Air-Fryer Mac And Cheese: Is It Possible?

Yes, you can make mac and cheese in an air fryer! It's a simple, tasty, and quick dish to make in under 30 minutes. The best part? You don't need to pre-boil the pasta. The creamy, cheesy goodness is cooked to perfection with a crispy, golden crust. You can use a variety of cheeses, including cheddar, Parmesan, and Gruyere, and even add-ins like bacon or ham. The key is using an air fryer pan and cooking at around 350°F for 20-25 minutes. So, if you're looking for a new spin on a classic comfort food, give air fryer mac and cheese a try!

No need to pre-boil the pasta

You can make mac and cheese in an air fryer without pre-boiling the pasta. This is a simple, quick, and easy recipe that is full of flavor. It is a no-fuss, no-boil recipe that you can make in your air fryer in less than 30 minutes.

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients:

• Macaroni (elbow pasta)
• Cheese (cheddar, parmesan, or a combination of cheeses)
• Milk (or half-and-half)
• Butter
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper
• Onion powder
• Cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 350-360°F.
• In a large bowl, combine the macaroni, milk or half-and-half, butter, garlic powder, black pepper, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt.
• Spray an air fryer-safe baking dish with cooking spray.
• Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and place it in the air fryer.
• Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
• Add the remaining shredded cheese on top and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until melted and slightly browned.
• Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips

• You can use any type of oven-proof dish that fits into your air fryer basket.
• It is recommended to use freshly shredded block cheese as it melts better than pre-shredded packaged cheese.
• Different air fryers may cook at different speeds, so adjust the cooking time as needed.
• You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.

Best cheeses for mac and cheese

Mac and cheese is a beloved comfort food, but choosing the wrong cheese can ruin the dish. The cheese you select will affect the taste and texture of the sauce, so it's important to choose wisely. The cheese needs to taste good and melt well. Here are some of the best cheeses for mac and cheese:

Cheddar

Cheddar is the classic choice for mac and cheese, and for good reason. It has a low melting point, which helps keep the sauce smooth, and its bold, complex flavour is a crowd-pleaser. When selecting a cheddar, opt for a block of sharp, medium, or mild cheddar and shred it yourself—pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture of your sauce. Sharp cheddar has the strongest flavour and requires more heat to melt, while mild cheddar melts beautifully and has a gentle, buttery taste. Medium-aged cheddar offers a good balance of flavour and melting properties.

Gruyère

Gruyère is a Swiss cheese with exceptional melting properties and a sophisticated, nutty flavour. Its saltiness helps to cut through the richness of the dish. For an extra special touch, combine Gruyère with white cheddar, a pinch of nutmeg, and a touch of Dijon mustard to amplify its natural flavours.

Parmesan, or Parmigiano Reggiano, adds a salty depth to your mac and cheese. It can be used in the sauce or as a topping. When incorporated into the sauce, it adds nutty notes and complexity. Mix it with younger cheeses to balance their milder flavours. When using Parmesan, look for chunks with a slightly crumbly texture and tiny white crystals, which indicate proper aging and contribute to the cheese's complex flavour profile.

Gouda

Gouda is a seriously underrated cheese that melts beautifully and gives your mac and cheese a sophisticated taste without being too pretentious. For a more complex profile, opt for aged smoked Gouda, which offers hints of butterscotch and bacon-like saltiness. However, aged smoked Gouda should be blended with creamier cheeses for optimal texture.

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese helps to achieve ultimate creaminess in your mac and cheese. It adds body, silkiness, and protein to the sauce, creating a stable emulsion that reheats beautifully.

Brie

Brie is a luxurious choice for mac and cheese, adding an unmatched creaminess and subtle mushroom and butter notes. For a balanced flavour profile, mix brie with a sharper cheese, such as aged cheddar. Add the brie in small pieces near the end of cooking to prevent it from separating.

Monterey Jack

Despite its mild flavour, Monterey Jack is an excellent choice for mac and cheese due to its exceptional melting properties and subtle buttery sweetness. Regular Monterey Jack offers smooth, creamy results, while aged varieties, known as Dry Jack, develop a firm texture and nutty profile similar to Parmesan.

Fontina

Fontina is a traditional Italian cheese with complex notes of nuts, herbs, and butter. As it ages, these flavours develop into earthy mushroom flavours. For best results, grate the cheese while it's cold, and let it make up about half of your sauce mixture.

Goat Cheese

Goat cheese is a nice change of pace for mac and cheese, adding an extra tangy and creamy twist. The flavour sticks around even after milk and cream are added.

When creating your perfect mac and cheese, feel free to combine multiple types of cheese to create a nuanced and delicious dish. Experiment with different blends to find your favourite combination!

