Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls

Is It Possible to Recreate the Cheesecake Factory’s Famous Appetizer at Home?

Have you ever found yourself craving those irresistibly crispy, gooey Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls but didn’t want to leave the comfort of your home? Good news – you can recreate this iconic appetizer right in your kitchen with an air fryer! These golden, crunchy spheres of creamy mac and cheese are surprisingly simple to make and deliver that restaurant-quality taste without the deep fryer. Today, I’m sharing my perfected recipe for Cheesecake Factory Fried Mac and Cheese Balls that will satisfy your cravings while being healthier than the original.

Ingredients List

For the Mac and Cheese Base:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk (substitute with almond milk for lighter option)
• 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon mustard powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Coating:

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup regular breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Olive oil cooking spray

Timing

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 2 hours chilling time)
• Cooking Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours 32 minutes (including cooling)

This air fryer method saves approximately 15 minutes of cooking time compared to the traditional oven-baked version and eliminates the mess and extra calories of deep frying!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Macaroni

Cook the elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente (about 1-2 minutes less than package instructions). Drain well and set aside. Pro tip: Slightly undercooking the pasta helps prevent mushy mac and cheese balls.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes until golden. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth, then reduce heat to low. Add all cheeses and seasonings, stirring until completely melted and creamy.

Step 3: Combine and Chill

Mix the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce until evenly coated. Transfer to a shallow dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. This crucial step ensures the mixture firms up enough to form balls.

Step 4: Form the Balls

Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop or spoon, portion the chilled mac and cheese mixture and roll into 1½-inch balls with dampened hands to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Bread the Balls

Set up a breading station: flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and combined breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning in a third. Dredge each ball in flour, dip in egg, then coat thoroughly with breadcrumb mixture.

Step 6: Air Fry to Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 370°F. Lightly spray the breaded balls with olive oil cooking spray. Cook in batches for 6-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy, shaking the basket halfway through.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (3 balls):

• Calories: 385
• Protein: 16g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 1.5g
• Calcium: 25% DV
• Iron: 10% DV

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Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs
• Lower-fat: Substitute part-skim mozzarella and reduced-fat cheddar
• Keto-friendly: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds and use cauliflower “mac”
• Vegan: Use plant-based cheese alternatives and flax eggs for binding

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Cheesecake Factory Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or a spicy sriracha aioli for dipping. For a complete appetizer spread, pair with fresh vegetable crudités to balance the richness. These mac and cheese balls also make an excellent side dish alongside grilled chicken or a fresh salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not chilling the mac and cheese mixture thoroughly (results in balls that fall apart)
• Overcrowding the air fryer basket (prevents proper crisping)
• Using pre-shredded cheese (contains anti-caking agents that affect melting)
• Forgetting to spray with oil (needed for that golden-brown exterior)

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Store cooked mac and cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until heated through. For make-ahead convenience, freeze uncooked breaded balls for up to 1 month and cook directly from frozen (add 3-4 minutes to cooking time).

Conclusion

These Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls deliver all the indulgent, cheesy goodness of the restaurant favorite with less oil and effort. By using an air fryer, you can achieve that perfect crispy exterior while maintaining the creamy, cheesy center that makes the Cheesecake Factory version so popular. Try this recipe for your next game day gathering or family appetizer night, and watch how quickly they disappear!

FAQs

Can I make these mac and cheese balls without an air fryer?
Yes! Bake in a 375°F oven for 15-18 minutes, turning halfway through cooking.

Can I use leftover mac and cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just ensure it’s chilled thoroughly before forming into balls.

Why do my mac and cheese balls fall apart during cooking?
This typically happens if the mixture isn’t chilled enough or if there’s not enough cheese to bind the pasta together.

How do I know when the mac and cheese balls are done?
They should be golden brown on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Can I make mini versions for a party appetizer?
Yes! Form smaller 1-inch balls and reduce the cooking time to 4-5 minutes.