Mac And Cheese Bites: Air Fryer Cooking Time

Mac and cheese bites are a delicious snack that can be made in an air fryer. The bites are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. The bites can be made with leftover mac and cheese or with a boxed mix. The bites are rolled into balls and coated in breadcrumbs before being cooked in the air fryer for around 10 minutes.

How to make mac and cheese balls

Ingredients:

• Leftover mac and cheese
• Eggs
• Breadcrumbs
• Seasonings (e.g. garlic powder, dried parsley, paprika, salt)
• Cooking spray
• Dipping sauces (optional)

Utensils:

• Air fryer
• Cookie scoop or ice cream scoop
• Bowls
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheet (optional)

Method:

Mac and cheese balls are a great way to use up leftover mac and cheese. You can make these bites in an air fryer for a healthier, less messy alternative to deep-frying.

Start by taking your leftover mac and cheese and rolling it into balls using a cookie scoop or your hands. Aim for a size of around 1.5–2 tablespoons or 1/4 cup per ball. Place the mac and cheese balls on a piece of parchment paper and put them in the freezer for 30 minutes to an hour to chill.

While the mac and cheese balls are chilling, prepare your dredging station. Beat some eggs in one bowl and, in a separate bowl, mix your breadcrumbs with your chosen seasonings. You can also add cooked, chopped bacon to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavour, if you like.

Once the mac and cheese balls are chilled, it's time to coat them. First, dip them in the egg mixture, then roll them in the seasoned breadcrumbs. Make sure each ball is well coated. Place the coated balls back on the parchment paper and put them in the freezer for another 30 minutes to set.

When you're ready to cook the mac and cheese balls, preheat your air fryer to between 350–390 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the balls inside the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't touch. Spray the tops of the balls with cooking spray to make them extra crispy.

Air fry the mac and cheese balls for a total of 8–10 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

Serve immediately, with your choice of dipping sauces on the side. Suggested sauces include BBQ sauce, blue cheese dressing, buffalo sauce, honey Sriracha sauce, or marinara sauce.

The best mac and cheese to use

When it comes to the best mac and cheese to use for your air fryer mac and cheese bites, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it's important to use chilled leftover mac and cheese that has had time to thicken in the refrigerator. This will make it easier to shape your mac and cheese into balls or bites. Secondly, while you can use any type of mac and cheese you like, from baked macaroni to boxed mixes, a thicker, creamier sauce will hold together better and result in a gooier texture.

• Stovetop Mac and Cheese: This classic recipe uses a roux made from butter and flour to thicken the sauce, and includes shredded sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Jack cheese. The addition of Creole seasoning and cayenne pepper gives it a kick.
• Baked Mac and Cheese: This recipe combines a rich and creamy cheese sauce with layers of shredded medium cheddar and Gruyere cheese. It has a crispy, crunchy top and is a family favourite.
• Boxed Mix: Starting with a boxed mix can be a convenient option, and you can elevate it by adding extra cheese. For example, you could add American cheese and smoked gouda to make it extra gooey.
• Multi-Cheese Baked Version: This type of mac and cheese uses a combination of multiple cheeses, such as Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, Gouda, or Gruyere. It results in a strong-smelling and flavourful dish.

How to make the bites extra crispy

To make your mac and cheese bites extra crispy, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, ensure that your mac and cheese is well chilled before forming it into balls. This will make it easier to handle and help the balls hold their shape. Secondly, create a dredging station with a bowl of beaten eggs and another bowl of breadcrumbs seasoned with garlic powder, salt, and any other desired spices. You can also add cooked chopped bacon to the breadcrumbs for extra flavour.

Now, for the extra crispy part: after coating the mac and cheese balls in the egg and breadcrumb mixture, give them a double coating. Dip them back into the egg mixture and then again into the breadcrumbs. This double breading will ensure an extra crispy, crunchy coating. If you want to enhance the crispiness even further, lightly spritz or spray the tops of the bites with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray before placing them in the air fryer.

When arranging the bites in the air fryer basket, make sure they are in a single layer with space between them. This allows the hot air to circulate properly and fry the exteriors evenly. Air fry at a temperature between 350-390 degrees Fahrenheit for 6-10 minutes, turning them over halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

With these tips, your mac and cheese bites will be irresistibly crispy and golden on the outside, with a gooey, cheesy centre.

Dipping sauces

There are a variety of dipping sauces that you can pair with your air fryer mac and cheese bites. Here are some options:

Spicy Options

If you like a bit of spice, you can try pairing your mac and cheese bites with a spicy ranch sauce. To make this, simply combine your favourite ranch dressing with your choice of hot sauce. You can also dip your mac and cheese bites in honey mustard, sriracha, or honey sriracha sauce.

Sweet Options

For those with a sweet tooth, you can try dipping your mac and cheese bites in tomato jam, or strawberry chutney.

Savoury Options

If you're looking for something more savoury, you can try dipping your mac and cheese bites in a simple marinara sauce, or a dill-mustard sauce. You can also try onion jam, or a bechamel sauce mixed with dijon and Worcestershire sauce.

How to reheat mac and cheese bites

There are a few ways to reheat mac and cheese bites, depending on whether you want to use an air fryer, an oven, or a microwave.

Reheating Mac and Cheese Bites in an Air Fryer

To reheat mac and cheese bites in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the leftover mac and cheese balls in the air fryer basket and cook for about 3 minutes or until heated through.

Reheating Mac and Cheese Bites in an Oven

If you prefer to use an oven, preheat it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the mac and cheese bites on a sheet pan and heat them for about 10 minutes.

Reheating Mac and Cheese Bites in a Microwave

For a quicker option, you can also reheat the mac and cheese bites in the microwave. Place them on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 3 minutes at medium power.

Tips for the Best Results

• It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of your mac and cheese bites and the appliance you are using, so adjust the timing as needed.
• For crispy mac and cheese bites, spray the tops with nonstick cooking spray before cooking.
• If you are using an air fryer, leave space between each bite in the basket to ensure proper air circulation and even frying.

Frequently asked questions