Here’s a Macaroni and Cheese Air Fryer Recipe that gives you creamy, cheesy pasta with a crispy, golden top — all made easily in your air fryer! Great for small batches or when you don’t want to heat up the oven.
🧀 Air Fryer Macaroni and Cheese
🍽️ Serves: 2–4
⏱️ Time: 25–30 minutes
🍳 Method: Air Fryer-safe baking dish or ramekins
📝 Ingredients
Mac and Cheese Base:
-
1 cup elbow macaroni
-
1 tbsp butter
-
1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
-
1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
-
1/4 cup grated Parmesan (optional, for extra flavor)
-
Salt and black pepper to taste
-
1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional)
-
1/4 tsp mustard powder or a dash of Dijon (optional for tang)
Topping (Optional but Recommended):
-
1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
-
1 tbsp melted butter
-
2 tbsp shredded cheese (for extra topping)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
-
Boil the macaroni in salted water until just al dente (about 1–2 minutes less than package directions).
-
Drain and set aside.
2. Mix the Cheese Sauce
-
In a bowl, mix warm milk, butter, cheddar cheese, Parmesan, garlic powder, mustard (if using), and season with salt and pepper.
-
Stir in the cooked macaroni until fully coated.
3. Transfer to Air Fryer Dish
-
Lightly grease an oven-safe dish or ramekins that fit your air fryer basket.
-
Pour in the mac and cheese mixture.
-
Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top, followed by a bit more shredded cheese if desired.
4. Air Fry
-
Preheat air fryer to 360°F (182°C) if your model requires preheating.
-
Place dish into air fryer basket.
-
Cook for 12–15 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
5. Cool & Serve
-
Let sit for 5 minutes before serving so it thickens slightly.
✅ Tips:
-
Want it extra creamy? Add a spoonful of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream.
-
Use mixed cheeses like cheddar + mozzarella + Gruyère for more depth.
-
To make it spicy: stir in a dash of hot sauce or crushed red pepper.