Name: Air Fryer Frozen Mac and Cheese Bites
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 box frozen mac and cheese bites; favorite dip: ranch dressing, bbq sauce, or ketchup; parsley (chopped for serving, optional)

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Make Air Fryer Frozen Mac and Cheese Bites for the most amazing appetizer or snack. These air fryer mac and cheese balls are loaded with melty sharp cheddar cheese and elbow macaroni then coated with a crispy breading. The best part is that with only 10 minutes of total cook time, you’ll be snacking in no time.

Quick finger foods like these air fried mac and cheese bites from frozen are great for last minute gatherings, game day or for an after school snack. For more frozen food ideas, make these Air Fryer Breaded Shrimp or Frozen Fries in Air Fryer.

Up close of air fryer mac and cheese balls served with bbq sauce.

Frozen Mac and Cheese Bites in Air Fryer

If you are looking for a snack that is crunchy on the outside but soft and cheesy on the inside, then you have to try these scrumptious bite sized appetizers, Frozen Mac and Cheese Bites in Air Fryer.

These things are addicting! When I make these creamy mac and cheese bites in the air fryer, they get devoured by everyone. I’ll just let you know in advance that it is nearly impossible to eat just one. And this is the best way to make them because the air fryer cooks them quickly.

Air Frying mac and cheese balls even make a very easy party appetizer. But, I also like to make them as an after school snack option for my kiddos. They love to come home after a long school day and get a filling snack. This is a favorite recipe for sure.

A air fried mac and cheese bite that's been dipped into dipping sauce.

Learn how to air fry frozen Mac and cheese balls with this super easy recipe. All you have to do is pop the cheesy bites into a preheated air fryer straight from the freezer. You will be snacking in just 10 minutes! So, the next time you pick up some of these bites, try cooking them in the air fryer.

If you enjoy eating frozen foods, the air fryer is a great way to make them taste even better. We also like to cook up frozen egg rolls, dino nuggets, and bagel bites! You can even use it for breakfast for these air fryer frozen waffles!

What are Mac n Cheese Bites?

If you have never had this cheese appetizer, you must try it in the air fryer. We buy them already made and frozen. They are basically elbow macaroni noodles are covered in a gooey cheese sauce that gets rolled into a 2-inch balls, dipped in egg wash (or egg mixture) then breaded with Panko breadcrumbs. They then get deep fried to a golden brown and frozen.

PRO TIP! These bites may leak a little cheese, so the best way to keep a clean airfryer is to line it with air fryer parchment paper (it’s cut to fit your air fryer and has little holes to keep the warm air moving). Makes for easy cleanup.

Why we love this Recipe

Last minute delicious appetizer. Company pop over unannounced? Throw some of these in the air fryer for a quick appetizer.
Great finger food. Kids love these because they are tasty and they can eat them with their hands.
Quick to make. Take them straight out of the freezer and pop them into the preheated air fryer!

What to Serve With Mac and Cheese Bites

I’ll be the first to admit that fried mac and cheese bites aren’t exactly the healthiest food out there. But, when you make them in the air fryer they are healthier than if you were to deep fry them. Here are some great ways to serve them.

Vegetables. Adding some vegetables like air fryer zucchini and squash, air fryer Brussels sprouts with bacon, or roasted broccoli in air fryer. Make a big salad or serve with some fresh cup of veggies.
Sauce. Include some dipping sauce to serve these up with even more fun. Some sauces we like are ranch dressing, cheese sauce dip, marinara sauce, chick-fil-a sauce, bbq sauce, or chipotle mayo.

Above view of a plateful of cooked mac and cheese bites around a bowl of dip.

What are the Best Frozen Mac and Cheese Bites?

Trader Joe’s Mac n Cheese Bites – This is our favorite brand of frozen cheese recipe bites.
Stouffer’s mac and Cheese Bites – A good choice, but some of the bites weren’t filled up as much as others.
FarmRich Frozen II Mac and Cheese Bites
TGI Fridays Mac and Cheese Party Bites
Market Pantry Frozen Mac & Cheese Bites
Kroger Mac and Cheese Bites
Wellsley Farms Mac and Cheese Bites
H-E-B Frozen Mac and Cheese
Feel Good Foods Gluten Free Mac and Cheese Bites- This brand also has a “truffle” flavor.

