Name: Air Fryer Dinner Recipes Cheesecake Factory Macaroni and Cheese Balls
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked macaroni and cheese, chilled; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs, beaten; 2 cups breadcrumbs (panko or regular); Salt and black pepper, to taste; Cooking spray

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When I first tried the fried macaroni and cheese balls at the Cheesecake Factory, I thought, well, this is basically a hug disguised as food. And now, thanks to my air fryer, I can whip up that same comforting crunch without deep frying my entire kitchen. These little golden bites are crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy inside, and frankly, they’re way too easy to eat. If you’re like me, you’ve probably found yourself wandering the kitchen at 9 PM wondering what could possibly count as dinner but still feel like fun. That’s where air fryer dinner recipes save the day. These mac and cheese balls strike the perfect balance: they feel indulgent, but the air fryer keeps things lighter (and cleaner). We’ll call it dinner, but honestly, it doubles as a midnight snack, an appetizer, or even a cheeky air fryer dessert recipe if you’re in the mood for something playful. Out of all my easy air fryer dinner recipes, this one is a crowd-pleaser every single time. It checks every box: comforting, crunchy, cheesy, and quick. If you’re collecting recipes air fryer style, this mac and cheese balls recipe is one you’ll want to keep close.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls Recipe
3) Ingredients for Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls
4) How to Make Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls
5) Tips for Making Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls
6) Making Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls
8) Try these Main Course next!
9) Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

How air fryer dinner recipes make comfort food simple.
Why these mac and cheese balls taste both nostalgic and exciting.
What steps make the outside crispy and the inside creamy.
How to prep, cook, and store these bites like a pro.

2) Easy Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls Recipe

I’ve always had a soft spot for recipes that bring together comfort and a little bit of show-off crunch. These air fryer dinner recipes tick both boxes. Imagine pulling out a tray of golden, crispy mac and cheese balls from the fryer, and the smell alone feels like a reward. I swear, the hardest part of this recipe is keeping my hands off them until they cool.

They come together faster than you’d think, which makes them a go-to when I’m looking for easy dinner recipes air fryer style. The trick lies in starting with chilled macaroni, because warm mac just doesn’t hold a ball shape. That’s one of those little things you learn the messy way if you skip it. So now, I never forget it.

And while these cheesy bites might feel like a guilty pleasure, the air fryer saves me from drowning them in oil. I love that I can still have the Cheesecake Factory vibe at home, but with less mess and less heaviness. Honestly, it feels like cheating in the best way possible.

3) Ingredients for Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls

Cooked Macaroni and Cheese: I use leftovers whenever I have them. They’re chilled, firm, and perfect for shaping. Warm macaroni will just melt through your fingers, so start with cold.

Shredded Cheddar Cheese: This gives the balls a richer taste. I usually add a little extra because honestly, when has more cheese ever hurt?

All-Purpose Flour: It coats the balls before the egg dip, giving the breadcrumbs something to cling to. Skip this, and you’ll watch the crust slide right off.

Eggs: Beaten and ready to go. They seal everything together and give that golden shine once cooked.

Breadcrumbs: Panko is my favorite for the extra crunch, but regular works fine too. Whichever you use, make sure the coating is even.

Salt and Pepper: They’re simple, but without them, everything tastes flat. A small pinch goes a long way.

Cooking Spray: A quick mist over the balls before frying helps the crust turn crisp and golden without adding grease.

4) How to Make Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls

Step 1. Scoop the chilled macaroni into small portions. I usually use a cookie scoop to keep them even. Roll them gently between your palms until round.

Step 2. Roll each ball through flour. This is the glue layer for the eggs and breadcrumbs, and skipping it is like building a house without a foundation.

Step 3. Dip into beaten eggs. Make sure the whole ball is covered. No bald spots, or you’ll end up with uneven crunch.

Step 4. Coat with breadcrumbs. Press lightly so they stick, and double dip if you want a thicker crust.

Step 5. Preheat the air fryer to 375F. Spray the basket so nothing sticks, then place the balls in a single layer. Leave space between them so they cook evenly.

Step 6. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway. They should look golden and feel firm when done.

Step 7. Serve them hot. I usually grab a small bowl of marinara or ranch for dipping. Every bite is crunchy on the outside and creamy on the inside.

5) Tips for Making Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls

I’ve learned a few tricks after making these more times than I’d like to admit. First, chill the macaroni before shaping. It seems obvious now, but the first time I made them, I had gooey cheese dripping everywhere. Not fun.

Second, don’t crowd the fryer basket. It’s tempting to throw them all in at once, but they won’t crisp up evenly. A little patience pays off with that perfect crunch.

And last, don’t be shy with the seasoning. Even though the cheese carries a lot of flavor, a bit more salt and pepper helps the breadcrumbs taste better. Trust me, bland crust ruins the fun. Recipes air fryer style often need that little extra seasoning step, and this one’s no different.

6) Making Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls Ahead of Time

Life gets busy, and I don’t always have thirty minutes to prep from scratch. Luckily, these are easy to make ahead. Once you’ve shaped and coated the balls, place them on a tray and freeze until solid. After that, toss them into a freezer bag.

When I’m ready, I grab a handful straight from the freezer. They go right into the air fryer, no thawing required. Just add a couple of minutes to the cooking time. Easy air fryer dinner recipes don’t get much simpler than that.

I actually like having a stash in the freezer because they double as quick appetizers when friends stop by. It saves me from scrambling to find snacks, and it feels like I planned ahead—even when I didn’t.

7) Storing Leftover Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls

Leftovers don’t happen often, but when they do, I tuck them into an airtight container in the fridge. They last two to three days. The crunch softens, though, which is why reheating in the microwave makes me wince a little. The air fryer brings them back to life with just a few minutes of heat.

If I know I’ll have extra, I prefer to undercook a batch slightly, then finish them in the air fryer the next day. It feels like a fresh batch and not reheated leftovers. That’s one of my favorite tricks.

These aren’t meant to sit too long, but they rarely do. Between me and my family, a container never lasts more than a day or two anyway. Mac and cheese balls recipe leftovers don’t stay lonely in the fridge.

8) Try these Main Course next!

9) Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls