Air Fryer Mac and Cheese

why make this recipe

Air Fryer Mac and Cheese is a quick, tasty dish that everyone loves. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend treat. Using an air fryer makes it easy to achieve a creamy texture with a crunchy top, without a lot of fuss. Plus, it requires minimal cleanup, making it a great choice for any home cook.

how to make Air Fryer Mac and Cheese

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. In the air fryer basket, combine the macaroni and water. Cook at 400°F for about 10 minutes, until the pasta is tender.
  2. Drain any excess water, then add the cheddar cheese, milk, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Stir until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined.
  4. Air fry the mixture at 350°F for an additional 3-5 minutes until bubbly and golden. Enjoy your creamy mac and cheese!

how to serve Air Fryer Mac and Cheese

Serve your Air Fryer Mac and Cheese hot. You can garnish it with extra cheese, a sprinkle of herbs, or even some crispy bacon bits for added flavor. Pair it with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

how to store Air Fryer Mac and Cheese

If you have leftovers, let the mac and cheese cool down. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the air fryer again or microwave it for a quick meal.

tips to make Air Fryer Mac and Cheese

  • For a creamier texture, add more milk or cheese.
  • Experiment with different types of cheese for varied flavors.
  • Be careful not to overcook the macaroni in the first step to keep it from getting mushy.

variation

You can easily customize this recipe. Add cooked chicken, vegetables, or even different spices to make it your own.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! You can use plant-based cheese and milk alternatives to make Dairy-Free Air Fryer Mac and Cheese.

Is it possible to use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! You can use any shaped pasta you like. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

What can I do if my mac and cheese is too dry?

If your dish turns out too dry, you can add a splash of milk and stir well before reheating to help restore creaminess.

Air Fryer Mac and Cheese

A quick and tasty dish that features creamy macaroni and cheese with a crunchy top, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Cooking Liquid
  • 8 oz elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups water
Cheeses and Dairy
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. In the air fryer basket, combine the macaroni and water. Cook at 400°F for about 10 minutes, until the pasta is tender.
  2. Drain any excess water.
Adding Cheeses and Seasonings
  1. Add the cheddar cheese, milk, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the cooked macaroni.
  2. Stir until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined.
Final Cooking
  1. Air fry the mixture at 350°F for an additional 3-5 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 15gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3g

Notes

Serve hot with garnishes like extra cheese, herbs, or bacon bits. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days, reheating as needed. For creamier texture, add more milk or cheese. Customize with other ingredients like chicken or vegetables.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!