Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls
Indulge in the delightful experience of Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls—an irresistible comfort food that marries a crispy, golden exterior with a creamy, cheesy center. Perfect for gatherings, game nights, or cozy dinners, these bite-sized treats bring a fun twist to traditional mac and cheese. Easy to prepare in under an hour, they are not just quick but also healthier thanks to air frying. Customize them with your favorite spices and serve with various dipping sauces for an unforgettable snack or appetizer that will have everyone coming back for more.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: About 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour, cooking for a few minutes to create a roux. Gradually add milk while whisking until smooth. Stir in seasonings and cheeses until melted.
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese mixture and cool for about 15–20 minutes.
- Form the mixture into balls and bread them by rolling in beaten egg followed by breadcrumbs.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 balls (135g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 60mg