Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls Recipe

Introduction

These Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls bring a crunchy twist to a classic comfort food. Crispy on the outside with a creamy, cheesy center, they’re perfect for a fun appetizer or snack. Made easy with an air fryer, you can enjoy a delicious treat without deep frying.

Ingredients

• 1 cup elbow macaroni
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 cups milk
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• Vegetable oil for spraying

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
3. Step 3: Add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to the melted butter and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
4. Step 4: Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to prevent lumps.
5. Step 5: Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Continue whisking until smooth.
6. Step 6: Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
7. Step 7: Stir in shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan until fully melted and smooth.
8. Step 8: Remove from heat and mix in the cooked macaroni, coating it evenly with the cheese sauce.
9. Step 9: Allow the macaroni and cheese mixture to cool for 15-20 minutes.
10. Step 10: Scoop small portions and form them into balls using your hands.
11. Step 11: Place the formed balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate.
12. Step 12: In a shallow dish, beat the egg until fully combined.
13. Step 13: In another dish, mix bread crumbs and panko bread crumbs.
14. Step 14: Roll each macaroni ball first in the beaten egg, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture.
15. Step 15: Return the breaded balls to the parchment-lined baking sheet.
16. Step 16: Lightly spray each ball with vegetable oil to promote crispiness.
17. Step 17: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
18. Step 18: Arrange the balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch.
19. Step 19: Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
20. Step 20: Remove from the air fryer and let cool slightly before serving.
21. Step 21: Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use sharp cheddar cheese instead of mozzarella for a stronger flavor.
• Adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the breadcrumb mixture adds a subtle smoky taste.
• For extra creaminess, stir in a spoonful of cream cheese with the cheeses.
• Make sure the macaroni mixture is fully cooled before shaping to help the balls hold together better.

Storage

Store leftover macaroni and cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to regain crispiness. They can also be frozen before cooking; freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag and cook from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake these macaroni and cheese balls instead of air frying?

Yes, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through.

What dipping sauces pair well with fried mac and cheese balls?

Classic marinara sauce, ranch dressing, spicy aioli, or honey mustard are all great choices to complement the cheesy and crispy texture.

Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 57 reviews

• Author: Lana
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 macaroni and cheese balls 1x

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Description

These Cheesecake Factory-style Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls are crispy, golden outside with a creamy, cheesy center. Made by coating homemade macaroni and cheese balls in seasoned breadcrumbs and cooking them in the air fryer for a healthier twist on a classic comfort food appetizer.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Macaroni and Cheese

• 1 cup elbow macaroni
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 cups milk
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Breading

• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• Vegetable oil for spraying

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Instructions

1. Cook Macaroni: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
2. Make Roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour into the melted butter and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
3. Prepare Cheese Sauce: Slowly pour in 1 1/4 cups milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper and whisk until smooth.
4. Simmer Sauce: Let the mixture simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
5. Add Cheese: Stir in shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan until fully melted and sauce is smooth.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Remove from heat and stir in the cooked elbow macaroni, mixing until pasta is evenly coated with cheese sauce.
7. Cool Mixture: Allow the macaroni and cheese mixture to cool for 15-20 minutes, so it firms up for shaping.
8. Form Balls: Scoop portions of the cooled mixture and shape into small balls with your hands.
9. Prepare Breading Station: Beat the large egg in one shallow dish. In a separate dish, combine bread crumbs and panko bread crumbs. Place the 1/4 cup flour in another shallow dish.
10. Bread Balls: Roll each macaroni ball first in flour, then dip in beaten egg, followed by coating thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture.
11. Arrange for Cooking: Place the breaded macaroni balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Lightly spray each ball with vegetable oil to promote crispiness.
12. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
13. Air Fry: Arrange the breaded balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket without touching. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
14. Cool and Serve: Remove the balls carefully and let them cool slightly before serving with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

• Make sure the macaroni and cheese mixture is cool and firm enough to shape into balls, or they may fall apart during breading.
• Spraying the breadcrumb coating with vegetable oil helps achieve that perfect crispy finish in the air fryer.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches for even crisping.
• Feel free to use different cheese blends for varied flavor.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the air fryer for best texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: macaroni and cheese balls, air fryer appetizer, fried mac and cheese, Cheesecake Factory recipe, cheesy snacks, crispy mac and cheese