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Fried or Air Fried Jalapeño Mac and Cheese Bites

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Ingredients

For the Mac & Cheese

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni (about 2 cups dry)

  • 2 tbsp butter

  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

  • 1 cup whole milk

  • ½ cup heavy cream

  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

  • ½ cup shredded pepper jack cheese

  • 2–3 fresh jalapeños, seeded and finely diced (adjust for heat level)

  • ½ tsp garlic powder

  • ½ tsp smoked paprika

  • Salt & pepper, to taste

For Breading & Frying

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

  • 2 large eggs, beaten

  • 1½ cups seasoned breadcrumbs (panko works best for extra crunch) OR plain bread crumbs and add onion powder and garlic powder.

  • Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut). Or none for Air Fryer

Instructions

Step 1 – Make the Mac & Cheese

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.

  2. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.

  3. Slowly whisk in milk and cream; cook until thickened (about 3–4 minutes).

  4. Remove from heat, stir in cheddar, pepper jack, garlic powder, smoked paprika, diced jalapeños, salt, and pepper until smooth.

  5. Add cooked pasta, stir well to coat.

Step 2 – Chill Until Firm

  1. Transfer mac and cheese into a shallow baking dish and press into an even layer.

  2. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours (or overnight) until firm enough to scoop and roll.

Step 3 – Shape the Bites

  1. Using a small scoop or spoon, form bite-sized balls (about 1–1½ inches). Press and roll tightly.

Step 4 – Bread the Bites

  1. Set up a breading station:

    • Bowl 1: Flour

    • Bowl 2: Beaten eggs

    • Bowl 3: Breadcrumbs

  2. Roll each ball in flour, dip in egg, then coat in breadcrumbs. Press lightly so crumbs stick.

Step 5 – Fry Air/Fry Until Golden

  1. Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C).  Air fryer at 400° F

  2. Fry bites in small batches 2–3 minutes, turning to brown evenly.  Air Fryer for 8 minutes

  3. Drain on paper towels.

TIP:  Freeze after cooling.  Re-heat in an air fryer directly from frozen for 5 – 8 minutes being careful they don’t get too brown.  If they start off about where you like them, lower the temperature in the air fryer to 250 and warm through for about 10 minutes.