This delicious Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls recipe comes together in about 30 minutes and is cooked in the air fryer for a quick and easy snack or appetizer that your family will love! You can switch up the cheeses or add your favorite spices to suit your taste, making it perfect for using up those scattered ingredients you might have lying around. Honestly, it’s the ultimate “clean out the fridge” meal that’s perfect for weeknight bites!
Ingredient Breakdown
- 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
How to Make Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking your elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Once it’s perfectly al dente, drain it and set it aside. (Hey, don’t forget to give it a rinse under cold water to stop the cooking!)
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour while whisking continuously for about 1-2 minutes, until it’s a nice roux that smells nutty. Now, slowly pour in the milk, stirring so it doesn’t clump up. Add your garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Keep this delicious mixture cooking until it thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 3: Combine Cheese and Pasta
Once it thickens, stir in that glorious mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Can you smell it? Divine! Just wait until all that cheesy goodness melts and becomes smooth. Remove the pan from heat and gently fold in the cooked elbow macaroni until it’s all coated with cheese. Let it cool for about 15-20 minutes so it can set up nicely, making it easy to handle.
Step 4: Form the Balls
With your hands, scoop small portions of the macaroni and cheese mixture, rolling them into your desired ball shapes. (I tend to go for golf ball size, but you do you!) Once they’re all rolled out, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate for easy handling.
Step 5: Prep for Breading
In a shallow dish, whisk the egg until it’s beaten. In another shallow dish, combine your bread crumbs and panko bread crumbs.
Step 6: Bread the Balls
Roll each macaroni and cheese ball first in the egg, ensuring they’re well-coated, then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture until it’s fully covered. This gives them that beautiful crispy crust we crave! Place them back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 7: Season and Preheat
Spray each ball lightly with vegetable oil, don’t be shy! This is key for crispiness. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Step 8: Air Fry the Balls
Arrange the breaded macaroni balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t touching. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden brown and crispy. Oh, this is where the scent in your kitchen will become mouthwatering!
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Once done, carefully remove the macaroni and cheese balls. Let them cool slightly before serving. I recommend enjoying them with your favorite dipping sauce, marinara, ranch, or even a little sriracha for those who love some spice!
Why I Love This Recipe
You guys, this is my go-to recipe when I have a craving for comfort food. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or movie nights when you want something snuggly-delicious! I’m a real sucker for anything cheesy, who isn’t? The best part is how versatile they are; you can use whatever you’ve got on hand. I often whip these up to use leftover mac and cheese from dinner the night before!
If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my Oven Baked Salmon, my Honey Garlic Salmon Bites, or my Potato and Salmon Fish Cakes!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This recipe comes together all in under 30 minutes. Yes, you heard that right! From boiling the pasta to air frying your delicious cheese balls, it’s quick and seamless.
Crowd-Pleaser
You won’t find a more loving way to company than these cheesy wonders! They’re loaded with tons of flavor, and the whole family will love them. Trust me, you’ll be the star of the next party!
Customizable
Feeling creative? Switch up the ingredients! You can use different cheeses, spices, or add-ins like diced jalapeños or bacon. The possibilities are endless, which is great when you’re trying to clean out the fridge!
Comfort Food
There’s nothing like a warm, cheesy ball of happiness to make everything feel right in the world. Seriously, these cheesy delights are perfect for chilly nights or when you just need a hug in food form.
Make-Ahead Friendly
If you want to prep these for later, just prep them up to the point of frying, then pop them in the fridge! When you’re ready, just air fry straight from the fridge. Easy peasy!
Serving Suggestions
You can enjoy these Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls as a standalone dish, or pair them with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, marinara, or even a zesty garlic aioli!
Storage
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before you stash them away!
Reheating Instructions
You can reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-6 minutes for that crispy texture. Avoid microwaving if you can; they lose that fantastic crunch!
Freezer Friendly
Yes, you can freeze these! Just place them in a sealed container after shaping and breading (but before frying), and they can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, cook them straight from frozen, just adding a couple of extra minutes to the air fryer time.
And there you have it! A delicious, comforting, and oh-so-easy recipe that your family will adore. Try it out tonight, and let me know how much you love it! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!