Macaroni In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Yes, you can cook macaroni in an air fryer! In fact, you can make the classic comfort dish, macaroni and cheese, in an air fryer. This is a quick and easy way to make mac and cheese, as you don't need to boil the pasta first. Simply mix together the macaroni, cheese, and other ingredients in an oven-proof dish that fits inside your air fryer basket, and cook for around 20 minutes. You can tweak the seasonings and type of cheese to your liking, and add extras like bacon or ham for some added protein.

Macaroni and cheese in an air fryer

Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that can be made in an air fryer with minimal preparation and cleanup. The air fryer gives the dish a crispy, golden crust that's hard to resist. Here is a step-by-step guide to making macaroni and cheese in an air fryer:

Ingredients:

• Macaroni noodles (elbow pasta)
• Water
• Milk (not skim milk) or heavy cream
• Cheese, shredded (cheddar, Parmesan, Gruyere, or a combination)
• Butter
• Garlic powder
• Dry/mustard powder
• Black pepper
• Onion powder
• Cayenne (optional)
• Salt
• Bread crumbs (optional)
• Freshly chopped herbs for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (some recipes suggest 390°F) for about 10 minutes.
• In a large bowl, combine the uncooked macaroni noodles, milk or cream, butter, garlic powder, mustard powder, black pepper, onion powder, cayenne (if using), and salt. Stir well.
• Spray an oven-proof dish or an air fryer-safe baking dish with cooking spray. Make sure the dish fits into your air fryer basket and is deep enough to hold the macaroni.
• Pour the macaroni mixture into the prepared dish.
• Air fry for 15-18 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
• After the initial cooking time, add the remaining shredded cheese on top. Air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
• Check the noodles for doneness before turning off the air fryer. The noodles should be al dente.
• If desired, sprinkle bread crumbs on top and spritz with olive oil. Air fry until the bread crumbs are golden brown.
• Let the macaroni and cheese cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
• Garnish with freshly chopped herbs such as parsley or chives, if desired.

Tips:

• Different types of air fryers may cook at different speeds, so adjust the cooking time as needed.
• You can add other ingredients to the macaroni and cheese for extra flavour, such as cooked bacon pieces, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or pesto.
• This dish is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3- 5 days. Reheat in the microwave, knowing that the pasta may dry out.

No need to pre-cook the pasta

Yes, you can cook macaroni in an air fryer without pre-cooking it. This is a simple and quick way to cook macaroni and cheese, a tasty dish for busy weeknights.

To cook macaroni in an air fryer without pre-cooking it, you will need an oven-proof dish that fits inside your air fryer basket. This helps prevent spills and protects the appliance. You can use a foil tray, an oven-proof baking dish, a cake pan, or an air fryer silicone dish. However, foil won't be as sturdy and may make a mess if the macaroni and cheese spill over.

First, preheat your air fryer to 340°F-360°F. While the air fryer is heating, in a large bowl, add the macaroni noodles, butter, garlic powder, black pepper, onion powder, cayenne (if using), salt, and cheese. You can use a combination of shredded cheddar, Parmesan, and/or Gruyere, or block cheese, which melts better than pre-shredded packaged cheese. You can also add heavy cream or milk to make the dish creamier. Stir to combine.

Spray your chosen dish with cooking spray and pour the mixture into it. Place the dish in the air fryer and cook for 15-25 minutes, stirring the mixture every 5 minutes to incorporate the ingredients. Add the remaining shredded cheese on top and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until melted and slightly browned.

The cook time depends on the type of pasta you use. If you are using a larger pasta shape, it may take longer than 25 minutes. Various air fryers will also cook at different speeds, so it is important to check the macaroni halfway through.

Reheating and storing leftovers

When storing leftovers, place the macaroni in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3–5 days. However, it is best enjoyed the next day as the pasta dries out over time.

When reheating, you can use either a microwave or an air fryer. If using a microwave, be aware that the pasta will dry out. To prevent this, add a splash of milk or cream to the macaroni.

To reheat in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Place the macaroni in an oven-safe dish that fits into the air fryer basket, and heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway through. You can also use silicone cups or aluminium foil to hold the macaroni for reheating. Check the macaroni after 4–5 minutes to see if it is heated through and golden. If not, continue cooking for 2 minutes at a time until done.

Recommended cheeses

Macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that can be made with a variety of different cheeses. The best cheese for macaroni and cheese will melt well and have a strong flavour. Here are some recommended cheeses for making macaroni and cheese in an air fryer:

• Mild cheddar: Mild cheddar melts beautifully and has a gentle, buttery flavour that appeals to most palates. Its higher moisture content makes it perfect for achieving a stringy, creamy texture.
• Medium cheddar: Medium-aged cheddar offers a good balance of flavour complexity and melting properties. It can be used alone or as part of a cheese blend.
• Sharp cheddar: Sharp cheddar has bold, complex flavours that develop during its extended ageing process. While it requires more heat to melt, its robust taste creates a deeply satisfying sauce base.
• Extra mature cheddar: While extra-sharp cheddar offers a robust flavour, it does not melt as well due to its low moisture content. However, when combined with other cheeses, it can add a strong cheesy flavour to the dish.
• Parmesan: Parmesan, or Parmigiano Reggiano, adds a salty depth to the dish. When selecting Parmesan, look for chunks with a slightly crumbly texture and tiny white crystals, which indicate proper ageing and contribute to a complex flavour profile.
• Gruyère: Gruyère is known for its exceptional melting properties and sophisticated flavour profile. When heated, it becomes remarkably creamy without becoming greasy, adding an unmatched creaminess to the dish.
• Mozzarella: Mozzarella is a popular topping choice for macaroni and cheese, as it melts well and has a mild, creamy flavour.
• Blue cheese/Stilton: Blue cheese or Stilton adds a strong depth of flavour to macaroni and cheese. If you prefer a milder taste, white stilton is a less intense option that is also more creamy.
• Gouda: Gouda is a semi-hard cheese with a nutty, sweet flavour that can add creaminess to the dish.
• Emmental: Emmental is a Swiss cheese with a mild, slightly nutty flavour and excellent melting properties.

Feel free to experiment with different cheeses and combinations to find your favourite flavour profile!

Other ingredients and seasoning

Macaroni cooked in an air fryer is usually prepared as mac and cheese, so the ingredients and seasonings used are those that go well with cheese. The most common seasonings used are salt, pepper, nutmeg, and mustard powder. The mustard powder is said to be the secret ingredient that brings out the cheesy flavor. You can also add garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper for a kick.

The type of cheese you use is also important. You can use any cheese you like, as long as it melts well and has a strong flavor. Popular choices include extra mature cheddar cheese, Parmesan, mozzarella, Colby Jack, Marble Jack, smoked Gouda, and Gruyere. You can also add in some cream cheese to make it extra creamy. It is recommended that you shred the cheese yourself for maximum meltiness, although pre-shredded cheese can also be used.

You can also add other ingredients to your mac and cheese to make it more of a complete meal. Some people like to add in some diced ham or cooked bacon for extra protein. You can also add vegetables, such as chopped sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and pesto. If you want to get really creative, you can even add in some chopped onion or grated onion to the mix.

Frequently asked questions