Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls
Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls are a delicious twist on a classic comfort food. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy movie night at home, these cheesy bites are sure to impress. Each ball features a golden, crunchy exterior that pairs perfectly with a rich, gooey cheese filling, making them an irresistible snack for kids and adults alike. Plus, cooking them in an air fryer means you can enjoy all the flavor with less oil—making this dish both tasty and healthier.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 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
- 1/2 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 elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and cool.
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to create a roux.
- Gradually add milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Stir in seasonings until smooth.
- Mix in cheeses until melted, then combine with cooled macaroni.
- Form mixture into balls and roll in beaten egg, followed by breadcrumbs.
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Spray balls lightly with oil.
- Cook in batches for 8-10 minutes until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball (30g)
- Calories: 74
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 112mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 14mg