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Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls

Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls Bliss

Introducing the Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls, a delicious blend of nostalgic comfort food with a lighter touch.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Cooling Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 balls
Course: Snacks
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Macaroni Mixture
  • 1 cup Elbow Macaroni or substitute with penne or rotini
  • 4 tablespoons Butter or olive oil for dairy-free
  • 4 tablespoons All-purpose Flour or gluten-free flour
  • 2 cups Milk or unsweetened almond/oat milk
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder or fresh minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder or fresh sautéed onions
  • 1 teaspoon Salt sea or kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper or white pepper
For the Cheese Filling
  • 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese or cheddar for sharper flavor
  • ½ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese or a cheese blend
  • 1 large Egg or flaxseed meal mixed with water for vegan
For the Coating
  • 1 cup Bread Crumbs or gluten-free breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup Panko Bread Crumbs or regular breadcrumbs
  • as needed Vegetable Oil for Spraying or olive oil spray

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Medium saucepan
  • Large Pot
  • shallow bowls

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook elbow macaroni in boiling salted water until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and cool.
  2. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat until fully melted.
  3. Whisk in all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
  4. Slowly whisk in milk and cook until smooth and thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  6. Add mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring until fully melted.
  7. Fold in cooked macaroni until thoroughly coated in cheese mixture.
  8. Cool mixture for 15-20 minutes, then form into small balls about 1-2 inches in diameter.
  9. Beat the egg in a shallow bowl. Combine breadcrumbs in another bowl.
  10. Dip each ball into the egg, then roll in breadcrumbs, ensuring even coating.
  11. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and spray the basket with oil.
  12. Cook the balls in the air fryer for 8-10 minutes until golden brown, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ballCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 5gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 300IUCalcium: 200mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Allow leftovers to cool before storing in an airtight container. Can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

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