Creamy Air Fryer Macaroni and Cheese
Intro
Macaroni and cheese is the ultimate comfort food — rich, creamy, and full of cheesy goodness. While most people make it on the stovetop or in the oven, the air fryer can give you the best of both worlds: a creamy interior and a perfectly golden, crispy top. In this recipe, we’ll make the sauce and pasta on the stove for the smoothest texture, then finish it in the air fryer for that irresistible baked topping. This method ensures you get maximum flavor in less time, without heating up your whole kitchen.
Pasta: 7–8 min
Sauce: 8 min
Preheat Air Fryer: 3 min
Air Fry: 7–10 min
Total Time: ~28–30 minutes
Ingredients (Serves 4–5)
2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups milk (whole milk recommended)
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp mustard powder (optional, for depth)
Salt & pepper to taste
½ cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
1 tbsp butter (melted, for topping)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta (10 minutes)
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7–8 minutes.
Drain and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce (8 minutes)
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter.
Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw taste.
Slowly whisk in milk and cream, stirring until smooth.
Let the mixture thicken for 3–4 minutes.
Add cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, and seasonings. Stir until fully melted and creamy.
Combine Pasta & Sauce (2 minutes)
Add the drained pasta into the cheese sauce and stir to coat every piece.
Prepare for Air Frying (3 minutes)
Preheat air fryer to 360°F (182°C) for 3 minutes.
Transfer mac and cheese into an oven-safe baking dish that fits your air fryer basket.
If using breadcrumbs, mix them with melted butter and sprinkle over the top.
Air Fry for Golden Perfection (7–10 minutes)
Place the dish into the air fryer basket.
Air fry at 360°F (182°C) for 7–10 minutes, until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
Serve
Let cool slightly before serving so the sauce sets a little.
Enjoy warm and cheesy straight from the dish.
Tips for Best Results
Use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother melt — pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can make sauce grainy.
If you prefer ultra-creamy mac, reserve ½ cup of sauce and stir it in after air frying before serving.
Add cooked beef bits, caramelized onions, or jalapeños for extra flavor.