Cheesy Butter Noodles in an Air Fryer

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Creamy, Cheesy, Comforting — and Surprisingly Easy!

Cheesy butter noodles are the ultimate comfort food — rich, creamy, and satisfying. Making them in the air fryer may sound unusual, but it’s an easy hands-off method that delivers a perfectly buttery, cheesy coating without boiling a huge pot of water or using multiple pans. The air fryer melts the cheese evenly, keeps the pasta tender, and gives you a delicious, one-pot style meal with minimal cleanup.
This recipe is ideal for busy nights, picky eaters, or whenever you want something warm and comforting in just minutes.

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10–12 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

For the noodles:

2 cups cooked pasta (egg noodles or any pasta you like)

2 tablespoons butter

½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

¼ cup shredded mozzarella (optional for extra creaminess)

1 tablespoon cream or milk (optional, makes it creamier)

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon grated Parmesan (optional)

Fresh parsley for garnish

Tip: If you don’t already have cooked noodles, boil them first until just al dente.

Instructions

Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 180°C (360°F) for 2–3 minutes.

Prepare the Pasta

Place your cooked noodles in an air fryer–safe pan or bowl (metal or silicone).

Mix Lightly

Stir gently to coat the noodles with butter and seasonings.
(Don’t worry if the cheese isn’t melted yet — it will melt in the air fryer.)

Air Fry

Place the pan inside the air fryer basket.

Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring halfway:

After 5–6 minutes, stir to help melt cheese evenly.

Continue cooking for another 5–6 minutes, until the noodles are fully coated, creamy, and the top is lightly golden.

Finish & Serve

Sprinkle with Parmesan and fresh parsley.
Serve immediately while hot and creamy!

Tips for Best Results

Use an air fryer–safe dish so the cheese doesn’t fall through the basket.

Stir halfway to prevent cheese clumping.

For extra cheesy noodles, add ¼ more cup cheddar.

Add a splash of milk if dry.

Egg noodles, rotini, bow-tie pasta, or macaroni all work great.

Add-In Variations

Chicken: Add shredded cooked chicken.

Veggies: Toss in peas, corn, or steamed broccoli.

Spicy: Add chili flakes or a little hot sauce.

Garlic Butter: Add 1 extra tablespoon melted butter + fresh minced garlic.