Crispy, Dreamy Mac: Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Mac & Cheese (Print Version)
How to make Cheesecake Factory style air fryer fried macaroni and cheese balls with a crispy golden exterior that your family will love.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian
# Ingredients:
→ Mac & Cheese Base
01 -
16 ounces (4 cups) Elbow Macaroni
02 -
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
03 -
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
04 -
3 cups whole milk
05 -
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
06 -
1 cup Gruyère cheese, freshly shredded
→ Binding & Breading
07 -
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
08 -
2 large eggs, beaten
09 -
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
10 -
2 cups Panko breadcrumbs
11 -
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
→ Seasonings & Flavor
12 -
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
13 -
1 teaspoon garlic powder
14 -
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
15 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Garnish
16 -
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
# Instructions:
01 -
Boil elbow macaroni until al dente, then drain and set aside. In the same pot, melt butter, then whisk in flour for 2 minutes to create a smooth roux. This forms the creamy foundation for your Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls.
02 -
Gradually whisk in whole milk until smooth, then bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in sharp cheddar and Gruyère until completely melted and creamy. Season with Dijon, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper for rich flavor.
03 -
Stir the softened cream cheese into the warm cheese sauce until fully incorporated and smooth. Fold in the cooked macaroni. Transfer the mixture to a shallow dish, cover, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours until firm.
04 -
Scoop chilled mac into 1.5-inch balls. Dredge each ball in flour, then beaten egg, and finally coat thoroughly with Panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently. This ensures a super crispy exterior for your Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls.
05 -
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly brush or spray the breaded balls with vegetable oil. Air fry in batches for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy. Don't overcrowd the basket for best results.
06 -
Carefully remove the hot, crispy Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls from the air fryer. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy this dreamy treat!
# Notes:
01 -
Chilling the mac and cheese mixture for at least 2 hours is essential for forming non-exploding balls.
02 -
Store leftover mac and cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days to maintain freshness.
03 -
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free macaroni, flour blend, and Panko breadcrumbs; the texture remains wonderfully crispy.
04 -
Serve warm, straight from the air fryer, garnished with fresh parsley. Pair with marinara or sriracha ranch for dipping.
05 -
Prepare the mac and cheese mixture up to two days ahead; chill until firm, then bread and air fry just before serving.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Air fryer
02 -
large pot
03 -
grater
04 -
whisk
05 -
shallow dish
06 -
1.5-inch scoop
07 -
measuring cups
08 -
measuring spoons
09 -
brush or spray bottle
10 -
airtight container
11 -
serving platter
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 680
Total Fat: 38g
Total Carbohydrate: 68g
Protein: 26g