If there’s one comfort food I could never resist, it’s mac and cheese. There’s just something about the creamy, cheesy goodness paired with a golden, crispy topping that speaks directly to my soul. But as much as I adore traditional mac and cheese, I wanted to find a way to make it quicker, easier, and still packed with flavor. That’s where the air fryer comes in! This Air Fryer Mac and Cheese recipe is a game changer. It’s incredibly creamy on the inside with a perfect crispy, golden top layer you’d swear came from the oven.
What I love most about this recipe is how convenient it is. You don’t need to preheat a big oven or stand over a hot stove for hours. With just a few simple steps and a little help from your air fryer, you’ll have a delicious, gooey, and golden mac and cheese ready to impress. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining friends, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your rotation.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Elbow Macaroni: The classic pasta shape for mac and cheese. Its small size and curves are perfect for holding onto that rich, creamy cheese sauce.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: This provides the bold, tangy flavor that makes mac and cheese irresistible. Grate it fresh for the best melting quality.
Mozzarella Cheese: Adds an extra layer of creaminess and a gooey, stretchy texture to every bite.
Milk: You’ll need this for the sauce. Whole milk is ideal for richness, but you can substitute with 2% or even plant-based milk if you prefer.
Butter: Essential for the roux, which serves as the base of the creamy cheese sauce.
Flour: Helps thicken the cheese sauce to a luxurious consistency.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These create the ultimate crispy topping that’s beautifully golden and contrasts with the creamy pasta underneath.
Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of parmesan in the breadcrumb topping adds a nutty, savory flavor.
Garlic Powder: Just a hint enhances the flavor of the cheese sauce without overpowering it.
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out the flavors of the cheese and pasta.
Ingredients List
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 ½ cups milk (preferably whole)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Air Fryer Mac and Cheese
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Allow the mixture to thicken, then stir in the sharp cheddar, mozzarella, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is coated with that creamy goodness. Transfer the mixture to an air fryer-safe dish.
Step 4: Add the Topping
In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
Step 5: Air Fry
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the dish in the air fryer and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy. Let it cool slightly before serving.
Tips for Making This Recipe
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting. Freshly grated cheese will give you the creamiest results.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Since the pasta will cook further in the air fryer, ensure it’s just al dente after boiling.
- Customize the Cheese Blend: Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like gouda, gruyere, or pepper jack for unique flavors.
- Add Mix-Ins: Crumbled bacon, diced jalapeños, or cooked chicken make delicious additions to this dish.
- Use an Air Fryer-Safe Dish: Make sure your dish fits comfortably in your air fryer basket and is heat-safe.
FAQs
Q: Can I use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs?
Yes! Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-friendly version of this recipe.
Q: What can I substitute for cheddar cheese?
You can use gouda, colby jack, or even Monterey jack cheese for a slightly different flavor profile.
Q: How do I reheat leftovers?
Simply place the mac and cheese back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to reheat and restore its crispy topping.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the mac and cheese up to the point of adding the topping. Cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready, add the topping and air fry as instructed.
Enjoy your creamy, crispy Air Fryer Mac and Cheese! It’s a dish you’ll keep coming back to, bite after bite.