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

You’ll find the full recipe with ingredient amounts and instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post. Be sure to check out the blog post itself for extra tips and tricks!

The Air Fryer is pretty amazing for my fried favorites, especially appetizers. I’ve made air-fried 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 them mac and cheese bites, balls, or macaroni nuggets, these crispy air-fried treats are about to become your new favorite appetizer.

Traditionally deep-fried in hot oil, I decided to give them a healthier makeover in my Air Fryer. This resulted in golden, crunchy on the outside, creamy on the inside bites that are less messy and surprisingly easy to make. If you're into making restaurant-quality apps in your air fryer, try these air fryer crab cakes.

♡ Tanya

A Quick Look at the Ingredients

Ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions are on the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Leftover Mac and Cheese - The star of the show! Use refrigerated, baked mac and cheese that's thick enough to hold together when rolled into balls. I do not recommend using box mac and cheese.
Eggs & Milk - Creates the binding wash that helps the breading stick to each ball.
Panko Breadcrumbs - Gives you that extra crispy, golden exterior that regular breadcrumbs can't achieve.
Garlic Powder - Adds savory depth and complements the cheese beautifully.
Paprika - A touch of smoky flavor and gorgeous color.
Salt - Enhances all the flavors.
Cooked Bacon (Optional) - Mixed into the breading for extra crunch and a salty, smoky kick. Totally optional but highly recommended!

The Kind of Mac and Cheese needed for this Recipe

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

You will also need mac and cheese with a cheese sauce that thickens 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

Step 1: Using your leftover refrigerated macaroni and cheese, take large chunks, about 2 Tablespoons, and roll into balls. Set aside.

rolled up macaroni balls on a baking sheet

Step 2: Create a dredging station by adding the egg and milk to one bowl and 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, and both are yummy.

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

Step 3: Grab a macaroni and cheese ball, dip it in the egg and milk mixture to coat the entire ball, then add it to the panko mixture, then place it on a lined parchment paper cookie sheet. Repeat for all the balls, and then put them in the freezer and freeze for 30 minutes.

Step 4: When your 30 minutes are up, remove the macaroni and cheese balls from the freezer. Preheat your air fryer to 360°F. 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 - A classic air fryer recipe that everyone raves about. This is one of my most popular air fryer recipes on the website.
Sweet and Spicy Air-Fried Brussels Sprouts — When you want air-fried Brussels sprouts, I suggest making them sweet and spicy.
Air Fryer Meatloaf - cooks in half the time and stays juicy and tender.

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

Tanya