These Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Bites are so good it's freaky. Little balls of mac and cheese with a velveeta and bacon center coated in Doritos crumbs.
These can be made any time of year really, I tend to throw them together if we ever have any mac and cheese left from a meal the night before.
They are perfect for Game Day though. Superbowl snacks, party snacks - anything like that. These little balls of deliciousness are great!
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What makes this recipe so yummy
- It's a great way to use up your leftover macaroni.
- Air frying is a lot healthier than frying.
- It's the perfect appetizer and great snack.
- It's an easy party appetizer.
Groceries you will need: Ingredients
See recipe card at the bottom of this post for quantities.
Recipe walkthrough: Instructions
This is an overview of the recipe steps. For more detailed instructions visit the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Step 1: Chop the bacon into small ¼" pieces. Do the same with the velveeta.
- Step 2: Add the Dorito Chips to a resealable bag and using a rolling pin crush the chips until they're like breadcrumbs.
- Step 3: Add the eggs and milk to a medium mixing bowl and beat until well mixed. Add the Dorito crumbs to another mixing bowl.
- Step 4: Take an ice cream scoop (or a large cookie scoop) and measure out one spoon full of mac and cheese. Place a piece of bacon and piece of velveeta in the middle then roll the mac and cheese around it.
- Step 5: Dip each ball into first the egg wash, then the crumbs. Place uncooked mac and cheese bites on a baking sheet in the freezer for 60 minutes.
- Step 6: Turn on the air fryer setting to heat to 380°F.
- Step 7: Spray the basket inside the air fryer with oil spray then add the mac and cheese bites in a single layer. Give them a quick spray too.
- Step 8: Cook for about 12 minutes until golden brown. Remove and serve.
Hint: It may seem like like potentially the mac and cheese bites are not cooked enough, or need some more cooking time to be browner - but trust me. The longer you cook them the balls will start to lose their shape.
Recipe variations and substitute ideas
- Panko Breadcrumbs - instead of Dorito chips.
- Parmesan Cheese - add some parmesan cheese.
- Monterey Jack - instead of Velveeta.
- Cream Cheese - use cream cheese instead of Velveeta cheese.
- Ranch Dressing - when serving offer some ketchup, bbq sauce or ranch dressing.
- Mac and Cheese recipe - this can be various versions. The kind of mac used will give you your main result so it's important. Make sure the mac and cheese is cooked well (not to al dente) otherwise it won't stick together well.
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Necessary gear: Equipment
The following are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. I have more links in the bottom of the post.
I have two types of air fryer, the rack type (kind of like a mini oven) but then I also have the basket type.
For some reason, for recipes like this I prefer my basket type. I feel like it being smaller it gets better circulation around the items being cooked (could just be me though).
I love my air fryer - I use the Vortex (by Instant Pot) It works like a charm and I find the basket to be nice and easy to clean.
More air fryer recipes I think you'll love
You should try this Copycat Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese recipe - then use the leftovers to make this recipe!
Also take a look at these Puff Pastry Pizza Pinwheels, or Tuna Pinwheels they're easy and delicious for Game Day too.
How to store leftovers
Store these air fryer mac and cheese bites in an airtight container with a piece of paper towel, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat use the air fryer again.
Mel's kitchen notes
The mac and cheese you use (leftovers) should be refrigerated. It needs to be cold in order for it to hold its shape better.
If you’ve tried these Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Bites or any other great recipe on my site, let me know in the comment section below, how it turned out, we love hearing from our readers!
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Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Bites
Ingredients
- 2 Cups Leftover Mac and Cheese refrigerated
- 4 Slices Bacon chopped
- 4 Ounces Velveeta Cheese cut into cubes
- 2 (2 Ounce) Bags Nacho Cheese Doritos crushed
- 2 Each Large Eggs
- ½ Cup Milk
Instructions
- Prepare the bacon and the velveeta cheese, cutting into ¼" pieces.4 Slices Bacon, 4 Ounces Velveeta Cheese
- Add the Doritos to a resealable bag and crush using a rolling pin.2 (2 Ounce) Bags Nacho Cheese Doritos
- Add the eggs and milk to mixing bowl and add the Doritos crumbs to another.2 Each Large Eggs, ½ Cup Milk
- Scoop an ice cream scoop of the mac and cheese into your hand. Place a piece of bacon and a piece of Velveeta cheese into the middle then roll into a ball with your hands.2 Cups Leftover Mac and Cheese
- Dip into the egg mixture followed by the Doritos crumbs.
- Place a a tray lined with parchment paper and pop into the freezer for 60 minutes.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F.
- Using cooking spray, spray the basket of the air fryer and place the mac and cheese bites into the basket. Give a light spray with the cooking spray.
- Cook for 12 minutes.
- Remove and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
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