Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls

Crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, these Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls from The Cheesecake Factory are the ultimate comfort food. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to whip up for busy weeknights or family gatherings, you’ve hit the jackpot! This recipe is one of my all-time favorites because it combines nostalgia with a modern twist, and let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like biting into a warm, cheesy ball of goodness.

You can serve these delightful bites as an appetizer for parties or as a fun side dish with your meals. They’re perfect for kids and adults alike, making them an excellent addition to any occasion. You’ll be amazed at how quickly they disappear!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps, you’ll have these delicious bites ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves macaroni and cheese, and turning it into a finger food makes it even more fun!
• Make Ahead: Prepare the macaroni balls in advance and store them in the fridge or freezer for quick snacks later.
• Crispy Delight: The air fryer gives these balls a perfect crunch without needing deep frying.
• Customizable: Feel free to mix in your favorite ingredients for a personal touch!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some wonderful ingredients that will make these Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls both delicious and wholesome. You probably already have many of these items in your kitchen!

For the Mac & 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

For Coating

• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• Vegetable oil for spraying

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! You can easily change things up based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Add Some Spice: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a little kick.
• Cheesy Twist: Use different types of cheese like cheddar or pepper jack to vary the flavor.
• Veggie Boost: Add finely chopped spinach or bell peppers to sneak in some veggies.
• Herb Infusion: Sprinkle in fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added freshness and flavor.

How to Make Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain it well and set it aside. This step is crucial because perfectly cooked pasta will hold its shape when mixed with the cheesy goodness later!

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour continuously for about 1-2 minutes until it forms a roux. This creates a nice base for our cheese sauce.

Step 3: Add Milk and Seasoning

Slowly pour in 1 1/4 cups of milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Then add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Keep whisking until everything is smooth! Let this mixture simmer for about 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly; this helps develop flavor.

Step 4: Melt the Cheeses

Stir in both shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth. Removing the saucepan from heat before mixing ensures that our cheese doesn’t become grainy; we want that luscious creamy texture!

Step 5: Combine Pasta with Sauce

Add the cooked elbow macaroni to your cheese sauce, making sure every piece is coated well. Let this mixture cool for about 15-20 minutes; cooling helps with shaping our mac and cheese balls.

Step 6: Form the Balls

Once cooled, scoop small portions of this cheesy mixture and form them into ball shapes using your hands. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet—this makes transferring them easier later on!

Step 7: Prepare for Breading

In one shallow dish, beat your large egg until fully combined. In another dish, mix together both bread crumbs and panko bread crumbs. This dual coating adds extra crunch!

Step 8: Coat Each Ball

Roll each macaroni ball first in the egg mixture, then coat it evenly with your breadcrumb mixture. It’s important to ensure each ball is fully covered so that they crisp up beautifully during cooking.

Step 9: Spray with Oil & Preheat Air Fryer

Place all breaded macaroni balls back onto your baking sheet and spray lightly with vegetable oil—it helps achieve that gorgeous golden color! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) while you prepare to cook.

Step 10: Air Frying Time!

Arrange the balls in a single layer in your air fryer basket, ensuring they aren’t touching each other. Cook them for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through so they brown evenly. There’s nothing quite like seeing those crispy golden bites emerge from the air fryer!

Step 11: Cool & Serve

Carefully remove those delicious macaroni balls from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce—trust me; they’re irresistible! Enjoy every cheesy bite!

Pro Tips for Making Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls

Making these delicious mac and cheese balls is a breeze, especially with a few handy tips to ensure perfection!

• Use chilled macaroni: Chilling the macaroni and cheese mixture helps it hold its shape better when forming the balls, making them easier to bread and fry without falling apart.

• Experiment with cheeses: While mozzarella and Parmesan provide classic flavors, feel free to mix in other cheese varieties like cheddar or pepper jack for a unique twist that suits your taste preferences.

• Do not overcrowd the air fryer: Giving each mac and cheese ball enough space in the air fryer allows for even cooking and maximum crispiness. If necessary, cook in batches to achieve that golden-brown finish.

• Adjust cooking time based on size: If you prefer larger or smaller balls, keep an eye on them as they cook. Larger balls may need an extra minute or two, while smaller ones might cook faster.

• Let them rest before serving: Allowing the fried mac and cheese balls to cool slightly before serving enhances their flavor and texture by letting them firm up a bit more.

How to Serve Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls

These delightful bites are perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a comforting snack. Here are some fun ways to present them that will impress family and friends!

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh herbs: A sprinkle of parsley or chives adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the plate.
• Grated cheese: Add a light dusting of freshly grated cheese, such as Parmesan or mozzarella, on top just before serving for an extra cheesy touch.

Side Dishes

• Fresh garden salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and tomatoes dressed in vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the mac and cheese balls.
• Roasted vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like asparagus or Brussels sprouts add a healthy crunch and vibrant colors that complement the dish beautifully.
• Dipping sauces: Pair these crispy delights with dipping sauces like marinara, ranch dressing, or even spicy aioli for an extra layer of flavor that will have everyone coming back for more!
• Sweet potato fries: Crunchy sweet potato fries offer both sweetness and texture, creating a delightful balance with the savory macaroni bites.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your homemade Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls! Whether as an appetizer or a tasty snack, these little gems are sure to bring smiles all around. Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls are perfect for meal prep! You can whip them up in advance and store them for a quick, cheesy snack or appetizer whenever cravings hit.

Storing Leftovers

• Place any leftover macaroni and cheese balls in an airtight container.
• Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Ensure they are cooled completely before sealing the container to avoid condensation.

Freezing

• Allow the macaroni balls to cool completely before freezing.
• Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer the frozen balls to an airtight freezer bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper, for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• Alternatively, you can bake them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 10 minutes.

FAQs

If you have questions about this delicious recipe, you’re not alone! Here are some common queries that can help.

Can I use gluten-free pasta for the Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls?

Absolutely! Substitute regular elbow macaroni with gluten-free elbow pasta. The rest of the recipe remains unchanged, ensuring everyone can enjoy these tasty treats.

How can I make the Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls spicier?

For a kick of heat, add some cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce. You could also serve them with a spicy dipping sauce!

Are there any alternatives to breadcrumbs if I want to make Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls gluten-free?

Yes! You can use crushed gluten-free crackers or ground nuts as a substitute for regular breadcrumbs. Just ensure your coating is crisp before frying!

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to bring these Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls into your kitchen! They’re not just about flavor; they’re about creating moments of joy with family and friends. Enjoy crafting this delightful recipe, and don’t hesitate to share your experiences. Happy cooking!