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Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Bites

A quick cheddar sauce folded into cooked macaroni, chilled firm, bound with egg, rolled in panko, and air fried into crisp, cheesy bites.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika optional
  • salt and black pepper
  • 1-1.5 cups panko
  • oil spray

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Saucepan
  • 8x8 pan

Method
 

  1. Boil the macaroni to just al dente and drain well.
  2. Melt the butter, whisk in the flour and cook 1 minute, then slowly whisk in the milk and simmer 2 to 3 minutes until thickened. Off the heat, stir in the cheeses and seasonings, then the egg and macaroni.
  3. Spread in a pan and chill until firm, at least 2 hours.
  4. Scoop and roll into balls, coat in panko, and chill 20 minutes. Air fry at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway, until deep golden.

Notes

Al dente pasta and a thick sauce — loose mac won't hold a ball.
Chill firm before shaping, and again after breading.
Freeze-ahead: freeze breaded, air fry from frozen adding 3 minutes.