Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Mac (Recipe for Printing)

Try air fryer fried macaroni and cheese balls inspired by Cheesecake Factory—perfect for parties or a July 4th summer treat. Enjoy crispy, cheesy bites with mozzarella and Parmesan. Save & click.

# What You Need:

→ Pasta and Cheese

01 - 1 cup elbow macaroni, cooked
02 - 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
03 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

→ Sauce Base

04 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
05 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
06 - 1 1/4 cups whole milk
07 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Breading

11 - 1 large egg
12 - 1/2 cup bread crumbs
13 - 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
14 - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
15 - Vegetable oil spray

# How to Make It:

01 - Melt unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add all-purpose flour and whisk for 1-2 minutes until a smooth roux forms.
02 - Gradually pour in the whole milk while continuously whisking to prevent lumps. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Continue whisking until smooth.
03 - Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened, then add shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
04 - Remove the saucepan from heat. Fold in the cooked elbow macaroni and mix until the pasta is evenly coated with the cheese sauce.
05 - Allow the macaroni and cheese mixture to cool for 15-20 minutes. Shape the cooled mixture into uniform balls.
06 - Place the formed macaroni and cheese balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
07 - In a shallow dish, beat the large egg. In a separate dish, combine bread crumbs and panko.
08 - Dip each ball into the beaten egg, then roll in the breadcrumb mixture to ensure an even coating.
09 - Return coated macaroni balls to the parchment-lined baking sheet and spray lightly with vegetable oil.
10 - Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat.
11 - Arrange breaded balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching. Cook for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crisp.
12 - Transfer the fried macaroni and cheese balls to a serving dish and serve immediately with your preferred dipping sauce.

# Extra Tips:

01 - For best results, allow the macaroni mixture to become completely cool before forming into balls to ensure they hold their shape.

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