Creamy, cheesy, and wonderfully comforting, this Air Fryer Mac and Cheese is an easy way to make a deliciously rich side dish or quick meal. The top gets golden and bubbly while the inside stays creamy and cheesy.
🛒 Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked elbow macaroni
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp breadcrumbs, optional
👩🍳 Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook the macaroni according to the package directions until just tender. Drain well.
- Make the cheese mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cheese: Stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
- Combine: Add the cooked macaroni and mix until everything is well coated.
- Transfer: Pour the mixture into a small air-fryer-safe baking dish that fits comfortably inside your basket.
- Top: Sprinkle a little extra cheddar and breadcrumbs over the top if desired.
- Air fry: Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes, until hot, bubbly, and golden on top.
- Rest: Let it stand for about 3–5 minutes before serving.
🧀 Make It Extra Creamy
For an even creamier mac and cheese, add 2–3 tablespoons of cream cheese to the cheese mixture.
You can also replace some of the milk with evaporated milk.
🔥 Crispy Cheese Topping
For a delicious crunchy top, combine:
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp Parmesan
- 1 tsp melted butter
Sprinkle over the mac and cheese before air frying.
🌶️ Flavor Ideas
Bacon Mac & Cheese: Add cooked, crumbled bacon.
Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or chopped jalapeños.
Garlic Parmesan: Add extra Parmesan and garlic powder.
Buffalo: Stir in a little buffalo sauce and top with cheddar.
Three-Cheese: Use cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack.
⭐ Tips for Success
- Use pre-cooked pasta; the air fryer isn’t the best place to cook dry macaroni directly in this recipe.
- Don’t overcook the pasta before assembling—it will continue cooking in the air fryer.
- Use a dish that is rated for the air fryer’s temperature.
- Don’t fill the dish to the very top.
- Watch the cheese during the final few minutes so it doesn’t burn.
- If the top browns too quickly, lower the temperature to 325°F (165°C).
🍽️ What to Serve With It
Air fryer mac and cheese pairs wonderfully with:
- Crispy chicken wings
- Air fryer chicken thighs
- Chicken breast
- Air fryer burgers
- Steak
- Roasted vegetables
- Green salad
⏱️ Recipe at a Glance
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 10–15 minutes
Temperature: 350°F / 175°C
Servings: 3–4
Difficulty: Easy
🧀 Best tip: For the creamiest result, don’t overcook it. Take the mac and cheese out as soon as the cheese is melted, bubbling, and lightly golden.
