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Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Bites

These crispy, cheesy mac and cheese bites are the ultimate air fryer snack—easy to make, fun to eat, and perfect for using up leftovers.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Keyword: air fryer recipe, easy lunch recipe, lunch recipe, quick lunch recipe
Servings: 4

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Shallow bowls
  • Spoon or scoop
  • Plate or tray

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cold leftover mac and cheese
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • cooking spray or oil for air fryer

Instructions

  • Scoop cold mac and cheese into small balls or patties and place on a plate.
  • Set up a dredging station with one bowl of flour, one bowl of beaten eggs, and one bowl of panko breadcrumbs.
  • Coat each bite in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs.
  • Lightly spray each bite with oil and place in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  • Air fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
  • Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 4–5 minutes or until hot and crispy.
Top Tips: Chill the mac and cheese first so the bites hold together. Use panko for the best crunch. Flip carefully halfway through to ensure even browning.