• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

cravingsmallbites.com logo

menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Easy appetizers and air fryer recipes
  • About
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Air fryer » Air Fryer Mac And Cheese Bites

    Air Fryer Mac And Cheese Bites

    Published: May 10, 2022 by Ajoke · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    These air fryer mac and cheese bites or balls are perfect appetizers for your next party, game day, or get-together! Cooked directly from frozen in the air fryer, you only need one ingredient and it's ready in no time. Perfectly crunchy on the outside, cheesy and gooey on the inside. Watch them fly off the plate within a twinkle of an eye, they are that good!

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Whether you are hosting a party, getting together with your buddies, or you have some hungry little mouth to feed, these frozen breaded mac and cheese bites cooked in the air fryer is a sure crowd-pleaser. With just one ingredient and less than 10 minutes of air frying time, you will be keeping some tummy happy.

    You can make mac and cheese bites from scratch if you want. All you will need is some leftover mac and cheese that has been refrigerated, the coldness helps it to firm up and is easy to handle for rolling, dredging, breading, and frying.

    That said it is convenient and mess-free buying a frozen option from the shop, especially from a trusted brand. I don't know about you but I am not a big fan of breading and deep-frying, which is one of the reasons I love cooking with the air fryer. It saves me time, lessens the mess and I don't have to worry about oil splatters.

    Related post: air fryer halloumi, halloumi fries, and air fryer mozzarella sticks.

    a plate of mac and cheese balls with one ball opened into two on the plate.

    You will love this frozen air fryer appetizer because

    • It is easy and quick, and more importantly, delicious!
    • It is perfect for snacking, entertaining, and feeding a crowd.
    • Perfect when making a small batch and cleanup is a breeze!
    • No oil spray is needed and preheating the air fryer is optional depending on the brand of air fryer you have. Some air fryers preheat automatically like my instant Vortex

    To make these air fryer mac and cheese bites, you will need

    Frozen mac and cheese bites of choice, usually come in a pack and can be found in the frozen food aisle section of your supermarket

    Air fryer: I made these little crispy buddies in my instant Vortex

    Dipping sauce: ketchup, marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or any other dipping sauce of choice

    a pack of frozen mac and cheese bites from crestwood.

    How to cook frozen mac and cheese bites in the air fryer

    Remove the frozen mac and cheese balls and place them in the air fryer basket arranging them in a single layer. It is important not to overcrowd the basket

    Air fry the frozen mac and cheese at 400F/200C for 5-7 minutes flipping the basket halfway through for even cooking.

    the process shot of making mac and cheese bites in the air fryer.

    Serve immediately with any dipping sauce of choice

    How to store

    These are best served immediately upon cooking. If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container and place them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer when ready to serve again.

    More air fryer appetizers you will love

    Air fryer frozen onion rings

    Air fryer pierogies

    Garlic butter smashed potatoes

    Air fryer gnocchi

    cooked mac and cheese bites on a white plate with a side of ketchup.

    Air Fryer Mac And Cheese Bites

    Ajoke
    These air fryer mac and cheese bites or balls are perfect appetizers for your next party, game day, or get-together! Cooked directly from frozen in the air fryer, you only need one ingredient and it's ready in no time. Perfectly crunchy on the outside, cheesy and gooey on the inside.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 0 mins
    Cook Time 7 mins
    Total Time 7 mins
    Course Appetizer
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4
    Calories 258 kcal

    Equipment

    • Air Fryer

    Ingredients
      

    • 24 frozen mac and cheese bites

    Instructions
     

    • Remove the frozen mac and cheese balls and place them in the air fryer basket arranging them in a single layer. It is important not to overcrowd the basket
    • Air fry the frozen mac and cheese at 400F/200C for 5-7 minutes flipping the basket halfway through for even cooking.
    • Serve immediately with any dipping sauce of choice

    Notes

    How to store
    These are best served immediately upon cooking. If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container and place them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer when ready to serve again.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 258kcal
    Keyword air fryer mac and cheese balls, air fryer mac and cheese bites, frozen mac and cheese bites air fryer
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
    crispy mac and cheese balls in an air fryer basket.

    FAQs

    How long do you cook mac and cheese bites in an air fryer?

    Depending on the size and thickness of each ball, you will typically cook them for 5 to 7 minutes at 400F/200C.

    How do I know it is fully cooked

    You will know the mac and cheese bites are cooked when they are golden brown and crisp on the outside with a (hot) soft and gooey cheesy center. If in doubt, cook for a minute or 2 longer.

    What is the best way to cook frozen mac and cheese bites?

    The air fryer is definitely the best way to cook them if you don't want to deep fry them! It is healthier and you will get perfectly crispy bites without having to deep-fry them in oil.

    What should I serve it?

    These little bites are usually served as appetizers with dipping sauce on the side. Popular dipping sauces include ketchup, bbq sauce, marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or any other dipping sauce of your choice.

    a mac and cheese bite dipped in a pot of ketup on a plate.

    If you made this easy air fryer recipe, don’t forget to leave me feedback and rate it 5 stars. Tag us @cravingsmallbites on Instagram and save away to your Pinterest

    Related posts:

    Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
    Easy Dry Rub Chicken Wings Recipe
    How To Make Crostini
    « Air Fryer Spatchcock Chicken
    Pesto Mayo »

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I am Ajoke!

    Welcome to Craving Small Bites, your home for quick, easy, and delicious appetizer and air fryer recipes.

    On this blog, you will find simple homemade bite-sized recipes that require minimal ingredients and effort...

    More about me →

    Air fryer recipes

    • potato wedges and a small pot of ketchup on the side.
      Air Fryer Frozen Potato Wedges
    • crusty bread dipped in air fried baked camembert.
      Air Fryer Camembert
    • crispy cubed potatoes and onions in a grey bowl.
      Air Fryer Potatoes and Onions
    • stuffed mini peppers arranged on a white plate placed on a strippy napkin.
      Air Fryer Stuffed Mini Peppers

    Dips and sauces

    • bacon aioli in a small glass tub placed on a marble surface.
      Bacon Aioli
    • pesto mayo on a spoon.
      Pesto Mayo
    • a bowl of honey butter placed beside a bread knife.
      How To Make Honey Butter (Quick and Easy)
    • a bowl of ham salad with ritz crackers.
      Easy Ham Salad Recipe
    • Easy appetizers and air fryer recipes
    • About

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2022 craving small bites