Air Fryer Mac And Cheese: Is It Possible?

Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food, and it turns out you can make it in an air fryer! This method is quick, easy, and convenient, and it gives the mac and cheese a crispy, golden crust. You don't need to boil the pasta first, and you can use various types of cheese, seasonings, and additional ingredients to customize your dish. The air fryer's ability to cook this beloved meal with minimal prep and cleanup makes it a convenient option for busy weeknights or whenever you crave a creamy, cheesy treat.

Macaroni and cheese in an air fryer: recipe and ingredients

Macaroni and cheese is a classic dish that can be made in an air fryer with minimal cooking time and easy clean-up. The air fryer gives the dish a crispy, golden crust that's hard to resist. Here is a simple recipe with common ingredients to make macaroni and cheese in an air fryer.

Ingredients:

• Elbow macaroni
• Heavy whipping cream
• Milk
• Cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a combination of your choice)
• Butter or cooking spray
• Seasonings (salt, black pepper, garlic powder, dry mustard, onion powder, cayenne, etc.)
• Optional: beaten egg, sour cream, chorizo crumbs, bacon pieces, breadcrumbs, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, pesto, herbs

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F-360°F (some recipes recommend preheating to 360°F for 10 minutes).
• In a medium bowl, mix the uncooked elbow macaroni, heavy cream, milk, and seasonings.
• Grate or shred your chosen cheese and add about 3/4th of it to the bowl, stirring to combine.
• Brush a pan that fits inside your air fryer basket with melted butter or cooking spray.
• Pour the macaroni mixture into the prepared pan.
• Place the pan in the air fryer and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring every 5-7 minutes to incorporate the ingredients.
• After stirring, add the remaining shredded cheese on top and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until melted and slightly browned.
• Remove from the air fryer and allow the mac and cheese to thicken before serving.

Tips:

• Use freshly grated block cheese for better melting.
• Check your noodles for doneness after stirring each time to ensure even cooking.
• The cook time may vary depending on the type of air fryer and the size and shape of the dish used.
• For a more substantial dish, add a beaten egg to the mixture before cooking.
• Top with cooked bacon pieces, chorizo crumbs, or toasted breadcrumbs for extra flavour and texture.

Step-by-step instructions to make macaroni and cheese in an air fryer

Macaroni and cheese is a classic dish that can be made in an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide to making this delicious meal:

Step 1: Gather your ingredients

First, you will need to gather your ingredients. The exact ingredients may vary depending on the recipe you are following, but typically you will need macaroni, cheese, milk, and seasonings. Some common seasonings used in macaroni and cheese include salt, pepper, garlic powder, and mustard powder. You can also add butter or heavy cream for a creamier texture.

Step 2: Preheat your air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to the temperature specified in your recipe. Most recipes recommend preheating between 350°F and 360°F. The preheating time may vary, but it usually takes around 5 to 10 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the macaroni mixture

While the air fryer is preheating, prepare the macaroni mixture. In a large bowl, combine the uncooked macaroni, milk, seasonings, and about three-quarters of the shredded cheese. You can also add other ingredients like butter, heavy cream, or water, depending on your preference. Stir the ingredients until they are well combined.

Step 4: Transfer the mixture to an air fryer-safe dish

Spray an oven-proof or air fryer-safe dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Then, pour the macaroni mixture into the dish. Make sure the dish is deep enough to hold the macaroni and fits into your air fryer basket or drawer.

Step 5: Air fry the macaroni and cheese

Place the dish into the air fryer and cook for the recommended time, which is usually between 15 and 25 minutes. Stir the macaroni and cheese every 5 to 7 minutes to ensure even cooking and to prevent the cheese from sticking or burning.

Step 6: Add the remaining cheese and finish cooking

After the initial cooking time, remove the dish from the air fryer and stir in the remaining shredded cheese. Return the dish to the air fryer and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly browned.

Step 7: Serve and enjoy

Remove the macaroni and cheese from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes to thicken and cool slightly. Then, serve it and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness! You can garnish it with herbs, crispy chorizo crumbs, or even cooked bacon pieces for extra flavor.

Note that cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model, so be sure to adjust the timing as needed. Additionally, if you are using a larger pasta shape, you may need to increase the cooking time accordingly.

The best type of cheese to use for macaroni and cheese in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook macaroni and cheese in an air fryer! And the best part? You don't have to pre-boil the macaroni. The air fryer method is simple, quick, and flavourful, making it an ideal side dish.

Now, when it comes to the type of cheese to use, freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese is a popular choice. It melts well and gives the dish a creamy, cheesy goodness. You can also experiment with other cheeses like extra mature cheddar, parmesan, or a combination of your favourites. Just steer clear of packaged shredded cheese as it may create an odd, grainy texture.

For a successful air-fried mac and cheese, remember to use an oven-proof dish that fits your air fryer basket, and avoid using skim milk as it can make the dish too watery. Also, keep in mind that cook times may vary depending on your air fryer model, so be sure to keep an eye on your creation!

How long to cook macaroni and cheese in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook macaroni and cheese in an air fryer! And the best part is, you don't need to pre-boil the macaroni. The cooking time depends on the type of pasta you use and the brand of air fryer you own. For example, a Philips Air Fryer may take 18 minutes, while a Ninja Foodi may take 20 minutes.

Here's a simple recipe you can follow:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C) for 5 minutes. If your air fryer doesn't require preheating, skip this step.
• In a medium bowl, mix uncooked elbow macaroni, shredded cheese (save some for topping), dry mustard, salt and pepper, garlic powder, and any other seasonings of your choice. You can also add beaten egg and heavy cream for a richer dish.
• Pour the mixture into an oven-proof dish that fits into your air fryer basket. You can use aluminium foil, but be careful as it may make a mess.
• Place the dish in the air fryer and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to incorporate all the ingredients.
• After 15-20 minutes, top the macaroni with the remaining cheese and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese.
• Remove from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-7 minutes. The mac and cheese will thicken during this time.
• Serve immediately. Top with salt, pepper, fresh herbs, or crispy chorizo crumbs for extra flavour.

Note: The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer and the type of pasta used. Be sure to check your macaroni for doneness after 15 minutes and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Reheating macaroni and cheese in an air fryer

To reheat mac and cheese in an air fryer, start by preheating your air fryer to 320°F (160°C). While the air fryer is heating up, you can prepare your macaroni and cheese. Take a large bowl and add your leftover mac and cheese to it. If you have a small amount of leftovers, you can load them into little silicone moulds for individual servings. For a larger batch, simply use a bigger bowl.

Once the air fryer is preheated, it's time to transfer your mac and cheese to an air fryer-safe dish. You can use any oven-proof or aluminium dish that fits comfortably inside your air fryer basket. It is recommended to use a deep dish to prevent spills and protect your air fryer.

Place the dish containing your mac and cheese into the air fryer and set the timer. For individual servings in silicone moulds, air fry for around 8 minutes. If you're reheating a larger batch, increase the time accordingly, aiming for a total cook time of around 15-20 minutes.

During the cooking process, remember to stir your mac and cheese every 5 minutes or so to ensure even heating and to prevent sticking. If you're feeling extra cheesy, you can even sprinkle some additional shredded cheese on top before serving.

Once the time is up, carefully remove the dish from the air fryer and let it cool down slightly. Your mac and cheese will thicken as it cools, resulting in a creamy and delicious consistency. Serve it up and enjoy the cheesy goodness!

Frequently asked questions