Description

How to make crispy, gooey Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls that are ready in minutes for a perfect snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Macaroni & Cheese Foundation:
1 pound elbow macaroni
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
2 cups (8 ounces) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
1 cup (4 ounces) Monterey Jack cheese, freshly grated
Flavor & Creaminess Enhancers:
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Crispy Coating Essentials:
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 cups Panko breadcrumbs
Vegetable oil spray, for air frying
Seasonings & Spices:
1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

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Instructions

Make Mac & Cheese: Cook macaroni. For the cheese sauce, melt butter, whisk in flour, then gradually whisk in milk until thickened. Stir in cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until smooth. This forms the delicious base for your Cheesecake Factory Macaroni and Cheese Balls.
Flavor & Season: Remove from heat and fold in the softened cream cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika into the macaroni and cheese mixture. Stir until everything is fully combined and perfectly creamy.
Chill & Form: Transfer the mac and cheese to a shallow dish, cover, and chill for at least 2 hours (or overnight) until firm. Once chilled, scoop and roll the mixture into 1.5-inch balls. Chilling is essential for handling these Cheesecake Factory Macaroni and Cheese Balls.
Coat & Air Fry: Dip each ball in beaten egg, then roll in Panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to coat well. Lightly spray with vegetable oil. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
Rest & Arrange: Once air-fried, carefully remove the golden-brown Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls from the air fryer basket. Let them rest for 2-3 minutes on a wire rack to maintain crispness and allow the cheese to settle slightly before serving.
Serve Warm: Serve these delightful Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls immediately while warm and gooey. They are perfect on their own or with your favorite dipping sauce, offering a truly comforting and nostalgic snack experience.

Notes

Chill the mac and cheese mixture for at least 2 hours to ensure firm balls that won’t fall apart during coating.

Store leftover mac & cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer.

For the best creamy sauce, always use freshly grated cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, avoiding pre-shredded options.

Serve these crispy, gooey balls immediately while warm with a tangy marinara or homemade spicy sriracha mayo for dipping.

Form balls and freeze them uncoated for up to 2 months. Air fry directly from frozen after coating with egg and Panko.

**Allergy Information:** Dairy, Eggs, Gluten