Name: Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 42 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounces Elbow Macaroni; 4 tablespoons Butter (divided); 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour; 2 cups Half & Half Cream; 8 ounces Mild Cheddar Cheese (shredded); 1 teaspoon Salt; 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper; 3 Large Eggs; 2 tablespoons Milk; 3-4 cups Panko (may need more if coating twice); 3 tablespoons Olive Oil; 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning; Nonstick Cooking Spray; Marinara Sauce (for serving); Grated Parmesan (for serving)

Why Make This Recipe

Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls are a fun and delicious snack or appetizer that everyone loves. They bring the classic flavors of macaroni and cheese into a crispy, bite-sized treat. This recipe is a copycat of a popular dish from The Cheesecake Factory, allowing you to enjoy this tasty indulgence at home. Plus, cooking them in an air fryer makes them lighter than traditional frying, so you can enjoy this guilty pleasure with a little less guilt.

How to Make Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls

Making Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls is quite simple and can be broken down into a few easy steps. Here’s how you can whip them up:

Ingredients:

8 ounces Elbow Macaroni

4 tablespoons Butter (divided)

2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour

2 cups Half & Half Cream

8 ounces Mild Cheddar Cheese (shredded)

1 teaspoon Salt

1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper

3 Large Eggs

2 tablespoons Milk

3-4 cups Panko (may need more if coating twice)

3 tablespoons Olive Oil

1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning

Nonstick Cooking Spray

Marinara Sauce (for serving)

Grated Parmesan (for serving)

Directions:

Macaroni & Cheese: Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside. In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about one minute. Gradually whisk in the half and half cream and cook until it thickens. Add the cheese, salt, and pepper, stirring until melted. Mix in the cooked macaroni, then chill the mixture until it firms up.

Breading: In a bowl, beat the eggs with the milk. In another bowl, put the panko breadcrumbs and mix in the Italian seasoning. Take a scoop of the chilled macaroni and cheese, roll it into a ball, then dip it in the egg mixture and coat with panko breadcrumbs. Repeat until all mixture is used.

Air Frying: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Spray the basket with nonstick cooking spray. Place the coated balls in the basket, drizzle with olive oil, and air fry for about 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Serving: Serve the fried macaroni and cheese balls hot with marinara sauce and a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese.

Tips to Make Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls

Make sure the macaroni and cheese mixture is well-chilled before rolling it into balls. This helps them hold their shape better.

If you want extra crispiness, coat the balls in panko a second time before air frying.

Adjust the seasoning to your taste by adding more spices or herbs to the breadcrumb mixture.

FAQs

Can I freeze these macaroni and cheese balls?
Yes, you can freeze them before air frying. Just make sure to place them in a single layer on a tray until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the air frying time.

Can I bake these instead of air frying?
Yes, you can bake them in an oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until golden and crispy.

What type of cheese can I use?
Mild cheddar is great, but you can also use other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey jack, or pepper jack for different flavors.