Air Fryer Mac And Cheese: Is It Possible?

Mac and cheese is a beloved comfort food for many, but can you make it in an air fryer? The answer is yes! Making mac and cheese in an air fryer is not only possible, but it's also a quick and easy way to prepare this classic dish. With an air fryer, you can have creamy, delicious mac and cheese on your table in about 20 to 30 minutes, and the best part is that you don't even need to boil the pasta first!

Mac and cheese in an air fryer: the ingredients

Mac and cheese in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and delicious meal that can be made in about 20 to 30 minutes. The best part? You don't have to pre-boil the pasta! Here's a list of ingredients you'll need to make this mouth-watering dish:

Pasta

For the pasta, you'll want to use elbow macaroni. This type of pasta is small and cooks quickly, making it perfect for air frying. You can use dried or uncooked elbow macaroni, and the amount you'll need will vary depending on the recipe you follow, but typically it's around 1 to 1.5 cups.

Cheese

The cheese is, of course, a crucial ingredient in mac and cheese. It's recommended to use a block of cheese and shred it yourself, as pre-shredded cheese may not melt as well and can create a grainy texture. Sharp cheddar cheese is a popular choice, but you can also use extra-mature cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Parmesan, or a combination of cheeses. You'll need around 1 to 2 cups of shredded cheese, depending on your taste and the recipe.

Dairy

To create a creamy sauce, you'll need some form of dairy. Heavy cream, whole milk, or half-and-half are commonly used, with some recipes calling for evaporated milk. You can also use a combination of half cream and half water for a smoother sauce. The amount of dairy used will vary depending on the recipe, but it's typically around 1/2 to 1 cup.

Seasonings

Seasonings are key to enhancing the flavor of your mac and cheese. Mustard powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg are commonly used. You can also add onion powder, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or dried herbs such as oregano to give it an extra kick.

Optional Ingredients

While the ingredients mentioned above form the base of your mac and cheese, there are also some optional ingredients you can add to customize your dish:

• Butter: Adds flavor and helps to create a classic mac and cheese taste.
• Egg: Some recipes call for a beaten egg to be mixed with the pasta and cheese.
• Sour cream or crème fraîche: Adds creaminess and tanginess to the dish.
• Breadcrumbs: Stirring in panko breadcrumbs after cooking can give your mac and cheese a crunchy texture.
• Meat: Diced ham, cooked bacon, or chorizo sausage can be added for extra protein and flavor.

Now that you have your ingredients, you're ready to start making mac and cheese in your air fryer! Remember to adjust the measurements and cooking times according to the specific recipe you're following, and feel free to experiment with different ingredients to make it your own. Enjoy!

Step-by-step guide to making mac and cheese in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Uncooked elbow macaroni
• Water
• Heavy cream
• Mustard powder
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Butter
• Block cheese (e.g. mature cheddar, Red Leicester, sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Parmesan)

Optional:

• Nutmeg
• Onion powder
• Cayenne pepper
• Sour cream or creme fraiche
• Breadcrumbs
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Olives
• Pesto
• Fresh herbs (e.g. parsley, chives)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to between 340°F and 360°F.
• Shred your block cheese.
• Combine the uncooked macaroni, water, heavy cream, mustard powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in an oven-proof dish that will fit in your air fryer basket. You can also add butter, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and nutmeg at this stage. Stir until combined.
• Place the dish in your air fryer and cook for 15-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The mac and cheese should be cooked through but still have a little bite to it.
• Once cooked, remove the dish from the air fryer and let the mac and cheese rest for 5-10 minutes. It will thicken as it cools.
• To make the dish extra crispy, sprinkle over some cooked bacon pieces or toasted breadcrumbs. You can also add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and pesto for extra flavour, and garnish with freshly chopped herbs.

Tips

• It's best to use block cheese and shred it yourself as it melts better than pre-shredded packaged cheese.
• Various air fryers will cook at different speeds, so check your mac and cheese regularly to ensure it doesn't overcook.
• If you want to add a little extra creaminess to your mac and cheese, stir in some cream cheese or sour cream.

Tips for making mac and cheese in an air fryer

Pre-cooking the pasta:

Firstly, it is important to note that you do not need to pre-cook the pasta when making mac and cheese in an air fryer. This is a common misconception, but the pasta will cook just fine in the air fryer itself, saving you time and effort.

