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Crispy golden air-fried macaroni and cheese balls with a creamy, gooey cheese center. A lighter, crunchy snack or appetizer inspired by The Cheesecake Factory, perfect for parties and comfort food lovers.

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 directions until al dente; drain and set aside.
  2. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat until bubbly.
  3. Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
  4. Slowly add 1 1/4 cups milk gradually while whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
  5. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly blended.
  6. Let the sauce gently simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
  7. Stir in shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth.
  8. Remove pan from heat and fold in the cooked elbow macaroni until evenly coated.
  9. Let the macaroni and cheese mixture cool for 15–20 minutes to firm up for shaping.
  10. Scoop small portions of the mixture and roll into balls by hand.
  11. Place the formed balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet or a clean plate.
  12. Beat the large egg in a shallow bowl.
  13. Combine bread crumbs and panko bread crumbs in another shallow dish.
  14. Dip each macaroni ball in the beaten egg, then dredge thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
  15. Arrange the breaded balls on the lined baking sheet, spaced apart.
  16. Lightly spray each ball with vegetable oil.
  17. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  18. Place balls in a single layer in air fryer basket without touching.
  19. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
  20. Remove from air fryer and let cool a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Ensure macaroni is cooked al dente to avoid mushy texture., Add cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to breadcrumb coating for extra flavor., Cool mac and cheese mixture completely before shaping for best results., Optionally spray the balls with oil halfway through air frying for extra crispiness., The balls can be prepared ahead and chilled before breading and frying., Leftovers store well in the fridge up to 2-3 days; keep in an airtight container with paper towels to absorb moisture., To freeze, freeze shaped balls in a single layer until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container., Reheat air fryer frozen balls at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes until crispy and hot., Avoid microwaving leftovers to maintain crispiness., Baking alternative: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping once, until golden and crisp., Cheese variations like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or fontina can be used for different flavor profiles.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://mamapantry.com/cheesecake-factory-air-fryer-fried-macaroni-and-cheese-balls/