The first time I had mac and cheese balls was at a local gas station convenience store, and I loved them! Needless to say, I don’t feel the need to go for a drive every time I want to enjoy them. So, I learned how to make air fryer frozen mac and cheese bites right at home.
Starting with frozen takes all the prep work out of things, so you can cook and eat your mac and cheese even sooner.
Can You Put Frozen Mac and Cheese Bites in the Air Fryer?
Yes, you can put all frozen mac and cheese bites in the air fryer. In fact, it’s my favorite way to make them!
They cook directly from frozen, and come out with crispy breading on the outside with a gooey, creamy cheddar cheese and macaroni noodles center. This method is faster than the conventional oven, with a texture like a deep fry without all the extra oil.
Here are some of the most popular brands of mac and cheese bites you may want to try:
- Stouffer’s Mac and Cheese Bites
- Trader Joe’s Mac and Cheese Bites
- Market Pantry (Target) Mac and Cheese Bites
- Crav’N Mac and Cheese Bites
- Wellsley Farms (BJ’s Wholesale Club) Mac and Cheese Bites
- Feel Good Foods Mac and Cheese Bites (Gluten Free)
The Crav’N brand are the little triangle-shaped bites with straight noodles that I was first introduced to. The other brands are all mac and cheese balls, typically made with elbow macaroni. No matter what type you choose, they’re all great in your air fryer!
I chose the Stouffer’s variety here because: they add bacon! Who can say no to bacon? It’s the number one topping to everything around here, including baked potatoes in the air fryer.
Katie’s tip
If Stouffer’s makes you think of stuffing, then you might also enjoy these spinach stuffing balls in the air fryer! Since a kid, I’ve always loved these appetizers!
No matter what shape your macaroni and cheese bites take, though, they’re still delicious!
Quick + Easy Recipes
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Ingredients Needed
- Frozen mac and cheese bites, any brand (such as Stouffer’s)
- Dipping sauce (optional)
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- You can cook as many bites at a time as fit in your air fryer in a single layer, whether it’s a full or partial box, without changing cooking time. Cook in batches if needed for small air fryers – overcrowding can cause cold or soggy spots
- While you definitely do not need a dipping sauce, if you want one, try ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, ketchup, marinara, honey mustard, or a sriracha aioli
- If you want to spice up your bites, you can add a sprinkle of spices or seasoning, like Cajun seasoning, BBQ seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, or similar to add flavor and/or heat!
Step By Step Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F
- Remove frozen mac and cheese bites from all packaging, and place in the preheated air fryer basket. Allow air space between each bite
- Air fry for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through
- Check for a golden-brown exterior and an internal temperature of 165°F, and add an extra minute or two if needed (larger sized bites may take longer)
- Cool for around 2 minutes before enjoying
- Serve with your favorite dippers or enjoy on their own!
What to Serve With Mac and Cheese Bites
Main Dishes
- Sliders: Mini burgers, pulled pork sliders, or chicken sliders are hearty enough to complement the rich bites
- Grilled or Fried Chicken: The crispy exterior and juicy interior pair perfectly with cheesy bites
- Chili: A bowl of hearty beef or vegetarian chili alongside mac and cheese bites is a comforting combo
- BBQ Ribs or Brisket: Smoky, savory meats add depth to the cheesy, creamy flavor!
Side Dishes
- Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad or coleslaw adds a refreshing contrast to the richness
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, carrots, or brussels sprouts balance out the meal. Try my Air Fryer Smashed Brussel Sprouts for a complimentary snack option!
- French Fries or Sweet Potato Fries: Classic, easy sides that everyone loves
- Cornbread or Garlic Bread: A little extra carb comfort to round things out!
Sauces and Dippers
- Ranch Dressing
- Honey Mustard
- Marinara Sauce
- Spicy Aioli or Chipotle Mayo
Recipe FAQs
How Long Do You Cook Frozen Mac and Cheese Bites in the Air Fryer?
You cook frozen mac and cheese bites in the air fryer for approximately 8-10 minutes at 400° F. Pause once halfway through and give them a shake to encourage even heating and crisping.
Depending on the exact size and composition of your macaroni and cheese balls, they may take a couple minutes more or less, but this is a great approximation.
What’s the Best Way to Cook Frozen Mac and Cheese Bites?
The best ways to cook frozen mac and cheese bites are in the oven (regular or convection) or an air fryer. This gives you the best crunchy exterior, while keeping the inside moist and hot.
While you could heat them in a toaster oven, it’s not recommended and would take a longer time. The microwave is fast, but you lose the crunchy exterior heating them that way, which is why it’s not a preferred method.
Tips For the Best Frozen Mac and Cheese Bites
- If you prefer a slightly less crispy exterior, lower the heat to 380°F and increase cooking time by 1-2 minutes. However, I don’t think you can go wrong with the satisfying crunch with a warm, cheesy center!
- You do not need to spray the bites with any oil prior to cooking. It’s already frozen in the breading, which is plenty to get them crispy
- Expect some of the bites to leak cheese during cooking. This is normal, and they still taste great. You can use some perforated parchment if you like for easier cleanup!
- If you do not preheat your air fryer, this recipe still works fine! Just add about 2 extra minutes to cooking time, and flip the bites (or shake the basket) one extra time for even cooking
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage Tips
- Store leftover mac and cheese bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. I do not recommend putting them back in the freezer after they have been cooked once, as the texture will start to change
Reheating Directions
- Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 3–5 minutes until heated through and crispy
- Oven: Bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway
- Microwave: Use short bursts (20–30 seconds), but note they won’t be as crispy
Final Thoughts
So that’s a wrap! In around 10 minutes (including preheat) you can make frozen mac and cheese bites in the air fryer! They’re crispy and golden on the outside and filled with melty cheese on the inside.
Macaroni and cheese bites make a great appetizer or snack, and fit in well on your game day smorgasbord. I’ve also served them as a side dish – they pair well with BBQ favorites, burgers, hot dogs, and more.
Since they’re easy to make (as long as you’re comfortable using the air fryer), it’s also a great option for your older kids and teens to make for an after school snack!
Air Fryer Frozen Mac and Cheese Bites
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 Mac and cheese bites (frozen)
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F, following manufacturer guidelines
- Remove frozen mac and cheese bites from all packaging, and place in the preheated air fryer basket. Allow air space between each bite3 Mac and cheese bites
- Air fry for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through
- Check for an internal temperature of 165°F, and add additional cook time in 1-minute increments if needed
- Cool for around 2 minutes before enjoying
- Serve with your favorite dippers or enjoy on their own!
Notes
- There’s no need to add any additional oil when cooking frozen mac and cheese bites, as most come with it already included
- Making more than one serving doesn’t increase cook time as long as there is adequate basket space
- It’s normal for the bites to sometimes break open a bit during cooking. They still taste great!
- Good dipping sauce choices include: buffalo sauce, ketchup, ranch, or garlic parmesan
- Nutrition will vary based on specific brand used, so please consider this a rough guideline
Nutrition
