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 large eggs</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">100g panko breadcrumbs</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30g all-purpose flour (for dredging)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Cooking spray</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Air fryer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Medium baking tray</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Ice cream scoop or cookie scoop</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Parchment paper</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Plastic wrap</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Cook the macaroni pasta in salted water according to package instructions until just al dente (about 1 minute less than the recommended time). It's important not to overcook the pasta as it will continue to soften slightly when mixed with the hot cheese sauce. Drain well and set aside.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux (this cooking process eliminates the raw flour taste while creating a thickening base for your cheese sauce).</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 3-4 minutes.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Reduce heat to low and add the cheddar, mozzarella, and half of the parmesan cheese, stirring until completely melted and smooth. The combination of cheeses creates the perfect balance of flavor and stretchiness. Add the mustard powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring all pasta is evenly coated. Transfer the mac and cheese to a shallow baking dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. This chilling step is crucial as it allows the mixture to firm up, making it much easier to form into bites.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Once chilled and firm, line a baking tray with parchment paper. Using an ice cream scoop or tablespoon, scoop out approximately 2 tablespoon portions of the mac and cheese mixture and roll into balls with your hands. The cold mixture might crumble slightly, but press it firmly together to form compact balls.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour seasoned with a pinch of salt and pepper, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with the remaining parmesan cheese. The parmesan adds extra flavor to the coating.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Working with one ball at a time, dredge in flour, shaking off excess, then dip in egg, allowing excess to drip off, and finally coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Place the coated balls on the prepared baking tray. Once all bites are breaded, place the tray in the freezer for 20 minutes. This brief freezing helps the coating stick during air frying.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Preheat your air fryer to 190°C. Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding (which would prevent proper crisping), arrange the mac and cheese balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>Spray the tops of the balls lightly with cooking spray (this helps achieve that golden-brown color). Air fry for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and crispy on the outside. The exact time may vary depending on your air fryer model, so check after 7 minutes.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 11</h4>Carefully remove the bites from the air fryer and let them rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. This brief resting period allows the molten cheese inside to cool slightly while maintaining that perfect gooey texture. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce like marinara, ranch dressing, or sriracha mayo. Enjoy!</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Bites Recipe?

These crispy bites require elbow macaroni, butter, flour, milk, three cheeses (cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan), seasonings (mustard powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika), eggs, and panko breadcrumbs. The air fryer method creates the perfect crunchy exterior with minimal oil.

How to cook Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Bites Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Bites by first preparing a creamy mac and cheese, chilling it thoroughly, then forming into balls. Coat each ball in flour, egg and seasoned panko breadcrumbs before air frying at 190°C for 8-10 minutes until golden. The result is perfectly crispy outside with a gooey, cheesy interior that stretches when pulled apart.

How can I prevent my mac and cheese bites from falling apart during cooking?

Thorough chilling is crucial—refrigerate the mac and cheese for at least 2 hours or overnight. Freezing the formed and breaded balls for 20 minutes before air frying helps them hold shape. Ensure your cheese sauce is thick enough and don't skip the flour in your breading station.

Can I make these cheesy bites ahead of time for a party?

Yes! Make and bread the bites up to 48 hours in advance, storing them in the freezer on a parchment-lined tray. When ready to serve, air fry them directly from frozen, adding just 2-3 minutes to the cooking time. They're perfect for entertaining as they can be prepared in stages.

What are the best dipping sauces to serve with air-fried mac and cheese balls?

These crispy, cheesy bites pair wonderfully with sriracha mayo, marinara sauce, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, or honey mustard. For something special, try a jalapeño jelly glaze or truffle aioli. A tangy sauce balances the rich, creamy interior for the perfect flavour combination.

Want to try something else in ...