Air fryer fried macaroni and cheese balls from Cheesecake Factory

Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls

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why make this recipe

Fried macaroni and cheese balls are a fun and tasty snack or appetizer. They bring together the comfort of creamy mac and cheese with a crispy outside, making them a crowd-pleaser for parties, game nights, or family dinners. Using an air fryer makes the recipe healthier while keeping it delicious. Plus, they are easy to make and fun to eat!

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, then drain and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  3. Add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to the melted butter and whisk for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
  4. Slowly pour in 1 1/4 cups of milk while whisking to avoid lumps.
  5. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth.
  6. Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  7. Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  8. Remove the saucepan from the heat and mix in the cooked elbow macaroni, making sure all pasta is coated in the cheese sauce.
  9. Allow the macaroni and cheese mixture to cool for 15-20 minutes.
  10. Scoop out small portions of the mixture and form them into balls using your hands. Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  11. In a shallow dish, beat the large egg. In another dish, mix the bread crumbs and panko bread crumbs.
  12. Roll each macaroni ball in the egg, then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring they are fully covered.
  13. Return the breaded macaroni balls to the parchment-lined sheet and spray them lightly with vegetable oil.
  14. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  15. Place the balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not touch.
  16. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until they are golden brown and crispy.
  17. Carefully remove the balls and let them cool slightly before serving.
  18. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

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

These fried macaroni and cheese balls are best served warm. You can pair them with a variety of dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or your favorite hot sauce. They make a perfect snack for movie nights or social gatherings.

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

If you have leftovers, store the fried macaroni and cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for about 3-4 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer for a few minutes until they are heated through and crispy again.

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

  1. Make sure the macaroni and cheese mixture is cooled enough to handle before forming the balls. This helps them hold their shape better.
  2. Spray the balls lightly with vegetable oil before air frying. This helps them get that nice crispy texture.
  3. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary for even cooking.

variation

You can add different ingredients to the macaroni and cheese mixture for a twist. Try adding cooked bacon bits, chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick, or different cheese varieties like cheddar or pepper jack for extra flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use leftover macaroni and cheese to make these balls?

Yes, leftover mac and cheese works great for this recipe! Just make sure it’s cold before forming the balls.

2. Can I bake these instead of using an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until they are golden and crispy.

3. How can I make these gluten-free?

You can use gluten-free pasta and substitute regular flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free options.

Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls

Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, these air-fried macaroni and cheese balls make for a fun and tasty snack or appetizer perfect for any occasion.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 balls
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the macaroni and cheese
  • 1 cup elbow macaroni Cooked according to package instructions
  • 2 tablespoons butter For melting and creating the roux
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour Used for the roux
  • 1 1/4 cups milk Add slowly to prevent lumps
  • 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 creamy texture
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese For added flavor
  • 1 large egg For binding the balls
For coating
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs
  • 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs For extra crunch
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • Vegetable oil for spraying To help them crisp up in the air fryer

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  3. Add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to the melted butter and whisk for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
  4. Slowly pour in 1 1/4 cups of milk while whisking to avoid lumps.
  5. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth.
  6. Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  7. Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  8. Remove the saucepan from the heat and mix in the cooked elbow macaroni, ensuring all pasta is coated in the cheese sauce.
  9. Allow the macaroni and cheese mixture to cool for 15-20 minutes.
Forming the Balls
  1. Scoop out small portions of the mixture and form them into balls using your hands. Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  2. In a shallow dish, beat the large egg. In another dish, mix the bread crumbs and panko bread crumbs.
  3. Roll each macaroni ball in the egg, then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring they are fully covered.
  4. Return the breaded macaroni balls to the parchment-lined sheet and spray them lightly with vegetable oil.
Air Frying
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Place the balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not touch.
  3. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until they are golden brown and crispy.
  4. Carefully remove the balls and let them cool slightly before serving.

Notes

These fried macaroni and cheese balls are best served warm. Pair them with marinara, ranch, or hot sauce for dipping. For storage, keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, air fry for a few minutes.