Crispy Fried Mac and Cheese Bites (Air Fryer)

5.0 from 4 votes

Mac and cheese bites (or balls) in the air fryer are a delightful twist on a classic comfort food. I’ve discovered that these crispy, golden cheesy balls are not only easy to make but also a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack. 

Air frying mac and cheese bites creates a crunchy exterior while maintaining a creamy, gooey center, all with less oil than traditional deep frying.

I start by forming cold leftover mac and cheese into small balls, then freezing them briefly to hold their shape. After coating them in a crushed corn flakes mixture, I pop them into my preheated air fryer. In just minutes, they transform into irresistible bites that are perfect for parties or as a quick snack.

The air fryer’s efficiency means you can enjoy these treats with minimal guilt. They’re a hit with both kids and adults, and I love experimenting with different cheese blends and seasonings to create unique flavors.

Why You Are Going To Love This Recipe

• These crispy bites are incredibly easy to make. Using leftover or pre-made mac and cheese saves time and effort in the kitchen.

• The air fryer gives these balls a perfectly golden, crunchy exterior while keeping the inside creamy and cheesy. It’s a healthier alternative to deep frying.

• You can customize the flavors to suit your taste. Try adding bacon bits, herbs, or different cheese blends for variety.

• Clean-up is a breeze with the air fryer. No messy oil splatters to deal with after cooking.

• These mac and cheese balls are versatile. Serve them as a party snack, appetizer, or even as a fun side dish for dinner.

• They’re kid-friendly too. Little ones will love the crispy texture and familiar mac and cheese flavor.

• Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for a few days, making them great for meal prep or quick snacks.

Ingredients

• 4 cups leftover mac and cheese
• 3 large eggs
• 6 cups corn flakes – If you don’t have corn flakes, you can substitute with panko breadcrumbs for a different texture
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 5 ounces cheddar cheese, cut into cubes – Use high-quality cheddar for the best melting effect. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or Gouda

How to Make Mac and Cheese Bites

Prepare the Corn Flakes

Begin by placing the corn flakes in a food processor. Pulse until the corn flakes are finely processed to a texture appropriate for breading. Once processed, transfer the corn flakes to a shallow dish and set aside.

Prepare the Egg Mixture

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk the eggs thoroughly. Add the garlic powder and onion powder to the eggs, continuing to whisk until well combined.

Form the Balls

Using your hands, take a small portion of the leftover macaroni and cheese and shape it into a ball. Press a cube of cheddar cheese into the center of each ball, ensuring the cheese is completely enclosed by reshaping the ball around it.

Coat the Balls

Dip each mac and cheese ball into the prepared egg mixture, making sure it is fully coated. Then, roll the ball in the finely processed corn flakes, ensuring it is completely covered with the breading.

Freeze the Balls

Freezing mac and cheese balls before air frying is a crucial step for achieving the perfect texture. I recommend freezing the formed balls for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour before cooking. This helps them hold their shape and prevents them from falling apart in the air fryer.

To freeze, I place the formed mac and cheese balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. I make sure they’re not touching each other to prevent sticking. Then I pop them in the freezer until they’re firm.

Air Fry the Balls

Arrange the coated balls in the basket of the air fryer. Ensure that the balls are not touching each other to allow even cooking. Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 12 minutes. Turn the balls halfway through the cooking time to ensure they are evenly browned and crispy.

Once cooked, serve the mac and cheese bites immediately. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces, such as marinara or ranch, for an enhanced flavor experience. Enjoy!

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can bake these in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, turning them halfway through.

Serving and Dipping Sauces for Mac n Cheese Bites

I recommend serving air fryer mac and cheese balls while they’re still warm for the best taste and texture. A cooling rack can help maintain their crispiness.

For dipping sauces, I find ranch dressing pairs exceptionally well with these cheesy bites. Its creamy tanginess complements the rich mac and cheese flavor.

BBQ sauce is another tasty option. The sweet and smoky notes create an interesting contrast with the cheese. I like to offer both mild and spicy BBQ varieties.

Here are some other dipping sauce ideas I enjoy:

• Marinara sauce
• Buffalo sauce
• Honey mustard
• Garlic aioli

I suggest serving the sauces in small ramekins alongside the mac and cheese balls. This allows guests to try different combinations.

For presentation, I arrange the balls on a platter with fresh herbs like parsley or chives sprinkled on top. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan can add extra flavor too.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I prevent my mac and cheese balls from falling apart in the air fryer?

I recommend freezing the formed mac and cheese balls for at least 30 minutes before breading and cooking. This helps them hold their shape better. I also suggest if you are using breadcrumbs using a double-breading technique, dipping the balls in egg wash and breadcrumbs twice for a sturdier coating.

What is the optimal cooking time for mac and cheese bites in an air fryer?

The ideal cooking time is typically 10-12 minutes at 375F or 7-9 minutes at 380°F (193°C). I find that flipping the balls halfway through cooking ensures even browning. Keep an eye on them, as cooking times may vary slightly depending on the size of your balls and the specific air fryer model.

Is it possible to make mac and cheese balls in an air fryer without using eggs?

It is possible to make eggless mac and cheese balls. I recommend using a mixture of milk and flour as a binding agent instead of eggs. You can also try using vegan egg substitutes or a flax egg (ground flaxseed mixed with water) for coating.

What are some tips for achieving the best results when making mac and cheese balls in an air fryer?

I suggest using cold, leftover mac and cheese for easier shaping. Spraying the balls lightly with cooking oil before air frying helps achieve a golden-brown exterior. I also recommend not overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation.

How do you heat up already prepared mac and cheese in an air fryer without compromising its texture?

To reheat mac and cheese in an air fryer, I place it in a heat-safe dish that fits in the air fryer basket. I set the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring halfway through. Adding a splash of milk helps maintain creaminess.