Mac And Cheese, Air Fryer Style: Is It Possible?

Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food and a favourite for many. But can you make it in an air fryer? The answer is yes! You can make delicious, creamy mac and cheese with a crispy, golden crust in an air fryer in under 30 minutes. The best part? You don't even need to boil the pasta first! Simply combine the ingredients, pop them in the air fryer, and you're good to go.

What type of cheese is best?

When it comes to making mac and cheese in an air fryer, the best type of cheese to use is one that melts well and has a strong flavour. A good option is to use a combination of cheeses, such as extra-mature cheddar and Parmesan, as these cheeses complement each other well and create a delicious, creamy dish. You could also add in some Gruyere, which works well with the other two cheeses.

If you are looking for a simpler option, freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese is a good choice and can be purchased pre-shredded. However, block cheese is recommended as it melts better than pre-shredded packaged cheese.

For those who are feeling adventurous, you could try making your own Homemade Velveeta, as this will bring a creamy texture to your mac and cheese.

Do I need to pre-cook the pasta?

When making mac and cheese in an air fryer, you do not need to pre-cook the pasta. The pasta will cook in the air fryer along with the other ingredients.

To make mac and cheese in an air fryer, you will need the following ingredients:

• Uncooked elbow macaroni
• Water or milk
• Heavy cream
• Mustard powder
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Shredded cheese (a combination of extra-mature cheddar and Parmesan cheese is recommended for the best flavour, but other types of cheese such as sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Gruyere can also be used)

You will also need an air fryer-safe pan or dish that fits into your air fryer basket.

• Combine the uncooked elbow macaroni, water or milk, heavy cream, mustard powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and about 3/4 of the shredded cheese in the air fryer-safe pan or dish. Stir until combined.
• Place the pan or dish in the air fryer and set the temperature to 350-360 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Cook for 18-25 minutes, stirring halfway through the cooking time. If using a larger pasta shape, the cooking time may be longer.
• Once the cooking time is complete, remove the pan or dish from the air fryer and stir the mac and cheese. Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. The mac and cheese will continue to thicken as it cools.

Note: The cooking time may vary depending on the type of air fryer and the size and shape of the pasta used. It is recommended to check the doneness of the pasta halfway through the cooking time and adjust as needed.

What kind of pan is best to use?

When making mac and cheese in an air fryer, it's important to use a suitable pan to ensure optimal cooking results and avoid any mess or spillage. Here are some key considerations for choosing the best pan:

Material:

• Oven-proof or air fryer-safe materials are essential. This includes options such as oven-safe glass, ceramic, or specific air fryer-safe silicone baking dishes.
• Foil trays can also be used, but they may not be as sturdy and could result in spills.

Size and Shape:

• Ensure the pan fits comfortably inside your air fryer basket. Measure the dimensions of your air fryer basket before selecting a pan.
• The pan should be deep enough to hold all the ingredients and allow for stirring without spilling.
• If using a larger pasta shape, opt for a slightly shallower pan to prevent overfilling.

Functionality:

• Look for a pan with a lid or cover to prevent messes and ensure even cooking.
• Consider investing in a set of air fryer accessories, including different-sized pans, to accommodate various recipes.

Additionally, here are some tips for preparing mac and cheese in your air fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, typically around 350°F to 360°F.
• Combine the uncooked pasta, cheese, and other ingredients in the pan before placing it in the air fryer.
• Stir the ingredients periodically during the cooking process to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
• Depending on your air fryer model and the quantity of mac and cheese, the cooking time can vary from 18 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on your mac and cheese to avoid overcooking.

How do I store leftovers?

When storing your mac and cheese leftovers, it's important to handle them properly to ensure they stay fresh and safe to eat. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store, reheat, and freeze your leftovers:

Storing Leftovers:

• Let the mac and cheese cool down: Before placing your leftovers in the refrigerator, allow them to cool down to almost room temperature. Storing hot food can increase the temperature of the refrigerator, creating an ideal environment for bacteria to grow.
• Use an airtight container: Transfer the mac and cheese to an airtight container. This helps maintain moisture and prevent the food from drying out. It also prevents odours from escaping and affecting other foods in the fridge.
• Store in the refrigerator: Place the sealed container of mac and cheese in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and safe to eat for 3-5 days.

Reheating Leftovers:

• Reheat in the microwave: For quick and convenient reheating, use the microwave. Heat the mac and cheese in short 30-60 second bursts, stirring in between, until it's completely warmed through.
• Reheat in the oven: To maintain that crispy texture, use the oven. Transfer the mac and cheese to an oven-safe dish, cover with aluminium foil, and bake at a low temperature until heated through.
• Reheat on the stovetop: Place the leftovers in a pot and heat slowly over medium heat, stirring frequently, to prevent sticking or burning.

When reheating, you may notice that the mac and cheese has dried out a little. To fix this, simply add a splash of milk to the dish before reheating. This will help loosen the sauce and restore its creamy texture.

Freezing Leftovers:

If you want to keep your leftovers for longer than 3-5 days, you can freeze them. Here's how:

• Allow the mac and cheese to cool: Before freezing, let the dish cool to room temperature.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe container: Use an airtight container designed for freezing, or wrap the mac and cheese tightly with plastic wrap and aluminium foil to avoid freezer burn.
• Label and date the container: Clearly label the container with the date of freezing so you know when it was frozen and can keep track of how long it has been stored.
• Freeze for 2-3 months: Mac and cheese can be safely stored in the freezer for 2-3 months.
• Thaw before reheating: When you're ready to enjoy your frozen mac and cheese, let it thaw in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight, depending on the portion size. Then, reheat using one of the methods mentioned above.

Can I make this on the stovetop?

Yes, you can make mac and cheese on a stovetop! Here's a simple recipe you can follow:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups macaroni, uncooked (equal to 1/2 lb)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon each: salt and pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

Method:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the macaroni. Cook according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
• Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Use a spatula to stir in the flour and continue to stir for 1-2 minutes.
• Add the heavy cream/milk in splashes, stirring continuously. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
• Add the seasonings and hot sauce. Reduce heat to low.
• Gradually sprinkle in the shredded cheese. Stir continuously until smooth and combined.
• Add the drained macaroni and stir to combine. Serve!

Tips:

• Shred the cheese from a block as it will melt and taste much better than packaged shredded cheese.
• You can use a variety of different kinds of cheese for this recipe, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gouda, and Gruyere.
• You can also add meat and vegetables to this recipe.

Frequently asked questions