Trader Joe’s Mac and Cheese Bites

Did you know that the Trader Joe’s Mac and cheese bites were recently made even better?? YES! As if that was even possible, right? The macaroni pasta inside these little treats is mixed with a glorious combo of cheeses! Listen to all this goodness, they are made with Havarti, Gouda, Swiss, Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Pecorino Romano, and even cream cheese. And coated with a thin layer of bread crumbs on the outside. YUM!

Where to find Frozen Macaroni and Cheese Bites?

We, of course, get our TJ’s mac and cheese bites from Trader Joes. For all of the other brands I have listed, you can find the frozen mac and cheese bites in the frozen food aisle of most grocery stores.

Macaroni and Cheese Balls Recipe Ingredients

Frozen Macaroni and Cheese Balls: Pick your favorite brand.
Favorite Dipping Sauce: Choose your favorite sauce, I have included a list of ideas under what to serve with mac and cheese bites.
Chopped Parsley: This is optional, but serving the bites with a little fresh parsley adds a splash of color when you are serving them.

All of the ingredients needed to make air fryer frozen Mac and cheese bites.

How to Make Frozen Mac and Cheese Bites

Here are the basic instructions for making frozen cheese bites in the air fryer. Check out the full recipe in the recipe card at the bottom of this post, it has more detailed ingredient amounts and instructions.

Preheat the air fryer.
Place the cheese bites into the basket of the air fryer, trying to keep them from touching and in a single layer.
Half way through cooking, carefully flip each bite over. Continue cooking.
Let cool a couple minutes before serving with your dip of choice.

Step by Step instructions of how to make frozen Mac and cheese bites in an air fryer.

How to Make Mac and Cheese Bites in Oven

If you don’t have an air fryer but still want to make these air fryer bites, don’t fret, I have you covered. Here are the package directions of how to cook frozen mac and cheese bites in the oven.

Preheat the oven to 450°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place bites in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, trying to keep space between them.
Put baking sheet on top rack of oven.
Bake for 9 minutes, then flip each bite over and cook for 3 more minutes.
Let cool for about 2-3 minutes before eating.

Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Bites Tips & Variations

Grab straight from freezer. Keep the bites frozen until you are ready to air fry them.
Keep in single layer. For best results, make sure to lay the bites in a single layer.
Batch cooking. Cook in batches, if you want to cook a lot of them.
Check on your bites. Don’t be afraid to check on the food to make sure it’s not burning.
Cooking time may vary. Since all air fryers cook differently, the cooking time may be a few minutes less or more than what I have here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the recommended serving size of air fried mac and cheese? The serving size of mac and cheese bites is 3 pieces (190 calories for Trader Joe’s brand, 220 calories for the Stouffer’s brand). Mine came with 15 pieces, so that is 5 servings total.

How long do you cook frozen mac and cheese bites in air fryer? You want to cook mac and cheese bites for about 10 minutes.

How do you make trader joe’s mac n cheese bites in an air fryer? All you have to do is preheat the air fryer and gently place in the little bites. Making sure to space them out and not layer them. Then air fry, flip them over, and continue cooking.

Do these Mac and cheese balls need added oil? You do not need any extra oil or to spray air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray to make this recipe.

At what temperature do you cook air fried Mac and cheese bites? You will want to air fry these at 380 degrees F.

Mac n Cheese Leftovers Bites Storage Instructions

How to refrigerate air fryer macaroni and cheese balls? Let the balls cool and put in an airtight container. They should last about 3-4 days in the fridge.

How do you reheat mac and cheese bites in an air fryer? To re-heat up cold cheese bites, pre-heat the air fryer to 380° F. Cook bites for 3-4 minutes. Keep a close eye on it so that they don’t burn.

How to freeze cooked mac and cheese bites? I do not recommend re-freezing this recipe.

Try these other air fryer recipes!

If you’ve tried this air fryer frozen mac and cheese bite recipe, don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave me a comment below. I love to hear from people who have made my recipes!

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