Air-Fryer Mac And Cheese: Baking Perfection

Yes, you can bake mac and cheese in an air fryer! It's a simple and tasty dish that can be made in under 30 minutes and is perfect for busy weeknights or as a side dish. The best part? You don't even need to pre-boil the pasta!

What type of cheese is best for mac and cheese?

When it comes to mac and cheese, the type of cheese you use can make or break the dish. The cheese you choose will affect the taste and texture of the sauce. The ideal mac and cheese usually has more than one kind of cheese. When choosing a cheese, you should consider meltability and flavour. Generally, young and processed cheeses melt smoothly but taste bland when mixed with a lot of pasta. Aged and funkier blocks are trickier to melt but add a lot of complex flavour to the dish.

Sharp cheddar is a popular choice for mac and cheese as it strikes the right balance between meltability and flavour. It has a classic taste and a fairly low melting point, keeping things smooth. It is also inexpensive and readily available in supermarkets. However, it is important to buy a block of cheddar and grate it yourself, as pre-shredded cheese often contains additives like cornstarch that can interfere with melting and result in a gritty, lumpy sauce.

If you want to use more than one type of cheese, other classics that pair well with cheddar include Gruyere, which has a nutty flavour and melts beautifully; Gouda, which is underrated but melts beautifully and gives a sophisticated taste without being too pretentious; Muenster, Parmesan, Fontina, Havarti, and Monterey Jack. You can also use cream cheese, which melts easily and helps keep the sauce smooth, or Brie, which has excellent creaminess for coating the noodles, but remember to remove the rind first.

For a stronger flavour, you can add a small amount of blue cheese, or goat cheese, which has a nice tang and an unexpected twist.

To summarise, the best cheeses for mac and cheese are those that melt well and have a strong flavour. Avoid pre-shredded cheese and dry, crumbly cheeses like feta or cotija, which don't melt properly and will leave you with a lumpy sauce.

Do you need to pre-cook the pasta?

You do not need to pre-cook the pasta when making mac and cheese in an air fryer. The pasta can be cooked directly in the air fryer, making the recipe quicker and easier. This is possible because the pasta is combined with other ingredients, such as water, heavy cream, and cheese, which help to cook the pasta and create a creamy sauce.

The recipe typically calls for dried elbow macaroni, which is small and cooks quickly. The pasta is combined with the other ingredients in an oven-proof dish that fits inside the air fryer basket. The dish is then placed in the air fryer and cooked for around 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.

It is important to note that different air fryers may cook at different speeds, so it is recommended to check the pasta for doneness after 18 minutes and adjust the cooking time as needed. Additionally, it is important to stir the pasta halfway through the cooking process to ensure even heating and prevent any parts from drying out or burning.

By not having to pre-cook the pasta, this air fryer mac and cheese recipe becomes a convenient, one-pot dish that is perfect for busy weeknights and entertaining.

How long does it take to cook?

The cooking time for mac and cheese in an air fryer will depend on the quantity of food being cooked, the type of air fryer being used, and the specific recipe being followed. However, a general guideline is to cook it at around 360°F (182°C) for 10 to 15 minutes.

For example, one recipe recommends preheating the air fryer to 360°F and cooking the mac and cheese for 15-18 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to incorporate the ingredients. Another recipe recommends cooking the mac and cheese at 360°F for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.

It's important to note that different air fryers may cook at different speeds, so it's a good idea to check the mac and cheese halfway through the cooking process and adjust the timing as needed. Additionally, if you are using a larger pasta shape, it may take longer to cook.

When cooking mac and cheese in an air fryer, it's also recommended to stir the ingredients every few minutes to ensure even cooking and to prevent the cheese from burning.

What can you serve with mac and cheese?

Mac and cheese is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a side. If you're looking for some side dish options to accompany your mac and cheese, here are some ideas:

• Salads: A simple green salad, harvest salad, broccoli salad, strawberry salad, or a 5-ingredient kale Caesar salad. You could also try a shaved Brussels sprouts salad with apples, hazelnuts, and a brown butter dressing.
• Vegetables: Sautéed zucchini and squash, green beans, potato skins, corn, broccoli, or zucchini fritters. You could also try air fryer asparagus, peas, sweetcorn, or roasted Tenderstem broccoli.
• Breads: Bacon cornbread, garlic bread, cheese bread, spoonbread, gluten-free biscuits, or BLTs.
• Meats: BBQ ribs, grilled chicken, pork, or steak. Pulled pork or chicken are also great options to pair with mac and cheese.
• Seafood: Tuna noodle casserole is a classic combination.
• Fruits: Fresh fruit or jello salad can balance out the richness of the mac and cheese.

If you're serving mac and cheese as the main dish, you might want to pair it with something lighter, such as a salad or steamed vegetables. Here are some more suggestions for main dishes to serve with mac and cheese:

• BBQ meats: Pulled pork or chicken, ribs, or brisket.
• Soups and stews: Chili or baked beans.
• Sandwiches: BLTs or sloppy joes.

So, whether you're enjoying mac and cheese as a main course or a side dish, there are plenty of options to choose from to create a delicious and satisfying meal.

How do you store and reheat leftovers?

Storing and reheating mac and cheese leftovers is simple!

Firstly, storing your leftovers: You'll want to store your mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should keep for up to 4-5 days, though some sources suggest it can last for up to a week.

Now, for reheating: You can reheat your mac and cheese in the microwave, but be aware that the pasta may dry out. You can add a little milk or cream to the mac and cheese when reheating to prevent this. You can also reheat your mac and cheese in the air fryer, which some people claim improves the dish, making it taste like it was just made. You can also use your leftovers to make new dishes, such as mac and cheese stuffed peppers, mac and cheese cups, or a mac and cheese grilled cheese sandwich.

Frequently asked questions