Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls Recipe

Introduction

These Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls are a delightful twist on a classic comfort food. Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, they make a perfect snack or appetizer for any occasion.

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, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Step 3: Add the 2 tablespoons of flour to the melted butter and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to make a roux.
4. Step 4: Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to avoid lumps.
5. Step 5: Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the mixture and whisk until smooth.
6. Step 6: Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
7. Step 7: Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth.
8. Step 8: Remove from heat and add the cooked macaroni, stirring to coat evenly.
9. Step 9: Allow the macaroni and cheese mixture to cool for 15-20 minutes.
10. Step 10: Scoop small portions and form into balls by hand.
11. Step 11: Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate.
12. Step 12: Whisk the egg in a shallow dish until beaten.
13. Step 13: Combine bread crumbs and panko in another shallow dish.
14. Step 14: Roll each ball first in the egg, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture.
15. Step 15: Place the breaded balls back on the parchment-lined sheet.
16. Step 16: Lightly spray each ball with vegetable oil for crisping.
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 and crispy.
20. Step 20: Remove carefully and let cool slightly before serving.
21. Step 21: Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use sharp cheddar cheese for a stronger, classic mac and cheese flavor.
• Make sure the macaroni mixture is fully cooled before shaping to prevent sticking.
• Try adding cooked bacon pieces or jalapeños inside the balls for extra flavor.
• For an extra crispy coating, double-dip the balls in egg and breadcrumbs.

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 restore crispiness. They can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake these instead of using an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake the macaroni and cheese balls in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway to crisp evenly.

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

They pair well with marinara, ranch dressing, spicy aioli, or even honey mustard for a tasty contrast.

Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 52 reviews

Deliciously crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, these Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls bring a fun twist to the classic comfort food. Made with a rich cheese sauce, perfectly cooked macaroni, and coated in a crunchy breadcrumb crust, they are air fried to golden perfection for a healthier take on fried favorites.

• Author: mia
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: About 12 macaroni and cheese balls 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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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 and Coating

• 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. Cook the Pasta: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly.
2. Make the Roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the 2 tablespoons of flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a roux, which will help thicken the sauce.
3. Prepare Cheese Sauce: Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Continue whisking until smooth.
4. Simmer and Thicken: Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Add Cheese: Stir in shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
6. Combine Pasta with Cheese Sauce: Remove saucepan from heat and add the cooked macaroni, stirring well to coat the pasta evenly with cheese sauce.
7. Cool the Mixture: Allow the macaroni and cheese mixture to cool for 15-20 minutes, which will make it easier to shape into balls.
8. Form Balls: Scoop small portions of the cooled mixture and shape them into balls with your hands. Place the formed balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate.
9. Prepare Coating Stations: Whisk the egg in a shallow dish. In another shallow dish, combine bread crumbs and panko bread crumbs. Place the 1/4 cup flour in a separate dish.
10. Coat the Balls: Roll each macaroni ball first in the flour, then dip into the beaten egg, followed by coating well in the breadcrumb mixture. Ensure each ball is fully covered.
11. Prepare for Air Frying: Place the breaded balls back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Lightly spray each ball with vegetable oil to promote crisping.
12. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even cooking.
13. Air Fry: Arrange the balls in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, making sure they do not touch. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside.
14. Cool and Serve: Carefully remove the balls from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

Notes

• You can prepare the macaroni and cheese mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it to firm up, making it easier to shape into balls.
• For extra flavor, try adding chopped cooked bacon or herbs like parsley to the cheese mixture before shaping.
• If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the balls in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, turning once midway.
• Be sure to spray the balls with vegetable oil or brush lightly before air frying to achieve a crispy texture.
• Serve with ranch, marinara, or spicy dipping sauces for a tasty accompaniment.

Keywords: fried macaroni and cheese balls, air fryer appetizer, cheesy bites, finger foods, party snack, comfort food