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Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls

Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls

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Indulge in the crispy, gooey delight of Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls. These bite-sized treats present a golden, crunchy exterior that gives way to a creamy, cheesy interior, making them perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a family dinner, a game day snack, or an appetizer for gatherings. Not only are they simple to prepare in your air fryer, but they also offer a lighter alternative to traditional frying methods. Plus, with plenty of options for customization—like adding spices or sneaking in vegetables—you can tailor these delicious bites to suit your taste preferences. Once you try these mac and cheese balls, they’ll quickly become a kitchen favorite!

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
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • Vegetable oil for spraying

Instructions

  1. Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
  2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in flour until golden brown.
  3. Gradually add milk while whisking; stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer until thickened.
  4. Remove from heat and mix in cheeses until melted; fold in cooked macaroni and let cool.
  5. Shape cooled mixture into balls and roll in egg wash followed by bread crumbs.
  6. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange balls in the basket and spray lightly with oil.
  7. Cook for 8-10 minutes until golden brown.

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