Picture this: It’s game day, and your friends are already crowding around the TV. You need a snack that’ll disappear faster than the halftime show—something crispy, cheesy, and packing just the right amount of heat. Enter my Buffalo Chicken Mac Bombs Air Fryer, the air fryer miracle that’s become my go-to for moments like these. These little golden nuggets are stuffed with spicy buffalo chicken and oozy mac and cheese, all wrapped up in a crunchy breadcrumb shell. Best part? They’re ready in under 30 minutes, and trust me, nobody can stop at just one. Game on.
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Why You’ll Love These Buffalo Chicken Mac Bombs Air Fryer
Let me tell you why these little bombs are about to become your new obsession:
- Crazy quick – From fridge to table in 25 minutes flat (perfect for last-minute cravings).
- That crunch! The air fryer gives them a golden shell that shatters when you bite in.
- Spice control – Add more buffalo sauce if you dare, or dial it back for kiddos.
- Leftover magic – Stale mac and cheese? Chicken from last night’s roast? Boom. Snack redemption.
Seriously, they’re like your favorite bar food—but better because you made them.
If you love crispy, cheesy bites, you’ll also want to check out these Air Fryer Crispy Potato Cheese Bombs for another flavor-packed snack that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Mac Bombs Air Fryer
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these addictive little bites. I’ve learned the hard way—measurements matter, especially with saucy fillings! Pro tip: Set everything out before you start. It’s messy fun, but you’ll want to move fast once those hands get cheesy.
- 2 cups cooked mac and cheese (packed slightly—leftovers work great!)
- 1 cup shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken is my cheat code)
- 1/4 cup buffalo sauce (use mild or hot—your call!)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (the extra melt factor!)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko gives the crunchiest shell)
- 1 large egg, beaten (this glue holds everything together)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder + 1/2 tsp onion powder (the flavor boosters)
- 1/4 tsp salt + 1/4 tsp black pepper (trust me, season every layer)
- Cooking spray (for that golden finish)
See? Mostly pantry staples with a few fridge heroes. Now let’s make some magic.
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25-Minute Buffalo Chicken Mac Bombs Air Fryer – Irresistible!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 mac bombs 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Crispy mac and cheese bites stuffed with spicy buffalo chicken, cooked in an air fryer for a quick and tasty snack.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked macaroni and cheese
- 1 cup shredded cooked chicken
- 1/4 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Mix shredded chicken with buffalo sauce in a bowl.
- Combine mac and cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in another bowl.
- Take a spoonful of the mac and cheese mixture and flatten it in your palm.
- Place a small amount of buffalo chicken in the center and fold the mac and cheese around it to form a ball.
- Dip each ball in beaten egg, then coat with breadcrumbs.
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly spray the mac bombs with cooking spray.
- Place in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 8-10 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve warm with extra buffalo sauce or ranch dressing.
Notes
- Use leftover mac and cheese for quicker prep.
- Adjust buffalo sauce to your preferred spice level.
- For extra crispiness, spray lightly with oil before air frying.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mac bomb
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: buffalo chicken, mac and cheese bites, air fryer recipe, easy appetizer, spicy snack
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Mac Bombs in the Air Fryer
Okay, let’s get messy—in the best way possible! Making these Buffalo Chicken Mac Bombs is like playing with edible playdough, but way more delicious. Follow these steps, and you’ll have crispy, gooey perfection in no time.
Mixing the Fillings
First, grab that shredded chicken and toss it with buffalo sauce until every piece is coated. Don’t be shy—get your hands in there! In another bowl, mix your mac and cheese with cheddar cheese and all those spices. Pro tip: Gently fold everything together—overmixing makes the mac too mushy. You want it just cohesive enough to hold its shape.
Forming and Coating the Bombs
Now the fun part! Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mac mixture into your palm and flatten it slightly. Drop a teaspoon of buffalo chicken in the center, then carefully wrap the mac around it like a cheesy little hug. Roll it smooth between your palms—if it cracks, wet your fingers with water to seal it up. Dip each bomb in beaten egg, then roll in breadcrumbs until fully coated. Warning: This step gets gloriously messy!
Air Frying to Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C)—this ensures even cooking. Arrange the mac bombs in a single layer (they need breathing room!) and give them a light spritz of cooking spray. Cook for 8-10 minutes until they’re golden brown and crispy. Secret trick: Shake the basket halfway through for even browning. When they’re done, let them cool for 2 minutes—that molten cheese filling is sneaky hot!
Tips for the Best Buffalo Chicken Mac Bombs Air Fryer
After making these dozens of times (yes, I’m obsessed), here are my foolproof tips:
- Cold mac works best – Leftover mac and cheese holds its shape better than freshly made when forming bombs.
- Double-dip for extra crunch – For super-crispy shells, do a second egg wash and breadcrumb layer.
- The thumbprint trick – Press a slight dent in your mac ball before adding chicken—it prevents blowouts!
- Listen for the sizzle – Done bombs sound crispy when tapped. If unsure, sacrifice one to peek inside.
Remember: Perfectly imperfect bombs still taste amazing!
Serving Suggestions for Buffalo Chicken Mac Bombs Air Fryer
These little flavor bombs deserve a proper fan club! Serve them piping hot with a side of cool ranch dressing for dipping—the creamy tang is magic against the spicy kick. For game day, pile them high on a platter with celery sticks and carrot coins. They disappear fastest at parties when I set out extra buffalo sauce for the brave souls who want to double down on heat. Oh, and cold beer? Non-negotiable.
Storage and Reheating
Here’s the good news: these Buffalo Chicken Mac Bombs actually keep beautifully! Pop any leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have any) in an airtight container—they’ll stay crispy for up to 3 days in the fridge. When the craving strikes again, just toss them back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 4 minutes. They’ll come out nearly as good as fresh, with that signature crunch intact. No sad, soggy snacks allowed!
And for even more mouthwatering air fryer ideas, don’t forget to explore our recipes and follow us on Pinterest where we share trending snack creations daily!
Buffalo Chicken Mac Bombs FAQs
I get asked about these addictive little bites all the time—so here are the answers to your burning questions!
Can I bake these instead of using an air fryer?
Absolutely! Bake at 400°F for about 15 minutes on a parchment-lined sheet. Flip halfway through for even browning. They won’t get quite as crispy, but still delicious.
Can I freeze Buffalo Chicken Mac Bombs?
Yes! Freeze them before cooking—just bread them and lay flat on a tray until solid, then transfer to bags. When ready, air fry frozen bombs at 375°F for 12-14 minutes (no thawing needed!).
How can I adjust the spice level?
Start with mild buffalo sauce and taste as you go. For extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne to the breadcrumbs or drizzle with hot sauce after cooking.
What if my mac bombs fall apart?
Chill the mixture for 15 minutes first—cold mac holds better. And don’t overstuff! A teaspoon of chicken per bomb is plenty.
Nutritional Information
Okay, let’s talk numbers—but remember, these are just estimates since brands and ingredient choices can change things! Each glorious Buffalo Chicken Mac Bomb clocks in at about 120 calories, with 7g protein to keep you going and 10g carbs for that quick energy boost. You’re looking at 6g fat (hey, cheese is worth it!) and 280mg sodium—so maybe balance with some veggies on the side. As always, your mileage may vary depending on your specific ingredients!
Ready to Make These Buffalo Chicken Mac Bombs?
Go grab that air fryer—I can’t wait to hear how your spicy, cheesy bombs turn out! Drop a comment below with your favorite twist on this recipe.