Homemade Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Recipe
Did you know you can make mac and cheese in the air fryer? If you’re a fan of creamy, cheesy comfort food but want a quicker, simpler cooking method, then you’ll absolutely love this air-fryer mac!
Made in just one baking dish, there's no need to boil the noodles—just throw everything into the air fryer, and it does the work for you. I love making mac and cheese this way because it requires minimal cleanup and is ready in about 30 minutes. It’s the perfect dish, whether as a main course or a hearty side dish!
Here’s Why This Recipe Rocks!
Quick & Easy: No boiling pasta separately—just mix everything in one dish and air fry!
Minimal Cleanup: Fewer dishes since it all cooks in one pan.
Ultra Creamy Texture: The milk and cheese cook together, creating a rich, creamy sauce that thickens as it rests.
Customizable: Add your favorite cheeses, spices, or toppings to make it your own.
Beginner-Friendly: Simple steps, no complicated techniques, and hard to mess up.
Fast Cook Time: Ready in about 30 minutes—perfect for a quick comfort meal.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need:
To make this air fryer mac and cheese, I recommend:
Oven-Safe Baking Dish (make sure it fits inside your air fryer!)
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula (for stirring)
Cooking spray (to prevent sticking)
Ingredients You'll Need
To make this easy air fryer macaroni and cheese, you'll need the following ingredients:
1 ½ cups dried shells
1 ½ cups whole milk
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
¾ teaspoon dry mustard powder
¼ teaspoon grated nutmeg
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ cup parmesan cheese
How to Make Homemade Air Fryer Mac and Cheese
1. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F for 10 minutes.
2. Mix the pasta, milk, cheddar cheese, butter, mustard powder, nutmeg, garlic powder, and pepper in a large mixing bowl.
3. Spray an air fryer baking dish with cooking spray, then pour the mac and cheese mixture into an oven-safe dish that fits inside your air fryer.
4. Air fry for 22 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to mix the ingredients well.
5. In the last 2 minutes, top with parmesan cheese. Continue air frying until the top is golden brown (about 2 minutes).
6. Rest the dish for 5-7 minutes to let it thicken and get creamy. Enjoy!
Note: The cooking time for this Air Fryer Mac & Cheese is about 18 minutes at 360°F, though this can vary depending on your air fryer model. Start checking around the 15-minute mark, especially the first time you make it, as some air fryers run hotter or cooler.
If the mac and cheese looks a bit watery when you first take it out, don’t worry—this is normal. Cover the dish with a plate and let it rest for 5-7 minutes, which allows the pasta to absorb any extra liquid and gives the sauce a creamier texture.
How to Store Leftover Macaroni and Cheese
Cool Completely: Let the mac and cheese cool to room temperature to avoid condensation.
Transfer to an Airtight Container: This keeps leftovers fresh and prevents drying out.
Refrigerate: Store in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Freezing (Optional): You can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Just note that freezing may slightly alter the texture.
Reheating Options
Microwave: For best results, heat in a small bowl for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of milk to bring back the creamy texture.
Oven/Air Fryer: Preheat to 350°F, cover with aluminum foil to keep moisture, and heat for 10-15 minutes. Add extra cheese or breadcrumbs for a freshly baked taste.
Jazz’s Tips to Uplevel this Recipe!
Add More Cheese Varieties
Mix in some Gruyère, mozzarella, or gouda with the cheddar for a richer, more complex flavor.Use Evaporated Milk
Swap part of the whole milk for evaporated milk. It makes the sauce extra creamy without adding more fat.Add Seasoned Breadcrumbs
Use Italian-seasoned panko or mix plain panko with a pinch of Italian herbs for extra flavor in the topping.Sprinkle Some Smoked Paprika
Adding a pinch of smoked paprika enhances the flavor with a hint of smokiness, perfect for mac & cheese.Top with Bacon or Prosciutto Crumbles
For a savory crunch, add cooked, crumbled bacon or crispy prosciutto on top after cooking.Add a Few Drops of Hot Sauce
A little hot sauce in the cheese mix adds a subtle kick that elevates the flavors without making it spicy.Experiment with Fresh Herbs
Stir in a small amount of chopped fresh parsley or chives at the end for a fresh flavor boost.Try Truffle Oil
Drizzle a few drops of truffle oil on top after cooking for a gourmet twist!
Ingredient Substitutions
Cheese:
Sharp Cheddar: Try mixing in mozzarella, gouda, or Gruyère for a different flavor profile. Pepper jack can also add a spicy kick.
Parmesan: If you don’t have Parmesan, you can substitute with Romano, Asiago, or even more cheddar.
Milk:
Whole Milk: Substitute with 2% milk, evaporated milk (for extra creaminess), or unsweetened almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
Pasta:
Shells: You can use any small pasta shape like cavatappi, elbow macaroni, rotini, or penne. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly with different pasta shapes.
Butter:
Unsalted Butter: Substitute with salted butter (just reduce any added salt) or a plant-based butter if you're looking for a vegan option.
Seasonings
Dry Mustard Powder: If you’re out of mustard powder, swap it with ½ teaspoon of Dijon mustard or simply leave it out.
Nutmeg: Nutmeg is optional, but a dash of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper can be added instead for extra warmth and depth.
More Easy Recipes!
FAQs
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Yes, small pasta shapes like elbows or penne work well. Just keep an eye on the cook time since some may need a bit more or less time to reach al dente.
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No problem! You can leave it out, or if you have Dijon mustard, add about ½ teaspoon for a bit of tang.
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Yes, but freshly shredded cheese melts better and creates a creamier sauce. Pre-shredded cheese may not melt as smoothly due to added anti-caking agents.
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This is normal. Letting the mac and cheese rest for 5-7 minutes helps it thicken up and become creamy.
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For a super-crispy topping, spray the breadcrumbs lightly with cooking spray before air frying. This helps them brown more evenly.
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Yes, use dairy-free milk, vegan cheese, and plant-based butter. The texture and flavor might be a bit different, but it’ll still be delicious!
This creamy air fryer mac and cheese recipe is one of my favorite comfort food air fryer recipes. It combines a rich, homemade cheese sauce with pasta for an easy air fryer mac recipe you'll love. It’s such a simple recipe, but it brings all the homemade goodness of mac and cheese with just a few ingredients and steps.
Homemade Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups dried shells
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 3/4 teaspoon dry mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon grated nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 360°F for 10 minutes.
- Mix the pasta, milk, cheddar cheese, butter, mustard powder, nutmeg, garlic powder, and pepper in a large oven-safe dish that fits in your air fryer.
- Spray an air fryer baking dish with cooking spray, then pour the mac and cheese mixture into the dish.
- Air fry for 22 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to mix the ingredients well.
- In the last 2 minutes, top with parmesan cheese. Continue air frying until the top is golden brown (about 2 minutes).
- Rest the dish for 5-7 minutes to let it thicken and get creamy. Enjoy!
