Crispy air fryer mac and cheese balls plated on a table

Crispy Air Fryer Mac & Cheese Balls

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why make this recipe

Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls from the Cheesecake Factory are a delicious treat that combines comfort food with a fun twist. These crunchy bites are perfect for parties, game days, or just as a tasty snack. Using an air fryer, you can enjoy this indulgent dish without the need for deep frying, making it a healthier option.

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 garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the milk mixture and continue whisking 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 melted and smooth.
  8. Remove from heat and add the cooked elbow macaroni, stirring well to coat the pasta with cheese sauce.
  9. Let the mixture cool for about 15-20 minutes.
  10. Scoop small portions of the macaroni and cheese and form them into balls with your hands.
  11. Place the formed balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate.
  12. In a shallow dish, beat the egg until fully mixed.
  13. In another dish, combine the bread crumbs and panko bread crumbs.
  14. Roll each macaroni and cheese ball in the egg, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it’s fully covered.
  15. Place the breaded balls back onto the parchment-lined sheet.
  16. Lightly spray each ball with vegetable oil to help them get crispy.
  17. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  18. Arrange the balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not touch each other.
  19. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
  20. Carefully remove the 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 delicious balls are great served as an appetizer, snack, or even a side dish. You can pair them with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or your favorite dipping sauce for added flavor.

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 3 days. To reheat, simply place them back in the air fryer or an oven until they are heated through.

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

  • Make sure the macaroni and cheese mixture is cool enough before forming the balls, so they hold their shape better.
  • For extra crunch, you can add crushed cornflakes or extra breadcrumbs to the coating mixture.
  • If you want a bit more flavor, consider adding cooked bacon or diced jalapeños to the cheese mix.

variation

You can experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or gouda for a unique flavor. Additionally, you can add spices like paprika or chili powder for some heat.

FAQs

  1. Can I use gluten-free pasta? Yes, you can substitute regular elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
  2. Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the macaroni and cheese balls and freeze them before cooking. Just make sure to cook them from frozen and add a few minutes to the cooking time.
  3. Is there a way to bake these instead of air frying? Yes, you can bake the mac and cheese balls in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown, turning them halfway through.

Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls

Crispy and delicious air fryer macaroni and cheese balls that combine comfort food with a fun twist, perfect for parties or as a tasty snack.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12 balls
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 cup elbow macaroni Cook according to package instructions
  • 2 tablespoons butter For cooking the roux
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour Plus an additional 1/4 cup for breading
  • 1 1/4 cups milk For the cheese sauce
  • 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 For the cheese filling
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese For the cheese filling
  • 1 large egg For binding the breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs For coating
  • 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs For extra crunch
  • Vegetable oil for spraying To help the balls get crispy

Method
 

Preparation
  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 garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the milk mixture and continue whisking 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 melted and smooth.
  8. Remove from heat and add the cooked elbow macaroni, stirring well to coat the pasta with cheese sauce.
  9. Let the mixture cool for about 15-20 minutes.
  10. Scoop small portions of the macaroni and cheese and form them into balls with your hands.
  11. Place the formed balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate.
Breading and Cooking
  1. In a shallow dish, beat the egg until fully mixed.
  2. In another dish, combine the bread crumbs and panko bread crumbs.
  3. Roll each macaroni and cheese ball in the egg, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it’s fully covered.
  4. Place the breaded balls back onto the parchment-lined sheet.
  5. Lightly spray each ball with vegetable oil to help them get crispy.
  6. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  7. Arrange the balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not touch each other.
  8. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
  9. Carefully remove the balls from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 6gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 300mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1g

Notes

Store any leftover macaroni and cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them back in the air fryer or an oven until they are heated through. For extra crunch, add crushed cornflakes or extra breadcrumbs to the coating mixture. For more flavor, consider adding cooked bacon or diced jalapeños to the cheese mix.

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