How long to cook for

The cooking time for mac and cheese in an air fryer will vary depending on the type of air fryer you have, the ingredients used, and the size and shape of your pasta. It is important to keep an eye on your mac and cheese while it cooks and adjust the cooking time as needed. Most recipes recommend cooking your mac and cheese in the air fryer for around 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, and then adding cheese on top and cooking for a further 2-3 minutes. However, some recipes suggest cooking for up to 30 minutes, checking for doneness after 20 minutes.

It is worth noting that different air fryers cook at different speeds, so it is important to keep an eye on your mac and cheese to ensure it does not overcook or burn. The best time to check on your mac and cheese is after you stir it, as this also helps the noodles to cook evenly.

Additionally, if you are reheating mac and cheese in an air fryer, it is recommended to heat the air fryer to 350°F and cook for 4-5 minutes, adding a splash of milk if needed.

What to serve it with

Mac and cheese is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides to enhance your meal. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Green Salad or Vegetables

A crisp green salad is a refreshing counterpart to the rich and creamy mac and cheese. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables such as asparagus, peas, sweetcorn, or tenderstem broccoli.

Proteins

For a heartier meal, consider serving your mac and cheese with some form of protein. Air fryer chicken nuggets or steak bites are great options. You could also add some roasted chicken or bacon pieces to your mac and cheese for a more substantial dish.

Breads

Homemade focaccia or air fryer garlic bread go well with mac and cheese. You could also serve it with air fryer cheese scones or air fryer garlic cheese bread for an extra cheesy treat.

Spicy Kick

If you like your food with a bit of a kick, try adding some chilli flakes to your mac and cheese. You could also serve it with air fryer chicken fajitas for a spicy and flavourful meal.

Extras

To take your mac and cheese to the next level, try adding some sun-dried tomatoes, olives, pesto, or chopped herbs such as parsley or chives. You could also make air-fried mac and cheese balls with your leftovers for a fun and tasty treat.

How to store and reheat leftovers

To store your mac and cheese, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to 3 to 5 days.

When you're ready to reheat your mac and cheese, there are a few different methods you can use, depending on the amount of mac and cheese you have and whether it has a crispy topping.

For individual servings or small amounts, the microwave or stovetop is best. For larger amounts, or for baked mac and cheese with a crispy topping, use the oven or toaster oven.

Here's how to reheat your mac and cheese using each method:

Microwave:

• Stir 1 tablespoon of milk into each cup of mac and cheese.
• Spread the mac and cheese out in an even layer in a shallow, microwave-safe bowl.
• Cover with a microwave-safe plate or a damp paper towel.
• Microwave on 50% power for 1 minute.
• Stir and continue to microwave in 30-second increments, stirring after each increment, until the food is warmed through.
• Stir in a little butter and shredded cheese for extra creaminess, if desired.

Stovetop:

• This method is best for reheating one to a few servings.
• Break up any large clumps of mac and cheese and place them in a saucepan.
• Stir in 1 tablespoon of milk for each cup of mac and cheese.
• Cook over medium or medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can keep the saucepan covered for the first few minutes to speed up the warming process.
• Stir in a little butter and shredded cheese for extra creaminess, if desired.

Oven or Toaster Oven:

• This method is best for reheating large batches or baked versions with a crispy topping.
• If your mac and cheese doesn't have a crispy topping, place it in a baking dish and break up any clumps. Stir in 1 tablespoon of milk for each cup of mac and cheese.
• If your mac and cheese has a crispy topping, place it in a baking dish and drizzle the milk down the sides of the dish. For an even better result, reserve the crispy topping separately.
• Cover the baking dish with an oven-safe lid or aluminium foil.
• Bake in a 350ºF oven or toaster oven until warmed through, checking after 20 minutes (or 40 minutes if frozen).
• If you want a crispy top, uncover the dish and sprinkle with the reserved crispy topping or some shredded cheese. Bake for an additional 10 minutes.
• Stir in a little butter and shredded cheese for extra creaminess, if desired.

Air Fryer:

• Take your leftover mac and cheese out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes to ensure even reheating.
• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
• If your mac and cheese is in a large block, break it into smaller chunks for more even heating.
• Line the air fryer basket with aluminium foil to make cleanup easier and to prevent the cheese from sticking.
• Lightly spray the mac and cheese with cooking spray to add extra crispness to the outer layer.
• Place the mac and cheese in the air fryer basket in an even layer, being careful not to overcrowd the basket.
• Cook for about 5-8 minutes, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning. Shake the basket halfway through to promote even crisping.
• Check the internal temperature with a cooking thermometer. Aim for around 165°F (74°C) to ensure it's thoroughly reheated.
• Remove the mac and cheese from the air fryer and let it cool for a couple of minutes before serving.

You can also add some breadcrumbs, a small splash of milk or cream, or shredded cheese on top before reheating for extra crunch or creaminess.

Frequently asked questions