There is something about crispy fried mac and cheese balls that makes people immediately gather around the kitchen. The first time I tasted them at The Cheesecake Factory, I knew I had to recreate them at home.
But instead of deep frying, I wanted a version that was easier to make on a weeknight. That is where the air fryer comes in.
These Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Mac and Cheese Balls come out crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. They taste just like the restaurant version, but they are simpler to make and much lighter since they are air fried.
I usually make them when we have leftover macaroni and cheese, which honestly happens a lot in my house.
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If you enjoy comfort food snacks like this, you might also love my cozy dinner recipes here:
https://eatpuretaste.com/garlic-butter-beef-bites-and-potatoes/
Let me show you exactly how I make these crispy mac and cheese bites at home.
Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Mac and Cheese Balls Recipe
Author: Rose
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 18 to 20 balls
Diet: Vegetarian
Crispy air fryer mac and cheese balls inspired by the Cheesecake Factory appetizer. Creamy macaroni and cheese coated in breadcrumbs and air fried until golden.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cold macaroni and cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko works best)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray
Instructions
Step 1: Chill The Mac And Cheese
Cold macaroni and cheese works best for shaping.
If your mac and cheese is fresh, place it in the refrigerator for about 1 hour so it firms up.
Step 2: Shape The Balls
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of mac and cheese and roll it into a ball.
If the mixture feels too soft, mix in a little shredded cheddar cheese to help hold the shape.
Place the shaped balls on a tray.
Step 3: Prepare The Coating
In one bowl, beat the eggs.
In another bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Bread The Mac And Cheese Balls
Dip each mac and cheese ball into the egg mixture.
Then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.
Place the coated balls back on the tray.
For extra crispiness, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating once more.
Step 5: Preheat The Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F for about 3 to 5 minutes.
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
Step 6: Air Fry Until Crispy
Place the mac and cheese balls in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray.
Air fry at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes until golden and crispy.
Notes And Variations
Here are a few tricks I learned while testing this recipe.
Use cold mac and cheese
Warm macaroni is too soft and difficult to shape.
Double coat for crisp texture
Dipping twice in egg and breadcrumbs gives a thicker crunchy coating.
Try different cheeses
Cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack or mozzarella works well.
Freeze before cooking
If the balls feel soft, freeze them for 15 minutes before air frying.
FAQs
Yes. Shape and bread the balls, then store them in the refrigerator for up to one day before cooking.
Yes. Freeze them on a tray first, then store in a freezer bag for up to two months.
Marinara, ranch, honey mustard, or spicy mayo are all great options.
📖 Recipe
Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Mac and Cheese Balls
Description
Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, these Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls are packed with cheesy, buttery flavor and finished with a golden crunchy coating.
Ingredients
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ¼ cups milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup bread crumbs
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs
- ¼ 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 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes to make a roux
- Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to prevent lumps
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper and whisk until smooth
- Simmer for 3–4 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly
- Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until fully melted and smooth
- Remove from heat and stir in the cooked macaroni until evenly coated
- Let the mixture cool for 15–20 minutes
- Scoop and form the macaroni and cheese mixture into balls
- Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate
- Whisk the egg in one shallow dish and combine bread crumbs and panko in another shallow dish
- Roll each ball in the egg, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture
- Place the breaded balls back on the lined tray and spray lightly with vegetable oil
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C)
- Arrange the balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket without touching
- Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy
- Let cool slightly before serving with your favorite dipping sauce
Notes
Ensure the macaroni is fully cooked but still firm so the mixture does not become mushy. Let the macaroni and cheese cool thoroughly before shaping for easier handling. For extra flavor add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the breadcrumb mixture. Spray lightly with more oil halfway through cooking for a crispier finish.
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Conclusion
These Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Mac and Cheese Balls are one of my favorite comfort food snacks to make at home.
They are crispy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying. Plus, using the air fryer keeps the recipe simple and less messy than deep frying.
If you try them, do not be surprised if they disappear quickly. In my house, they rarely last longer than a few minutes.
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