Description
These Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Bites are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, perfect as a delicious snack or appetizer. Using leftover macaroni and cheese, they are coated in a flavorful panko and parmesan crust, then air fried to golden perfection in just minutes.
Ingredients
Mac and Cheese Bites
- 4 cups leftover macaroni and cheese (fully cooled)
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
Coating
- 1 cup Panko bread crumbs
- ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheet and Freeze: Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper. Using a ½ inch cookie scoop, portion out individual scoops of the chilled macaroni and cheese and roll each into a ball. Place the balls on the prepared sheet and freeze for 30 minutes.
- Make Egg Wash: In a bowl, whisk together 2 eggs and 2 tablespoons milk. Set aside.
- Prepare Coating Mixture: In another bowl, combine 1 cup Panko bread crumbs, ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder. Mix well.
- Coat the Bites: Once frozen, dip each mac and cheese ball into the egg wash, then roll thoroughly in the panko mixture until fully coated. Place each coated bite carefully into a sprayed 6-quart (or larger) air fryer basket, taking care not to overcrowd. Work in batches as needed. Allow remaining coated bites to rest on parchment to avoid melting.
- Air Fry: Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown. No need to preheat the air fryer. Shake the basket gently midway if the bottoms seem too dark, and optionally spray tops with cooking spray for extra browning.
- Repeat and Serve: Continue cooking the remaining batches until all bites are done. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Notes
- Use fully cooled leftover mac and cheese for best shaping results.
- Freezing the bites before coating helps maintain their shape during cooking.
- Adjust air frying time according to your specific air fryer model as times may vary.
- Spraying the basket and optionally the tops with olive oil spray prevents sticking and promotes even browning.
- These bites make a perfect snack or party appetizer.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
