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Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls Recipe

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★★★★★

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://cheflenacooks.com/cheesecake-factory-air-fryer-fried-macaroni-and-cheese-balls-recipe/