Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls. Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, these bite-sized delights are perfect for any occasion, from game days to family gatherings. With a simple preparation process and customizable flavors, you can easily whip up these cheesy morsels that evoke nostalgia and satisfy cravings. Serve them with a variety of dipping sauces or alongside fresh salads for a complete meal experience. Get ready to impress your guests and enjoy the deliciousness of homemade fried mac and cheese balls!

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

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Instructions

Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour to create a roux, cooking for about 1–2 minutes.
Gradually whisk in milk, then add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Let sauce thicken for about 3–4 minutes before stirring in mozzarella and Parmesan until melted.
Combine cooked macaroni with cheese sauce; let cool for 15–20 minutes.
Form cooled mixture into balls; coat each in egg wash followed by breadcrumb mixture.
Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange balls in a single layer in the basket.
Cook for 8–10 minutes until golden brown, flipping halfway through.
Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 3 balls (135g)
Calories: 345
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 570mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 55mg