Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls
These Cheesecake Factory-style Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls are irresistibly crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. Made with cheesy elbow pasta, rolled into perfect balls, coated with breadcrumbs, and air-fried until golden, they’re a lighter take on a restaurant favorite—and just as satisfying. This crowd-pleasing appetizer is ideal for parties, game nights, or anytime you’re craving comfort food with a twist.
- Prep Time: 25
- Cook Time: 10
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 14 1x
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cooked elbow macaroni
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (for coating)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- Cooking spray or oil (for air frying)
Instructions
- Prepare the cheese sauce:
In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk 2 tablespoons of flour for 1 minute. Gradually add milk while whisking until smooth. Let simmer 3–4 minutes until thickened. - Add cheese and season:
Stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy. - Combine with macaroni:
Fold the cheese sauce into the cooked elbow macaroni. Mix until the pasta is fully coated. - Chill the mixture:
Spread the mac and cheese mixture in a dish. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm. - Form into balls:
Scoop and roll the chilled mixture into golf ball-sized rounds. Place on a parchment-lined tray. - Set up breading station:
Fill three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. - Bread the balls:
Roll each ball in flour, dip into eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs. Press gently to secure the coating. - Preheat air fryer:
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly grease the basket with cooking spray or oil. - Air fry the balls:
Arrange the balls in the basket, spaced apart. Spray tops lightly with oil. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp. - Serve warm:
Let cool for 1–2 minutes, then serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
Use leftover macaroni and cheese to save time.
For extra creaminess, mix in 2 tablespoons of cream cheese.
To freeze: bread the balls and freeze on a tray. Transfer to a container once solid. Cook from frozen with extra time.
Serve with marinara, ranch, or spicy cheese sauce.