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Air Fryer Mac and Cheese is ultra rich and cheesy with just 8 ingredients that are pantry and refrigerator staples. This simple weeknight dinner is easy to assemble and bakes up quickly in the air fryer!
Who doesn’t love homemade mac and cheese?! It’s the ultimate comfort food, and using the air fryer means it’s extra quick and easy to make.
This spicy mac and cheese has been a longtime favorite in our house. It has red curry flavor and a crispy panko topping!
We also love a classic mac and cheese recipe. This air fryer version is more like the classic recipe but it doesn’t require a roux and has a simple seasoning of salt, pepper, paprika and dry mustard.
It’s made extra creamy with whole milk and heavy cream and plenty of cheese!
We usually serve mac and cheese with Instant Pot pork ribs or sous vide pulled pork and a side salad. So good!
Jump to:
What is an Air Fryer?
The Air Fryer is a healthier alternative to frying foods. It's basically a small, powerful convection oven that sits on your countertop.
It circulates hot air around the food you're cooking, which is what gives it that crisp texture that mimics fried food (without all the grease).
Read more about the health benefits of using an air fryer.
I personally use this Ninja MAX XL Air Fryer because it hold 5.5 quarts, which is more than most. It has worked great so far and we just love how easy it is to use!
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Why this recipe works
- This recipe makes two batches of macaroni and cheese so it’s great for meal prep!
- It has just the right amount of cream, milk and cheese. While the pasta will absorb some of the liquid, it stays saucy enough so the mac and cheese doesn’t get dry.
- By cooking the pasta al dente, this recipe ensures that the mac and cheese doesn’t turn out mushy.
- You only need 8 ingredients and you don’t need to make a roux. Just cook the pasta, assemble the ingredients and air fry. It’s that easy!
- Using the air fryer to make mac and cheese is a time saver! While the recipe calls for cooking the macaroni first, everything assembles and air fries quickly. You can have two batches air fried in 22 minutes!
Ingredients
For the full list of ingredients and quantities, please see the recipe card below.
You’ll need 8 ounces of macaroni, cooked al dente in salted water. You can also use another type of small pasta like shells, penne or fusilli.
For a rich and creamy texture, the recipe calls for 1 cup of whole milk and ½ cup of heavy cream. You can also use half and half if you prefer. If you substitute with a lower fat milk, the mac and cheese will not be as rich or creamy.
To keep it extra cheesy, you’ll need 8 ounces of cheddar cheese. While you can use another type of cheese, sharp cheddar is always a great choice as it has a strong flavor and smooth texture when melted.
Dry mustard (also called powdered mustard) adds a slightly tangy flavor and helps cut through the richness of the cheese and cream.
For additional seasoning, you’ll just need salt, pepper and paprika. For a smoky flavor, feel free to substitute with smoked paprika.
Step by step instructions
Combine the macaroni, seasonings, milk, cream and half the cheese in 2 non-stick round pans.
Cook at 360F degrees for 7 minutes. **You will need to cook in 2 batches.
Stir in the remaining cheese and cook for another 2-4 minutes, until lightly browned and bubbly.
Remove and serve.
Expert tips
- Be sure to cook your macaroni al dente. This will ensure it doesn’t overcook and get too soft in the mac and cheese.
- For the best melting cheese, use freshly grated cheese from a block. Avoid pre-shredded cheese as it doesn’t melt as well.
- You’ll need to use a pan that fits in your air fryer. If you’re using a smaller pan, reduce the cooking time to avoid over cooking the mac and cheese.
- This recipe makes a large batch of mac and cheese, so you’ll need to air fry in 2 batches. Feel free to half the recipe and just air fry one batch.
- While I used cheddar, you can use different kinds of cheese like mozzarella, parmesan, gruyere or gouda.
- Change things up by adding different dried herbs and spices. Sometimes we like to add a little Cajun seasoning to spice things up.
- You can also add some pre-cooked chicken, ham or bacon, or veggies like chopped peppers or green peas.
- Air fryers can vary so you may need to adjust the temperature and air frying time slightly.
Common questions
Absolutely! While I used elbow macaroni, you can use other small pasta like shells, penne, fusilli or even rotini. You can also use whole wheat pasta instead of white pasta if you prefer.
Yes, you can cook the pasta and assemble everything in pans and store in the fridge a day or two in advance. Since the mac and cheese will be cold, it may take a few additional minutes to cook in the air fryer. Just note that the mac and cheese may lose some of its creaminess as the pasta will absorb more of the liquid as it rests in the fridge.
You can serve macaroni and cheese with so many different recipes. When serving it as a main, we usually serve it with side dishes like Instant Pot Brussels sprouts, strawberry spinach salad or air fryer cornbread. If we’re serving it on the side, it’s perfect with crispy sous vide fried chicken, sous vide ham or Thai BBQ pork spare ribs.
Storage instructions
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
To reheat, I like to warm the mac and cheese in the microwave. I find reheating it in the air fryer or oven tends to dry it out a bit.
More air fryer recipes
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Recipe
Air Fryer Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 8 ounces macaroni cooked al dente in salted water
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup cream
- 8 ounce cheddar cheese grated
- 1 ½ teaspoons dry mustard
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine the macaroni, seasonings, milk, cream and half the cheese in 2 non-stick round pans.
- Cook at 360F degrees for 7 minutes. **You will need to cook in 2 batches.
- Stir in the remaining cheese and cook another 2-4 minutes, until lightly browned and bubbly.
- Remove and serve.
Expert Tips:
- Be sure to cook your macaroni al dente. This will ensure it doesn’t overcook and get too soft in the mac and cheese.
- For the best melting cheese, use freshly grated cheese from a block. Avoid pre-shredded cheese as it doesn’t melt as well.
- You’ll need to use a pan that fits in your air fryer. If you’re using a smaller pan, reduce the cooking time to avoid over cooking the mac and cheese.
- This recipe makes a large batch of mac and cheese, so you’ll need to air fry in 2 batches. Feel free to half the recipe and just air fry one batch.
- While I used cheddar, you can use different kinds of cheese like mozzarella, parmesan, gruyere or gouda.
- Change things up by adding different dried herbs and spices. Sometimes we like to add a little Cajun seasoning to spice things up.
- You can also add some pre-cooked chicken, ham or bacon, or veggies like chopped peppers or green peas.
- Air fryers can vary so you may need to adjust the temperature and air frying time slightly.
Nutrition
Harry
The crispy top was my favorite part!!!So yummy!
Danielle
That's my favorite too!
Fadi
Wow, I just loved how easy this was. Made it for dinner tonight and it was a hit.
Danielle
So happy to hear it!