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Copycat Cheesecake Factory Fried Mac & Cheese Balls (Easy Air Fryer Appetizer)
Sophia Ramirez

High-Protein Air Fryer Mac & Cheese Balls (Copycat Cheesecake Factory)

Crispy, golden-brown mac and cheese balls made with low-carb, high-protein ingredients and air-fried for a lighter alternative to deep-frying. Perfect for keto or high-protein diets.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 16 minutes
Total Time 31 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 140
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup high-protein low-carb pasta (lupin or heart of palm-based)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar or Gruyère
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup xanthan gum (mix with 1 tsp milk for binding)
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 3/4 cup almond flour
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • Cooked ground beef or chicken breast (optional for protein boost)
  • Spray oil (olive or avocado)

Method
 

  1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C)
  2. Cook low-carb pasta according to package instructions, then drain
  3. In a bowl, combine cooked pasta, 1 cup cheddar, 1/2 cup Parmesan, and optional cooked meat
  4. Mix xanthan gum with 1 tsp milk to create a paste; add to pasta mixture
  5. Form mixture into 12 balls, coating each in beaten egg
  6. Dip balls into almond flour mixture with garlic powder and paprika, then air-fry for 8 minutes
  7. Flip and cook another 8 minutes, until golden

Notes

Use pork-free Parmesan to ensure no animal lard
For keto, substitute heavy cream (1/4 cup) for xanthan gum thickener
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Double recipe for larger batch, but cook in single layer