Name: Air Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 48 min
Ingredients: 4 cups leftover macaroni and cheese (refrigerated); 2 eggs; 2 Tablespoon milk; 1 cup Japanese Panko; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 2 slices cooked bacon (chopped finely (optional))

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These Air Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls are perfect for any day of the week. Air fry them for a healthier version of your favorite appetizer.

macaroni and cheese balls in air fryer basket

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The full recipe with ingredients/instructions is available on the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Important tips/tricks are also included in the blog post.

The Air Fryer is pretty amazing when it comes to my fried favorites, especially appetizers. I’ve done air fryer egg rolls, chicken wings, and bacon-wrapped chicken bites. It was about time I did another favorite of mine, macaroni and cheese balls.

Whether you call these mac and cheese bites or balls, these are a must-try in your Air Fryer.

Traditionally, these bites are deep-fried but I figured why not give it a go in my Air Fryer. It's healthier, less messy, and pretty easy. So let’s get right to it.

The Kind of Mac and Cheese needed for this recipe

Before I get into the making of this dish, I’d like to discuss the right kind of macaroni and cheese to make this work. You’ll need leftover mac and cheese that has been cooled and refrigerated in a bowl or pan so that it sticks together. That will make the balls easier to roll and hold together.

You will also need a mac and cheese that has a cheese sauce that will thicken once refrigerated. Most macaroni and cheese will do this but some may not. Baked macaroni and cheese usually thickens up once refrigerated.

If you’re making the macaroni and cheese the same day you make the bites, you will need to cook it, let it cool, and refrigerate it for about 4 hours.

I’ve made this recipe with both this creamy baked macaroni and cheese and this Air Fryer Mac and Cheese leftovers.

How to Make Air Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls

First, using your leftover refrigerated macaroni and cheese, take large chunks, about 2 Tbsp, and roll into balls. Set aside.

rolled up macaroni balls on a baking sheet

Create a dredging station by adding egg and milk to one bowl, whisking to combine. Then in another bowl, add panko breadcrumbs, garlic salt, salt, and cooked chopped bacon. The bacon is optional in this recipe, I’ve made it with and without, both yummy.

dredgins station of eggs, panko, and macaroni and cheese balls in front of air fryer basket

Grab a macaroni and cheese ball and place in egg and milk mixture, coating the entire ball, then add to the panko mixture, then add to a lined parchment paper cookie sheet. Repeat for all the balls and then place in the freezer and freeze for 30 minutes.

When your 30 minutes are up, remove the macaroni and cheese balls from the freezer. Preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees. Place the macaroni and cheese balls into your air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch. Air fry for 8-10 minutes until light and golden on the outside. Remove, serve, and enjoy.

ProTip: These are good on their own but are even more amazing with a dipping sauce. I like Sweet Thai Chili Sauce while my daughters opt for Bbq. Hubby eats them as is without any dipping sauce.

Looking for Ideas of what to Serve this with? Try these out:

Air Fryer Fried Chicken
Sweet and Spicy Air Fried Brussels Sprouts
Air Fryer Meatloaf

Watch this video tutorial and see how I make these mac and cheese bites from start to finish.

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4.45 from 34 votes

Air Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls

These Air Fried Mac and Cheese Balls are fried to perfection in the Air Fryer. A much healthier version of your favorite mac and cheese appetizer.

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Keyword air fryer mac and cheese bites, macaroni and cheese balls

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 8

Freezer 30

Total Time 48

Servings people

Calories 887kcal

Author Tanya

Ingredients

4 cups leftover macaroni and cheese refrigerated
2 eggs
2 Tablespoon milk
1 cup Japanese Panko
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
2 slices cooked bacon chopped finely (optional)

Instructions

Using your leftover refrigerated macaroni and cheese, take large chunks, about 2 Tbsp, and roll into balls. Set aside.
In a bowl, add egg and milk and whisk to combine. Then in another bowl, add panko breadcrumbs, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and chopped bacon if using, and stir to combine.
Grab a macaroni and cheese ball and place in egg and milk mixture, coating the entire ball, then add to the panko mixture, then add to a lined parchment paper cookie sheet. Place in the freezer and freeze for 30 minutes.
Preheat your air fryer on 360 degrees. After the 30 minutes, remove the macaroni and cheese balls from the freezer and place them into air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch. Air fry for 8-10 minutes until light and golden on the outside. Remove, serve, and enjoy.

Video

Nutrition

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Although myforkinglife.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures should be considered estimates. Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased, natural fluctuations in fresh produce, and the way ingredients are processed change the effective nutritional information in any given recipe. Under no circumstances will myforkinglife.com be responsible for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information.