Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls

why make this recipe

Fried macaroni and cheese balls are a delicious twist on a classic comfort food. These golden bites are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, making them perfect for snacking or as a party appetizer. Using an air fryer makes the process quicker and healthier, giving you the same great taste without the extra oil. Enjoy this easy and fun recipe that is sure to please everyone!

how to make Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls

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

Directions:

1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Add the 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to the melted butter and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes to make a roux.
4. Slowly pour in the 1 1/4 cups of milk while whisking to avoid lumps.
5. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, continuing to whisk until smooth.
6. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
7. Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
8. Remove from heat and add the cooked elbow macaroni, stirring to coat the pasta evenly with the cheese sauce.
9. Let the mixture cool for about 15-20 minutes.
10. Once cooled, scoop small portions of the macaroni and cheese mixture and form them into ball shapes with your hands.
11. Place the formed macaroni balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate.
12. In a shallow dish, whisk the large egg until fully beaten.
13. In another shallow dish, combine the bread crumbs and panko bread crumbs.
14. Roll each macaroni and cheese ball first in the egg, then in the breadcrumb mixture, making sure each ball is fully coated.
15. Place the breaded macaroni balls back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet.
16. Spray each ball lightly with vegetable oil to help them crisp up during cooking.
17. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
18. Arrange the breaded macaroni balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching each other.
19. Cook the balls in the air fryer for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
20. Carefully remove the macaroni and cheese balls from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving.
21. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

how to serve Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls

These crispy macaroni and cheese balls are great served hot. You can pair them with dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or even a spicy aioli. They are perfect for parties, game days, or as a fun family snack.

how to store Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls

Store any leftover macaroni and cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer or oven until they are warm and crispy again.

tips to make Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls

• Make sure the cheese sauce is thick enough to hold the macaroni together; this will help in shaping the balls.
• Allow the macaroni mixture to cool enough so that it’s easy to handle while forming the balls.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook the balls in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.

variation (if any)

You can add cooked chicken or vegetables to the macaroni before forming the balls if you want to enhance the flavor and nutrition. Spicy cheese can also be used for a kick.

FAQs

Can I make the macaroni and cheese balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the macaroni cheese mixture ahead of time and form the balls. Store them in the fridge until you are ready to cook.

Can I freeze the cheese balls?
Yes, you can freeze uncooked macaroni and cheese balls. Just make sure to separate them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe container.

What dipping sauces go well with these cheese balls?
Marinara sauce, ranch dressing, and garlic aioli are all great choices for dipping!

Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls

Print Recipe

Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, these air fryer fried macaroni and cheese balls are a delicious twist on a classic comfort food, perfect for snacking or as a party appetizer.

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Add the all-purpose flour to the melted butter and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes to make a roux.
4. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to avoid lumps.
5. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, continuing to whisk until smooth.
6. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 3-4 minutes until thickened slightly.
7. Stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until fully melted.
8. Remove from heat and add the cooked macaroni, stirring to coat evenly.
9. Let the mixture cool for 15-20 minutes.
10. Scoop small portions and shape into balls.
11. Roll each ball in the beaten egg, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
12. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and spray lightly with vegetable oil.
13. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
14. Arrange the balls in a single layer in the air fryer and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
15. Remove from air fryer and let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

These macaroni and cheese balls are best served hot with your favorite dipping sauces. You can also store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

• Author: jessica-baker
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 ball
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: fried macaroni and cheese balls, air fryer snacks, comfort food, party appetizers, cheese balls