Type of pasta:

Elbow macaroni is the most commonly used pasta for this dish, but you can experiment with other types of pasta as well. Just make sure that the pasta you choose can be cooked al dente. Shorter noodles are also preferable as they give the dish a more authentic macaroni feel.

Type of cheese:

The best type of cheese to use is one that melts well and has a strong flavour. Cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and extra mature cheddar are all good options. You can also add in some cream cheese to make the dish even creamier. It is recommended to shred the cheese yourself, as pre-shredded cheese may not melt as well and can create a grainy texture.

Other ingredients:

In addition to the pasta and cheese, you will need some kind of liquid to create a sauce. Heavy cream, whole milk, and/or water can be used. You will also need butter, salt, and pepper. Some recipes also call for mustard powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and/or cayenne pepper for added flavour.

Cooking time and temperature:

Most recipes recommend cooking the mac and cheese at around 350-360°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes. However, cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model and the quantity of food you are cooking, so it is important to keep an eye on it and adjust the time as needed.

Stirring and serving:

Be sure to stir the mac and cheese occasionally during cooking to ensure that all the ingredients are incorporated and nothing sticks to the pan. Once the mac and cheese is done cooking, let it rest for a few minutes before serving, as it will continue to thicken and become creamier as it cools.

Leftovers:

Leftover mac and cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. When reheating, you may need to add a little extra liquid (milk or cream) to prevent the pasta from drying out. Freezing is not recommended, as pasta tends to become mushy when frozen and then thawed.

Recommended air fryer models for making mac and cheese

While it is possible to make mac and cheese in any air fryer, some models are better suited for the task than others. Here are some recommended air fryer models for making mac and cheese:

Philips Air Fryer

This model is mentioned by a user in the comments section of the My Forking Life blog. They report that their Philips Air Fryer cooked the mac and cheese in 18 minutes. This is on the faster end of cooking times, which is a definite advantage if you're hungry!

Ninja Foodi Air Fryer

Another user in the comments section of the My Forking Life blog mentions that their Ninja Foodi Air Fryer took 20 minutes to cook the mac and cheese, which is still a relatively quick cook time.

The Country Cook Air Fryer

The Country Cook blog has a recipe for Air Fryer Mac and Cheese, which likely means that the author has successfully made this dish in their air fryer. This could indicate that The Country Cook Air Fryer is a suitable model for making mac and cheese.

Effortless Foodie Air Fryer

The Effortless Foodie blog has a recipe for Air Fryer Mac and Cheese, suggesting that the author has successfully made this dish in their air fryer. This could be an indication that the Effortless Foodie Air Fryer is a good choice for making mac and cheese.

Air Fryer with Oven-Proof Dish

Some recipes for Air Fryer Mac and Cheese, such as the one from The Country Cook, call for the use of an oven-proof dish. If you want to follow these recipes, ensure your air fryer can accommodate an oven-proof dish.

Serving suggestions for mac and cheese

Mac and cheese is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or a main course. Here are some serving suggestions for this comforting classic:

As a Side

Mac and cheese is a great side dish to a variety of proteins. It pairs well with meatier options like BBQ ribs, chicken drumsticks, or pulled pork tenderloin. For a lighter option, serve it with grilled chicken or fish. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, mac and cheese can be a tasty side to a simple salad or steamed vegetables.

As a Main Course

When serving mac and cheese as the main dish, you can balance it out with something crisp and light on the side. Here are some suggestions:

• A fresh and simple salad with cucumbers, red onions, tomatoes, and shredded carrots
• A cabbage slaw with a tangy honey-lime dressing
• Candied Brussels sprouts with a smoky, salty bacon flavour
• Pan-fried asparagus, which adds a touch of elegance to the dish
• Crispy sweet potato fries for a contrast in flavour and texture
• A classic Italian tomato and bread salad (Panzanella)
• Strawberry spinach salad with almonds and goat cheese for a tangy and fresh option

Other Suggestions

You can also experiment with adding different ingredients to your mac and cheese, such as bacon, broccoli, caramelised onions, jalapeños, shrimp, or different types of cheese.

Frequently asked questions