Air Fryer Cheesecake Factory Fried Macaroni & Cheese

Air Fryer Cheesecake Factory Fried Macaroni & Cheese –The Cheesecake Factory is well known for its delicious fried macaroni and cheese. Now you can make it at home with the help of your air fryer! It’s easy to make, crispy on the outside, and cheesy in the middle. Nothing beats this comfort food classic! After trying this recipe, you’ll never want to go out for a cheeseburger again!

Craving a fried mac and cheese ball? Dive into these incredible cheesy and crispy coated copycat Air Fryer Cheesecake Factory Fried Macaroni and Cheese Bites. Mac and cheese center coated in a bread crumb batter and air fried to golden crispy perfection. Pair with some marinara sauce, and devour these! 

Fried macaroni and cheese is so delicious. I mean, anything fried wins me over. But by using the air fryer, you reduce the oil, making them a bit lighter than a true deep-fried macaroni bite. Serve these up as appetizers or even a side dish. 

Cheesecake Factory Fried Mac And Cheese

The secret to making a good fried mac and cheese is using cold macaroni. I like to make macaroni and cheese a day before making these bites.

Or make the Mac in the morning and let it sit in the fridge throughout the day. The cheese soaks into the pasta and helps make it not so messy, and you will have a lot easier time forming your balls. 

More Air Fryer Copycat Recipe 

Looking for restaurant-quality recipes to make at home? Here are a few more copycat recipes to try out next time you get a craving but don’t want to order takeout. 

• Olive Garden Toasted Ravioli | Another pasta dish that gets air fried to a toasted outside, filled with a cheesy pasta center. Dip in a marinara or even pasta sauce, and enjoy! 
• Chili’s Salsa | If you love homemade salsa, you have to try this recipe. It is just like the salsa you get served at Chili’s! So easy to make and perfect for dipping salty tortillas in. 
• Olive Garden Spinach Artichoke Dip | Check out this cheesy spinach artichoke dip. You make it in the Instant Pot for a quick and easy process. Pair with chips, bread, etc. 
  

Ingredients needed for Cheesecake Factory fried mac and cheese

Here are the simple ingredients:

• Macaroni and Cheese: Cooked macaroni and cheese form this dish’s creamy and comforting base.
• Milk: Added to the cheese sauce to create a smooth and creamy consistency.
• Panko Bread Crumbs: Provide a crispy and crunchy coating for a satisfying texture.
• Salt: Enhances the flavor of the macaroni and cheese, bringing out its richness.
• Eggs: Acts as a binder, helping the macaroni and cheese mixture hold its shape when fried.
• Homemade Copycat Cheesecake Factory Marinara Sauce: Adds a tangy and flavorful dip.

How To Make Air Fryer Cheesecake Factory Fried Macaroni & Cheese

Here are the step-by-step instructions.

Prepare The Macaroni: Start by scooping up 3 tablespoons of COLD macaroni and cheese and rolling it into a ball. Place the macaroni and cheese balls onto a greased baking sheet as you roll them. Pop the baking sheet into the freezer until frozen solid, for about 2 hours.

Freeze: For the best way to air fryer mac and cheese balls.

Coat: In one bowl, mix the eggs and milk. In the other bowl, pour the bread crumbs. Then, dip the frozen macaroni and cheese ball into the egg mixture and then into the bread crumbs.

Freeze: As you bread them, place them back on the greased baking sheet and freeze them for another 30 minutes until frozen solid.

Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees F and set it to the “air fryer” setting set preheat for 5 minutes. Spray the macaroni and cheese balls with olive oil spray, covering all the breading so they crisp up; air fry and set cook time for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.

Cheesecake Factory fried mac and cheese recipe tips

• Chill the Mac and Cheese: For easier handling and better breading adhesion, chill the macaroni and cheese in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before forming into balls.
• Use a Scoop: To ensure uniform size and shape, use a cookie scoop or ice cream scoop to portion out the macaroni and cheese balls.
• Double Coat for Crispiness: For an extra crispy exterior, coat the macaroni and cheese balls in flour, dip in beaten egg, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating for a thicker crust.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Arrange the macaroni and cheese balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking.
• Spray with Oil: Lightly spray the coated macaroni and cheese balls with cooking oil to help them achieve a golden, crispy finish.
• Monitor Cooking Time: Air fryer models can vary, so start checking the macaroni and cheese balls a few minutes before the recommended cooking time to prevent overcooking.
• Let Cool Slightly Before Serving: Allow the fried macaroni and cheese balls to cool for a few minutes after cooking to set and ensure they’re easier to handle.
• Pair with Dipping Sauces: Enhance the flavor with dipping sauces such as marinara, ranch, or a spicy aioli.
• Store Leftovers Properly: Store any leftover macaroni and cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer to retain crispiness.

Cheesecake Factory Cheese Balls Recipe Faqs

Can I use store-bought macaroni and cheese for this recipe? Yes, you can use store-bought macaroni and cheese. Just be sure to chill it well before forming into balls.

How can I make these cheese balls gluten-free? To make gluten-free cheese balls, use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and ensure that your macaroni and cheese is gluten-free. You can also substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Can I freeze the cheese balls before cooking? Yes, you can freeze the formed cheese balls before cooking. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What type of cheese works best for the macaroni and cheese? A blend of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese works best to create a creamy and flavorful macaroni and cheese.

How do I prevent the cheese balls from falling apart? Ensure the macaroni and cheese is well-chilled before forming into balls. Double-coat them with flour, egg, and panko breadcrumbs, and lightly spray with oil before air frying.

Can I make the cheese balls ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare and bread the cheese balls ahead of time. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. Alternatively, you can freeze them for longer storage.

What should I do if the cheese balls are not crispy enough? If the cheese balls are not crispy enough, try increasing the air fryer temperature slightly or spraying them with a bit more cooking oil.

Can I use a different type of cheese for the breading? You can experiment with different types of cheese for the breading, such as Parmesan or a blend of Italian cheeses, but the classic panko breadcrumb coating gives the best texture.

How do I reheat leftover cheese balls? Reheat leftover cheese balls in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until they are heated through and crispy again.

Can I bake these cheese balls instead of air frying? Yes, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden and crispy.

Equipment Use

• INSTANT VORTEX AIR FRYER 4 IN 1 

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