Air Fryer Mac And Cheese: Can It Be Done?

Yes, you can make mac and cheese in an air fryer! And the best part? You don't need to boil the pasta first. Simply mix the ingredients in an oven-proof dish, pop it in the air fryer, and in about 20-30 minutes, you'll have a delicious, creamy and cheesy dish that's perfect for busy weeknights or as a comforting side.

What type of cheese is best for mac and cheese?

Mac and cheese is a very versatile dish, and you can use many different types of cheese to make it. The best types of cheese for mac and cheese are those that melt well and have a strong flavour. Here are some of the top choices:

• Sharp Cheddar: This is the classic choice for mac and cheese. It has a good balance of meltability and flavour, and it's usually inexpensive and easy to find in supermarkets.
• Gruyere: This cheese melts well and has a lovely nutty flavour, making it a great addition to mac and cheese.
• Gouda: Gouda is another excellent melting cheese that gives your mac and cheese a sophisticated taste without being too pretentious.
• Parmesan: Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavour to your mac and cheese. It's best to combine it with other creamier, more melty cheeses for a well-balanced dish.
• Cream Cheese: Cream cheese melts easily and helps keep the sauce smooth, making it a great choice for slow-cooker mac and cheese.
• Brie: Using brie in your mac and cheese will give it a decadent and creamy taste. Just remember to remove the rind first.
• Goat Cheese: Goat cheese has a unique flavour that sticks around even after adding milk and cream. It's a nice change of pace for mac and cheese.

You can also mix and match different cheeses to find your perfect combination. However, it's best to avoid pre-shredded cheese, as it often contains additives that interfere with melting and can make your mac and cheese gritty and lumpy.

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. This is because the pasta will cook in the air fryer along with the other ingredients.

The pasta is added to the air fryer uncooked. It is combined with other ingredients such as cheese, milk, butter, and seasonings. The mixture is then placed in the air fryer and cooked for around 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the recipe and the type of pasta used. It is important to stir the mixture regularly to ensure that all the ingredients are incorporated and to prevent the pasta from sticking.

Using uncooked pasta in the air fryer makes the recipe quick and easy, with no need to boil the pasta separately. This also means fewer dishes to wash up! The pasta will cook thoroughly in the air fryer, resulting in a creamy and delicious mac and cheese.

However, it is worth noting that different types of pasta may require different cooking times. For example, larger pasta shapes may take longer to cook than smaller ones like elbow macaroni. Therefore, it is important to keep an eye on the pasta and adjust the cooking time as needed.

What kind of pan is best to use?

When making mac and cheese in an air fryer, the best type of pan to use is an oven-proof dish that fits inside your air fryer basket. This can be a metal cake pan, a ceramic or glass oven-proof baking dish, or an air fryer-safe silicone dish. It's important to ensure that the dish is deep enough to hold all the ingredients and that it fits comfortably inside your air fryer to prevent spills.

Metal pans are usually the best option as they transfer heat to the food quickly. However, if you are using a dual-basket model air fryer, you may need to divide the recipe between two smaller pans, or use a smaller pan designed specifically for air fryers.

Additionally, if you are adding breadcrumbs or a crunchy topping to your mac and cheese, it is recommended to use a pan with a wider surface area, as this will result in a larger, crispier topping.

How long does it take to cook?

The cooking time for mac and cheese in an air fryer depends on the quantity of food being cooked, the type of air fryer being used, and the desired texture. For example, the cooking time for a 5.8qt basket-style Cosori Air Fryer is 10-15 minutes at 360°F (182°C). However, if you are using a different brand of air fryer, you may need to adjust the cooking time. It is recommended to do a test run of the recipe to ensure perfect results.

Most recipes suggest cooking mac and cheese in an air fryer for around 18-20 minutes at 360°F (182°C). However, it is important to stir the dish every 5 minutes or so to ensure even cooking and to prevent burning. Depending on the type of pasta used, you may need to start checking for doneness after 18 or 20 minutes. If the pasta is not yet cooked, you can continue cooking in 2-minute increments until it reaches the desired texture.

It is worth noting that different types of pasta will require different cooking times. For example, larger pasta shapes may take longer than 30 minutes to cook, while smaller pasta shapes like elbow macaroni will generally take less time.

Additionally, the type of dish used can also affect the cooking time. It is important to use an oven-proof dish that fits into the air fryer basket, such as a foil tray, an oven-proof baking dish, or an air fryer silicone dish. Using a dish that is too large or too small may affect the cooking time and the final texture of the dish.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

Yes, you can use milk instead of cream when making mac and cheese in an air fryer. However, it is important to note that skimmed milk should be avoided as it may make the dish too watery. Whole milk is recommended for a smoother sauce. Additionally, you can use a combination of half double cream and half water for a similar effect.

When making mac and cheese in an air fryer, it is also worth noting that you do not need to pre-boil the pasta. Simply combine the uncooked pasta with the other ingredients in an oven-proof dish that fits into your air fryer basket, and cook for around 15-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Frequently asked questions