INTRODUCTION
Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls from the Cheesecake Factory are a delightful comfort food that brings back nostalgic memories of cheesy goodness in a crispy coating. These golden bites are perfect for parties, game nights, or a cozy evening at home when you need a good snack. The best part? You can recreate this fan-favorite dish right in your air fryer! With a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll be serving up these crispy, creamy treats that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser! Not only is it quick and easy to make, but it’s also budget-friendly and made with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. These cheesy balls offer a satisfying crunch on the outside while being comfortingly creamy on the inside, making them perfect for both kids and adults alike.
"These air fryer macaroni and cheese balls are the best! They’re crispy, cheesy, and disappeared from the plate in no time!"
How to Make Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls
The process is deliciously straightforward! You’ll start by cooking the macaroni and preparing a creamy cheese sauce, then shape your mixture into balls, coat, and air fry them to perfection. Ready to dive in? Here’s what you’ll need:
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
If you’re running low on cheese, feel free to swap it with your favorite varieties—cheddar or gouda would be amazing too!
Directions
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, stirring continuously for about 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually pour in 1 1/4 cups of milk while whisking to ensure there are no lumps.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, whisking until smooth.
- Simmer the mixture for 3-4 minutes until it slightly thickens.
- Stir in shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan until melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Remove from heat and add in the cooked macaroni, stirring to coat well.
- Let the mixture cool for 15-20 minutes.
- Once cooler, scoop small amounts of the macaroni mixture and form into ball shapes with your hands.
- Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- In a shallow dish, beat the large egg until smooth.
- In another dish, combine bread crumbs and panko breadcrumbs.
- Roll each ball in the egg, then coat well with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Return the breaded balls to the baking sheet.
- Lightly spray each with vegetable oil for crispiness.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the balls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
- Carefully remove and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce!
Serving Suggestions
These fried macaroni and cheese balls are incredibly versatile! Pair them with a simple green salad to balance out the richness, or serve them alongside marinara sauce or ranch for dipping. For extra texture, consider adding a side of crispy sweet potato fries or coleslaw. They make a fantastic appetizer for gatherings or a fun snack during a movie marathon!
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover macaroni and cheese balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze well! Just make sure to place them in a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to restore their crispy texture.
Pro Tips
To get that perfect crunch, make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. This ensures every ball cooks evenly. If you want extra cheesy flavor, feel free to add more cheese to the sauce. And remember, letting the mixture cool before forming balls helps them hold their shape much better during cooking!
Variations
For a twist on the classic recipe, consider adding cooked bacon bits or jalapeños for some added flavor. You could also experiment with different cheeses like smoked cheddar or pepper jack for a spicy kick. For a healthier alternative, try using whole grain or gluten-free pasta and baking instead of frying!
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the macaroni and cheese balls ahead of time and refrigerate them before air frying. Just make sure to coat them in breadcrumbs right before cooking.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No worries! You can bake them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until they’re golden and crispy.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use another small pasta shape like shells or cavatappi for some variation.
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