Imagine transforming your classic mac and cheese into irresistible, crispy bite-sized morsels that are guaranteed to make your taste buds dance with joy! These Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Bites are not just another appetizer - they're a game-changing snack that combines the ultimate comfort food with a crunchy, golden exterior that will have everyone begging for more. Perfect for parties, game nights, or when you simply want to elevate your comfort food experience, these little cheese bombs are about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes while you prepare the mac and cheese bites.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of cooked macaroni with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir well to ensure that the macaroni is evenly coated with cheese.
- Add the 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the mixture. This will enhance the flavor and add a nice cheesy texture to the bites.
- In a separate small bowl, beat 1 egg and season it with salt and pepper to taste. The egg will act as a binding agent to hold the mixture together.
- Pour the beaten egg into the macaroni and cheese mixture. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
- Next, add 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs to the mixture. This will give the bites a crispy texture once cooked. Stir until the breadcrumbs are evenly distributed.
- Using your hands, scoop out small portions of the mixture and form them into bite-sized balls or patties, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a plate or tray as you shape them.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the mac and cheese bites in a single layer in the basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Cook the mac and cheese bites in the air fryer for about 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. You can shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the bites from the air fryer and let them cool for a couple of minutes before serving. They can be enjoyed on their own or with your favorite dipping sauce.
- Serve the air fryer mac and cheese bites warm, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese or herbs if desired. Enjoy your delicious and crispy snack!
Tips
- Ensure your macaroni is slightly cooled before mixing to prevent the cheese from melting too quickly.
- Use room temperature egg for better binding of ingredients.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket - this ensures each bite gets crispy and golden.
- For extra crispiness, you can double-coat the bites by dipping them in beaten egg and then breadcrumbs again.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations like adding some sharp cheddar or smoked gouda for more complex flavor.
- Let the bites rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to help them set and become easier to handle.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and taste, as they tend to lose crispiness when cooled.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 45mg
