Mac N Cheese Bites: Air Fryer Magic

Mac and cheese bites are a delicious snack that can be made in an air fryer. They are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. To make them, you'll need leftover mac and cheese, eggs, breadcrumbs, and some additional cheese and spices. The process is simple: form the mac and cheese into balls, dip them in egg and breadcrumbs, and then air fry until golden brown. This recipe is a great way to use up leftover mac and cheese and is perfect for appetizers, snacks, or even as a side dish.

Mac and cheese bites preparation

Ingredients

You can use a boxed mac and cheese mix or make your own from scratch. If you're using a box, I recommend Walmart's brand, but any will do. You can also use leftover mac and cheese. If you're making your own, you'll need:

• Macaroni
• Cheese (cheddar, American, gouda, or a combination)
• Butter
• Milk
• Breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
• Garlic powder
• Olive oil or avocado oil cooking spray
• Salt (optional)
• Chives (optional)

Step 1: Prepare the Mac and Cheese

Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions or your recipe. Mix in the butter, milk, and cheese(s) of your choice. Transfer the mac and cheese to a bowl and let it chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 2: Form the Bites

Once the mac and cheese is chilled, use a cookie scoop or an ice cream scoop to portion out the mixture and roll it into balls. You can wear food-safe gloves during this step if you prefer. Place the balls on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and freeze for about an hour.

Step 3: Bread the Bites

Prepare your breading station by beating eggs in one bowl and mixing breadcrumbs and garlic powder in another. You can also add smoked paprika to the breadcrumb mixture for a smoky flavor. Working with one ball at a time, dip it into the egg, then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture. Repeat this process for a double layer of breading. Place the breaded balls on a plate lined with parchment paper.

Step 4: Air Fry the Bites

Preheat your air fryer to between 350-390 degrees Fahrenheit. Spritz the air fryer basket with cooking spray and arrange the mac and cheese bites in a single layer, leaving space between them. Spritz the tops of the bites with cooking spray. Air fry for 6-12 minutes, turning them over halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.

Step 5: Serve

Remove the mac and cheese bites from the air fryer and season with a pinch of salt, if desired. Garnish with chives and serve immediately. You can serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara, BBQ sauce, or buffalo sauce.

Air fryer settings

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to the right temperature. The ideal temperature range for cooking mac and cheese bites is between 350 to 390 degrees Fahrenheit. You can set the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit if you want a slower cook for larger batches. For a quicker cook, set the temperature to 390 degrees Fahrenheit, as seen in some recipes.

Secondly, arrange the mac and cheese balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't touch each other. This arrangement allows the hot air to circulate properly and fry the exteriors evenly.

Thirdly, spritz or spray the tops of the mac and cheese balls with cooking spray or oil. This step is essential for achieving the desired crispiness. You can use olive oil cooking spray or avocado oil spray, depending on your preference.

Fourthly, set the timer on your air fryer. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of your mac and cheese bites and the model of your air fryer. On average, the bites will need about 10 minutes in the air fryer, flipping them halfway through. For smaller batches, 6 to 8 minutes should be sufficient. For larger batches, you may need to cook them in batches to ensure even cooking.

Finally, once the timer goes off, remove the mac and cheese bites from the air fryer and place them on a serving dish. They should be golden brown and crispy on the outside. If you prefer them extra crispy, you can spritz them with a little more cooking spray or oil and air fry for an additional minute or two.

Remember, it's important to refer to your air fryer's user manual for specific instructions and safety guidelines. Each air fryer model may have unique features and settings, so understanding how your particular air fryer works is crucial for optimal results.

Breading and coating

Firstly, prepare your breading station. In one shallow bowl, add your beaten eggs. You will need two large eggs for this step. In a separate shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with garlic powder and any other seasonings of your choice. Mix these dry ingredients well. If you're feeling adventurous, you can add some smoked paprika to the mix for a subtle smoky flavour.

