why make this recipe
Fried macaroni and cheese balls are a fun twist on a classic dish. They are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, making them a perfect snack or appetizer. With the help of an air fryer, you can achieve that golden crunch without deep frying. This recipe is easy to follow and perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in.
how to make Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls
Ingredients:
- 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
Directions:
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to the melted butter and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes, making a roux.
- Slowly pour in the 1 1/4 cups of milk while whisking to avoid lumps.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the milk mixture and continue to whisk until smooth.
- Allow the mixture to simmer for about 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Stir in shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until they melt and the sauce is smooth.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the cooked elbow macaroni, stirring to coat the pasta evenly with the cheese sauce.
- Let the macaroni and cheese mixture cool for about 15-20 minutes.
- Once cooled, scoop small portions of the macaroni and cheese mixture and form them into ball shapes with your hands.
- Place the formed macaroni balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate.
- In a shallow dish, whisk the large egg until fully beaten.
- In another shallow dish, combine the bread crumbs and panko bread crumbs.
- Roll each macaroni and cheese ball first in the egg, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring they are fully covered.
- Place the breaded macaroni balls back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Spray each ball lightly with vegetable oil to help them crisp up during cooking.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange the breaded macaroni balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching.
- Cook the balls in the air fryer for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Carefully remove the macaroni and cheese balls from the air fryer and allow them to cool slightly before serving.
- Serve the fried macaroni and cheese balls with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!
how to serve Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls
You can serve these delicious macaroni and cheese balls with a variety of dipping sauces. Ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or a spicy aioli are all excellent choices. They make a great appetizer or snack for parties, movie nights, or casual gatherings.
how to store Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for about 2-3 days. To reheat, you can place them back in the air fryer for a few minutes at 375°F to regain their crispiness.
tips to make Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls
- Make sure the macaroni and cheese mixture is completely cool before forming balls. This helps them hold their shape.
- For added flavor, you can mix in cooked vegetables or spices into the cheese mixture.
- Using panko bread crumbs will give your macaroni balls an extra crunchy texture.
variation
You can customize the cheese used in the recipe. Try adding cheddar, pepper jack, or any other cheese you like. You can also add diced cooked chicken or other proteins to make them heartier.
FAQs
Can I make these macaroni and cheese balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the macaroni and cheese balls, coat them, and freeze them before cooking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time when ready to air fry.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can also bake these in a conventional oven at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes. Flip halfway through for even crisping.
Can I use gluten-free pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just swap in gluten-free elbow macaroni and make sure your other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, these fried macaroni and cheese balls are a fun and delicious snack or appetizer.
Ingredients
- 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 medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to the melted butter and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes, making a roux.
- Slowly pour in the 1 1/4 cups of milk while whisking to avoid lumps.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the milk mixture and continue to whisk until smooth.
- Allow the mixture to simmer for about 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Stir in shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until they melt and the sauce is smooth.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the cooked elbow macaroni, stirring to coat the pasta evenly with the cheese sauce.
- Let the macaroni and cheese mixture cool for about 15-20 minutes.
- Once cooled, scoop small portions of the macaroni and cheese mixture and form them into ball shapes with your hands.
- Place the formed macaroni balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate.
- In a shallow dish, whisk the large egg until fully beaten.
- In another shallow dish, combine the bread crumbs and panko bread crumbs.
- Roll each macaroni and cheese ball first in the egg, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring they are fully covered.
- Place the breaded macaroni balls back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Spray each ball lightly with vegetable oil to help them crisp up during cooking.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange the breaded macaroni balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching.
- Cook the balls in the air fryer for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Carefully remove the macaroni and cheese balls from the air fryer and allow them to cool slightly before serving.
- Serve the fried macaroni and cheese balls with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!
Notes
For added flavor, mix in cooked vegetables or spices into the cheese mixture. Using panko bread crumbs will give your macaroni balls an extra crunchy texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 balls
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: macaroni cheese balls, air fryer recipes, appetizers, vegetarian snacks, Cheesecake Factory
