Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls Recipe

Introduction

These Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls bring a crispy twist to a classic comfort food favorite. With a creamy, cheesy center and a crunchy golden crust, they’re perfect for snacking or serving as an appetizer. Using an air fryer makes them lighter and just as delicious.

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, then drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
3. Step 3: Add 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: Stir in 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: Remove from heat and stir in shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan until fully melted and smooth.
8. Step 8: Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly.
9. Step 9: Allow the mixture to cool for 15-20 minutes.
10. Step 10: Scoop small portions of macaroni and cheese mixture and form into balls by hand.
11. Step 11: Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate.
12. Step 12: In a shallow dish, beat the egg until fully blended.
13. Step 13: In another shallow dish, combine the bread crumbs and panko bread crumbs.
14. Step 14: Roll each macaroni ball in the beaten egg, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture.
15. Step 15: Arrange the breaded balls back on the parchment-lined sheet.
16. Step 16: Lightly spray each ball with vegetable oil to help them crisp up.
17. Step 17: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
18. Step 18: Place the macaroni balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket without touching.
19. Step 19: Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
20. Step 20: Remove carefully and let cool slightly before serving.
21. Step 21: Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.
• Use sharp cheddar or a blend of cheeses for a different cheesy flavor.
• To make balls easier to shape, chill the macaroni mixture in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before forming.
• Swap panko for gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
• If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake these at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.

Storage

Store leftover fried macaroni and cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as this may make them soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the macaroni and cheese mixture ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the macaroni and cheese mixture a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. When ready, shape into balls and proceed with breading and air frying.

What dipping sauces go well with these macaroni and cheese balls?

They pair wonderfully with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, spicy aioli, or even a honey mustard dip. Choose whatever suits your taste!

Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 507 reviews

These Cheesecake Factory-style Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls are crispy on the outside and delectably creamy on the inside. Made by coating macaroni and cheese in a crunchy breadcrumb shell and cooking them in an air fryer, this appetizer offers comfort food perfection with a healthier twist. Crispy, cheesy, and perfect for sharing, they make an irresistible snack or party treat.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 macaroni and cheese balls 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Macaroni and Cheese Base

• 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 Macaroni: Cook 1 cup of elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside to cool.
2. Make Roux: In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to the melted butter and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a roux, which thickens the sauce.
3. Add Milk and Seasonings: Slowly whisk in 1 1/4 cups milk to the roux, preventing lumps. Add 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth.
4. Simmer and Thicken Sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly, stirring regularly to avoid burning.
5. Add Cheeses: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
6. Combine with Macaroni: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to ensure the pasta is evenly coated.
7. Cool Mixture: Let the macaroni and cheese mixture cool for 15-20 minutes, allowing it to firm up for shaping.
8. Form Balls: Using your hands, scoop small portions of the mixture and form into round balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate.
9. Prepare Breading Stations: In one shallow dish, beat 1 large egg completely. In another shallow dish, mix 1/2 cup bread crumbs with 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs.
10. Bread the Balls: Roll each macaroni ball first in the beaten egg, then coat it thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture to ensure a crispy crust.
11. Arrange and Spray: Place breaded balls back on the parchment-lined baking sheet and lightly spray each with vegetable oil to promote crisping.
12. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
13. Air Fry the Balls: Arrange the balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
14. Cool and Serve: Remove the balls carefully from the air fryer and let cool slightly before serving with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

• Ensure the macaroni and cheese mixture is cooled before shaping to help the balls hold together better.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow for even cooking and crisping.
• You can substitute different cheeses like cheddar or fontina for variation in flavor.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the cheese sauce.
• These macaroni and cheese balls can be frozen before air frying; freeze on a tray then store in a freezer bag, cooking from frozen with a slight time adjustment.

Keywords: macaroni and cheese balls, air fryer recipes, fried mac and cheese, appetizer, snack, Cheesecake Factory copycat