Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls Recipe

Introduction

These Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls are a crispy, cheesy treat inspired by the Cheesecake Factory. Perfectly golden on the outside and creamy inside, they make a great appetizer or snack that’s easy to prepare at home using your air fryer.

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 (for coating)
• Vegetable oil for spraying

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Step 3: Add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to the melted butter and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes to create 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, then continue whisking until the mixture is 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 cheese until completely melted and smooth.
8. Step 8: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated.
9. Step 9: Allow the macaroni and cheese mixture to cool for 15-20 minutes.
10. Step 10: Once cooled, shape small portions into balls with your hands and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate.
11. Step 11: Beat the egg in a shallow dish.
12. Step 12: In another shallow dish, mix together the bread crumbs and panko bread crumbs.
13. Step 13: Roll each macaroni ball first in the flour, then dip into the beaten egg, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring thorough coverage.
14. Step 14: Place the coated balls back on the parchment-lined sheet and spray lightly with vegetable oil.
15. Step 15: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
16. Step 16: Arrange the balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket without touching each other.
17. Step 17: Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the balls are golden brown and crispy.
18. Step 18: Remove from the air fryer and let cool slightly before serving.
19. Step 19: 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 cheese instead of mozzarella for a tangier taste.
• Make sure the macaroni and cheese mixture is fully cooled before shaping to help the balls hold together.
• Spraying the balls with vegetable oil before air frying helps achieve a crispy exterior without deep frying.
• Try dipping these in marinara sauce, ranch, or spicy aioli for great flavor combos.

Storage

Store any leftover macaroni and cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving to keep them from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze these macaroni and cheese balls?

Yes, you can freeze them before air frying. Arrange the breaded balls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook them from frozen in the air fryer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What dipping sauces go well with fried mac and cheese balls?

Popular choices include marinara sauce, ranch dressing, spicy aioli, honey mustard, or even a classic ketchup for a simple option.

Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 90 reviews

Deliciously crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, these Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls are a perfect appetizer or snack. Made with a rich cheese sauce enveloping tender elbow macaroni, then coated in a crunchy breadcrumb crust and air fried to golden perfection, these bites offer a comforting twist on classic mac and cheese with a healthier, oil-sprayed finish.

• Author: Tara
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12–14 macaroni and cheese balls 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Macaroni and Cheese

• 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

Coating and Frying

• 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 the macaroni: Prepare the elbow macaroni by boiling it according to package instructions until tender. Drain thoroughly and set aside to cool slightly.
2. Make the roux: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and continue whisking for 1-2 minutes to cook the flour and create a smooth roux base.
3. Add milk and seasonings: Gradually pour the 1 1/4 cups of milk into the roux while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper and keep whisking until the mixture is smooth.
4. Simmer and thicken: Let the milk mixture simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly into a creamy sauce.
5. Melt the cheeses: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is homogenous.
6. Combine with macaroni: Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir well to completely coat the pasta.
7. Cool mixture: Allow the macaroni and cheese mixture to cool for 15-20 minutes to firm up, making it easier to shape.
8. Form macaroni balls: Using your hands, scoop small portions of the cooled mixture and shape each into a tight ball.
9. Prepare coating stations: Place the formed balls on a parchment-lined sheet. In one shallow dish, beat the large egg. In another dish, mix together the bread crumbs and panko bread crumbs.
10. Bread the balls: Roll each macaroni ball first in the beaten egg, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture. Ensure each ball is evenly covered.
11. Prepare for air frying: Return the breaded macaroni balls to the parchment-lined sheet. Lightly spray each ball with vegetable oil to promote crispiness.
12. Preheat air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to come to temperature.
13. Arrange and cook: Place the macaroni balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not touch to allow even cooking.
14. Air fry until crispy: Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping the balls halfway through the cooking time until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside.
15. Cool and serve: Carefully remove the balls from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

• Allowing the macaroni and cheese mixture to cool before shaping prevents the balls from falling apart during coating and frying.
• Lightly spraying the balls with oil before air frying helps achieve a golden, crispy crust without deep frying.
• Ensure the air fryer basket has enough space between balls for even hot air circulation and crisping.
• Customize the dipping sauce to your taste—ranch, marinara, or spicy aioli all pair well.
• For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb coating.

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