Now it's time to dip and coat your mac and cheese balls. Take each frozen mac and cheese ball and carefully dip it into the beaten egg, ensuring it is completely coated. Allow any excess egg to drip off before transferring the ball to the bowl with the breadcrumb mixture. Gently press the ball into the breadcrumbs, making sure it is evenly coated on all sides.

For an extra crispy texture, you can double up on the breading. Simply dip the coated ball back into the egg mixture and then back into the breadcrumbs for a second time. Repeat this process for all your mac and cheese balls.

Once all your mac and cheese balls are breaded, give them a light spritz with some olive oil or avocado oil cooking spray. This step will help ensure an even crispier exterior.

Now your mac and cheese bites are ready to be placed in the air fryer basket and cooked to golden perfection!

Cooking time

The cooking time for mac and cheese bites in the air fryer varies depending on the specific recipe and the desired level of crispiness. Most recipes recommend cooking the bites for around 6 to 12 minutes, with some recipes suggesting a cooking time of up to 15 minutes.

It's important to note that the cooking time may depend on the size of the mac and cheese bites and the specific model of the air fryer being used. Therefore, it's always a good idea to keep an eye on the bites while they're cooking to ensure they don't overcook or burn.

Some recipes suggest cooking the bites in batches to ensure even cooking. Additionally, it's recommended to place the bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each bite, so that the hot air can circulate properly and fry the exteriors evenly.

For frozen mac and cheese bites, the cooking time may be slightly longer, around 8 to 12 minutes, depending on the size of the bites and the desired level of crispiness.

When cooking mac and cheese bites in an air fryer, it's important to preheat the air fryer to the recommended temperature, usually between 350 to 390 degrees Fahrenheit, and to spray the bites with cooking spray or oil to ensure a crispy exterior.

Serving suggestions

Mac and cheese bites are a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, snack, or side. They are delicious on their own but also pair well with a variety of sauces and dips. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your mac and cheese bites:

Sauces and Dips:

• Marinara sauce: The classic tomato-based sauce adds a tangy and savoury dimension to the creamy mac and cheese bites.
• BBQ sauce: A sweet and smoky BBQ sauce is a perfect complement to the cheesy goodness of the bites.
• Thousand Island dressing: The creamy and tangy dressing balances out the crispiness of the mac and cheese bites.
• Hot sauce: For those who like it spicy, a dash of hot sauce or a dip in buffalo sauce will kick things up a notch.
• Blue Cheese Dressing: The sharpness of blue cheese pairs well with the gooey cheese in the mac and cheese bites.
• Honey Sriracha Sauce: A sweet and spicy sauce that will add a unique flavour profile to your bites.

Main Course Pairings:

Mac and cheese bites also work well as a side dish for a variety of main courses:

• Burgers: The bites can be a tasty and indulgent side to a juicy burger, making it a satisfying meal.
• Fish: Whether it's baked, fried, or grilled, fish dishes pair well with the creamy and crispy texture of mac and cheese bites.
• Chicken: From crispy fried chicken to juicy oven-baked chicken, mac and cheese bites can round out the meal and satisfy cheese cravings.

Customisation Ideas:

If you want to get creative, you can customise your mac and cheese bites by adding mix-ins or switching up the seasonings:

• Bacon: Chopped cooked bacon added to the mac and cheese mixture before forming the bites will add a savoury, smoky flavour.
• Ham: Cubed ham offers a similar savoury twist that will surprise and delight your taste buds.
• Vegetables: Chopped bell peppers, onions, or broccoli mixed into the mac and cheese provide a crunchy and healthy contrast to the creamy cheese.
• Seasonings: Experiment with different seasonings like cumin, chili powder, or cayenne pepper to give your bites an extra kick.

With these serving suggestions, you can elevate your mac and cheese bites into a more dynamic and flavourful experience. Whether served as an appetiser, snack, or side, the versatility of mac and cheese bites is sure to impress!

Frequently asked questions