Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Recipe
I’ve included some videos below for those who prefer to watch rather than read.
Making mac and cheese in the air fryer is a game-changer—it’s quick, easy, and skips the need for boiling noodles. You can create a creamy, cheesy dish in about 20 minutes with minimal effort.
You only need a few ingredients like heavy cream, sharp cheddar cheese, or even Velveeta. Pop everything into your air fryer, and let it work its magic. The result is a crispy, golden topping with a rich and creamy inside that’s perfect for any meal.
No fuss, no boiling, just delicious mac and cheese in a fraction of the time. Plus, there’s minimal cleanup, making it an ideal solution for busy weeknights.
Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)
To make air fryer mac and cheese, you need some basic ingredients. Here’s a list:
Main Ingredients:
- Macaroni noodles: About 2 cups. You can use any pasta shape you like.
- Half and half: 1 cup. Substitute with milk or heavy cream if preferred.
- Velveeta cheese: 1 cup, cubed. Substitute with any creamy cheese like cheddar or American.
- Cheddar cheese: 1 cup, shredded. Substitute with Colby Jack or Monterey Jack.
Seasonings:
- Butter: 2 tablespoons. Substitute with margarine if needed.
- Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon. Optional but adds flavor.
- Black pepper: 1 teaspoon. Adjust to taste.
- Onion powder: 1 teaspoon. Adds extra depth.
- Cayenne pepper: 1/4 teaspoon. Optional for a spicy kick.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon. Adjust to taste.
Optional Ingredients:
- Chicken stock: Adds a savory depth. Use in place of water for cooking pasta.
- Cream cheese: Makes it extra creamy. Add about 1/2 cup.
- Parmesan cheese: For extra cheesy goodness. Add 1/4 cup.
Example Table for Quick Reference:
| Ingredient | Amount | Possible Substitute |
|---|---|---|
| Macaroni noodles | 2 cups | Any pasta shape |
| Half and half | 1 cup | Milk or heavy cream |
| Velveeta cheese | 1 cup | Cheddar or American |
| Cheddar cheese | 1 cup | Colby Jack |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons | Margarine |
Feel free to mix and match to suit your taste!
Instructions
Preheat your air fryer to 360°F.
In a large bowl, mix together:
- 1 cup of elbow macaroni
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup of half and half
- 1/4 cup of Velveeta, cubed
- 2 tablespoons of butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
- A pinch of black pepper and salt
Stir the mixture until all ingredients are well combined.
Spray an oven-proof dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and place it in the air fryer basket.
Cook at 360°F for 15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
After 15 minutes, sprinkle an additional 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Air fry for another 5-8 minutes or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbling.
Carefully remove the dish from the air fryer using tongs and oven gloves.
Give it a good stir before serving warm.
Enjoy your delicious air fryer mac and cheese!
Tips, Tricks & Storing
Preheating: Always preheat your air fryer to the correct temperature. This ensures your mac and cheese cooks evenly.
Stirring: Stir the mac and cheese every few minutes while cooking. This helps prevent sticking and ensures the cheese melts evenly.
Cheese: Use a mix of cheeses for the best flavor. Cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan work well.
Greasing: Grease your air fryer basket or pan with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
Serving: Let the mac and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to serve.
Microwave: Place a portion of the mac and cheese in a microwave-safe dish. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze your mac and cheese. Place it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Cover the mac and cheese with foil when reheating in the air fryer to keep it from drying out. Cook at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes.
Add-Ins: Experiment with add-ins like bacon bits, broccoli, or breadcrumbs to give your mac and cheese a twist.
Portion Control: Cook in small batches if you have a smaller air fryer. This helps everything cook evenly.
Hi, I'm Benjamin. I love cooking, long walks, and my girlfriend! Here you’ll find simple and delicious recipes that you can make in 30 minutes or less.
