If you’re craving a delicious snack or appetizer, you can’t go wrong with Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls. These crispy bites are stuffed with creamy macaroni and cheese and are perfect for any occasion. They’re easy to make and take your comfort food love to the next level!
Why Make This Recipe
Making these fried macaroni and cheese balls is a fun way to enjoy a classic dish with a twist. The air fryer gives them a crunchy exterior without all the oil, making them a healthier option. Plus, they’re great for sharing at parties, game days, or as a special treat. Who wouldn’t want to munch on these cheesy delights?
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:
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to the melted butter and whisk for about 1-2 minutes to make a roux.
- Slowly pour in 1 1/4 cups of milk while whisking to avoid lumps.
- Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, whisking until smooth.
- Allow the mixture to simmer for 3-4 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
- Stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Remove from heat and mix in the cooked elbow macaroni, coating the pasta with the cheese sauce.
- Let it cool for 15-20 minutes.
- Scoop small portions and form them into ball shapes.
- Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- In a shallow dish, beat the egg.
- In another dish, mix the bread crumbs and panko.
- Roll each macaroni ball in the egg, then coat with the breadcrumbs.
- Place the breaded balls back on the baking sheet.
- Spray each lightly with vegetable oil.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange the macaroni balls in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the air fryer and let cool slightly before serving.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!
How to Serve Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls
These delicious cheese balls are perfect for parties or as a game day snack. Serve them with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or your favorite dipping sauce. They make for a fun finger food that everyone will love.
How to Store Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes to get them crispy again.
Tips to Make Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls
- Ensure the macaroni cheese mixture is cooled well; this helps in forming the balls.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow even cooking and crispiness.
- Feel free to add spices or herbs to the cheese mixture for extra flavor!
Variation
You can get creative with your fried macaroni and cheese balls by adding cooked bacon, jalapeños for a spicy kick, or different types of cheese like cheddar or pepper jack.
FAQs
1. Can I bake these instead of air frying?
Yes! You can bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
2. Can I freeze the macaroni and cheese balls?
Absolutely! You can freeze the uncooked balls. Just place them on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, you can air fry them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
3. What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?
If you need a gluten-free option, you can use crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour as a substitute for breadcrumbs.
Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 1 cup elbow macaroni Cook according to package instructions
- 2 tablespoons butter For making the roux
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour Used in the roux
- 1.25 cups milk To create the cheese sauce
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Coating
- 1 large egg Beaten for breading
- 0.5 cup bread crumbs
- 0.5 cup panko bread crumbs
- 0.25 cup all-purpose flour For breading
- Vegetable oil for spraying To lightly coat the balls
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to the melted butter and whisk for about 1-2 minutes to make a roux.
- Slowly pour in 1 1/4 cups of milk while whisking to avoid lumps.
- Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, whisking until smooth.
- Allow the mixture to simmer for 3-4 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
- Stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Remove from heat and mix in the cooked elbow macaroni, coating the pasta with the cheese sauce.
- Let it cool for 15-20 minutes.
- Scoop small portions and form them into ball shapes.
- Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Breading and Cooking
- In a shallow dish, beat the egg.
- In another dish, mix the bread crumbs and panko.
- Roll each macaroni ball in the egg, then coat with the breadcrumbs.
- Place the breaded balls back on the baking sheet.
- Spray each lightly with vegetable oil.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange the macaroni balls in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the air fryer and let cool slightly before serving.