Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls
Indulge in the delightful experience of making Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls. These crispy bites, with their creamy interior, are perfect for snacking or serving at gatherings. Not only are they easy to prepare, but they also evoke nostalgia while providing a modern twist on a classic comfort food. Whether enjoyed as an appetizer at parties or as a fun side dish for family dinners, these cheesy balls are sure to impress both kids and adults alike. With endless variations to customize the flavors, this recipe is a must-try for any mac and cheese lover!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
- 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 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- Vegetable oil for spraying
Instructions
- Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour for about 2 minutes to create a roux.
- Gradually add milk while whisking; mix in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer until thickened (3–4 minutes).
- Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until smooth; combine with macaroni and let cool for 15–20 minutes.
- Form the mixture into balls; coat first in beaten egg, then breadcrumbs.
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange balls in the basket and spray with oil; fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 balls (90g)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 70mg