golden-brown mac and cheese balls randomly stacked on light brown parchment paper, showcasing their perfectly spherical shape and crispy seasoned breadcrumb coating

Crispy Fried Mac and Cheese Bites (fryer, oven & air fryer)

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These crispy mac and cheese bites are a fantastic way to use up leftover mac and cheese, transforming it into delicious bite-sized cheese balls.

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Coated in crispy panko breadcrumbs and baked to golden brown perfection, they make a great appetizer or snack for picky eaters.

This cheese bites recipe is simple and requires basic ingredients like American cheese, flour, and seasonings. With a quick prep time and cooking time of just 10-15 minutes, you can enjoy these cheesy delights fresh from the oven or air fryer.

Rather have traditional deep-fried mac and cheese balls? Don’t worry! I have that recipe below the main one which covers both air frying and baking.

Transforming Leftover Mac into Delicious Bites

Leftover mac and cheese can be a delightful treat when transformed into crispy mac and cheese bites. This cheese bites recipe is a fantastic way to repurpose your homemade mac, turning it into bite-sized cheese balls that are perfect for snacking.

With a simple breading process using panko breadcrumbs, these bites achieve a golden brown exterior that is both crunchy and satisfying.

The combination of cheese cubes and cheese sauce ensures that each bite is packed with flavor, making them a great recipe for even the pickiest of eaters.

Whether you choose to bake them or use an air fryer, the cooking time is quick, allowing you to enjoy these cheesy delights in just 10-15 minutes. Serve them warm with marinara sauce for dipping, and watch them disappear from the plate!

The Perfect Breading Station

Setting up a breading station is essential for achieving the perfect crispy texture on your mac and cheese bites. Start by gathering shallow dishes for the purpose flour, egg wash, and panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, chili powder, and black pepper.

Using a cookie scoop, portion out the leftover mac and cheese mixture and form them into balls on a cutting board. This method ensures uniformity in size, making for an appealing presentation.

Next, dip each cheese ball first into the purpose flour, then into the egg mixture, and finally coat them with the crispy panko breadcrumbs. This three-step process creates a delightful crunch that complements the creamy cheese inside.

Baking or Air Frying: Choose Your Method

Once your mac and cheese bites are coated, it’s time to cook them. You can either bake them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or use an air fryer for a quicker option.

If baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and arrange the bites on the sheet. Spray them lightly with cooking spray to enhance browning. Bake for 10-15 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy.

For air fryer enthusiasts, place the bites in the air fryer basket and cook for 5-7 minutes, checking for that perfect golden color. Both methods yield delicious results, so choose whichever suits your kitchen setup!

Serving Suggestions for Maximum Enjoyment

Once your crispy mac and cheese bites are ready, allow them to cool on wire racks for a few minutes. This step helps maintain their crispiness and prevents sogginess.

Serve these cheese appetizers warm, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Pair them with a small bowl of marinara sauce for dipping, adding a tangy contrast to the rich, cheesy flavor.

These bites are not only perfect for parties but also make a great snack for movie nights or casual gatherings. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for the next day, and simply reheat them to enjoy again!

Easy Mac and Cheese Bites Recipe

These mac and cheese bites are made by mixing leftover mac with cheese cubes, forming them into balls, and coating them in a crispy panko breadcrumb mixture. The bites are baked on a baking sheet or cooked in an air fryer for a quick and easy snack. Serve them with marinara sauce for dipping.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups leftover mac and cheese
  • 1 cup cheese cubes (American or your choice)
  • 1/2 cup purpose flour
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Cooking spray
  • Marinara sauce for serving

Instructions

  1. Prep the Ingredients: Allow leftover mac and cheese to come to room temperature. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) or prepare your air fryer.
  2. Set Up Breading Station: In shallow dishes, place purpose flour, beaten eggs (egg wash), and panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, chili powder, and black pepper.
  3. Form the Bites: Using a cookie scoop, scoop out portions of the mac and cheese mixture and form them into balls. Place them on a cutting board.
  4. Coat the Bites: Dip each mac and cheese ball first into the flour, then into the egg wash, and finally coat with crispy panko breadcrumbs.
  5. Bake or Air Fry: Arrange the coated bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in the air fryer basket. Spray with cooking spray. Bake for 10-15 minutes or air fry for 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
  6. Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven or air fryer and let cool on wire racks. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.

Cook and Prep Times

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
  • Total Time: 20-25 minutes

Nutrition Information

  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Calories: 250kcal
  • Fat: 12g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g

Deep-Fried Mac and Cheese Bites

These deep-fried mac and cheese bites are ultra-crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. Leftover mac and cheese is shaped into balls, coated in a seasoned panko mixture, and fried until golden brown. Perfect for parties or game day, especially when served with marinara sauce for dipping.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups leftover mac and cheese
  • 1 cup cheese cubes (American or your choice)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Oil for deep frying
  • Marinara sauce for serving

Instructions

  1. Prep the Mac: Bring leftover mac and cheese to room temperature. If very soft, chill for 20–30 minutes to help it firm up.
  2. Set Up Breading Station: Place flour in one shallow dish, beaten eggs in another, and panko mixed with garlic powder, chili powder, and black pepper in a third.
  3. Form the Bites: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of mac and cheese, press a cheese cube inside each, and roll into firm balls.
  4. Bread the Bites: Coat each ball in flour, dip in the beaten eggs, then roll in the seasoned panko until fully covered.
  5. Heat the Oil: Preheat the deep fryer (or a heavy pot with oil) to 350°F (175°C).
  6. Fry the Bites: Carefully lower several breaded bites into the hot oil. Fry for 3–4 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding.
  7. Drain and Serve: Transfer fried bites to a paper towel–lined plate. Let cool slightly, then serve warm with marinara sauce.

Cook and Prep Times

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes

Nutrition Information

  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Calories: 300kcal
  • Fat: 16g
  • Protein: 11g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g

This recipe is part of my 79 Super Bowl Party Food Ideas and Recipes. Just click that link to see all the amazing options!

Jeff Campbell
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