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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Cook Macaroni: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- 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.
- 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.
- Simmer Sauce: Let the mixture simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Add Cheese: Stir in shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan until fully melted and sauce is smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Remove from heat and stir in the cooked elbow macaroni, mixing until pasta is evenly coated with cheese sauce.
- Cool Mixture: Allow the macaroni and cheese mixture to cool for 15-20 minutes, so it firms up for shaping.
- Form Balls: Scoop portions of the cooled mixture and shape into small balls with your hands.
- 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.
- Bread Balls: Roll each macaroni ball first in flour, then dip in beaten egg, followed by coating thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Arrange for Cooking: Place the breaded macaroni balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Lightly spray each ball with vegetable oil to promote crispiness.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- 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.
- 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
