Macaroni In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food and a family favourite. But can you make it in an air fryer? The answer is yes! You can make creamy, delicious, and easy mac and cheese in an air fryer, and the best part is that you don't need to pre-boil the macaroni. This method is quick, convenient, and perfect for busy weeknights. All you need is an air fryer-safe dish, some simple ingredients, and about 20-30 minutes for cooking. So, get your air fryer ready and whip up this comforting dish with a crispy, golden crust!

Air fryer mac and cheese recipe

Ingredients:

• 150g dried elbow macaroni
• 150g extra mature cheddar cheese, grated
• 30g Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Milk (or half double cream and half water)

Optional:

• Chilli flakes
• Cooked bacon pieces
• Toasted breadcrumbs
• Chopped sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and pesto
• Freshly chopped herbs, such as parsley or chives

Utensils:

• Oven-proof dish that fits inside your air fryer basket
• Wooden spoon

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 170°C (340°F) and set the timer for 30 minutes.
• Place the macaroni, grated cheeses, and seasonings into the oven-proof dish.
• Pour in the milk and stir the mixture.
• Air fry for 25-30 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes with a wooden spoon. The cheese sauce may separate, but keep stirring to incorporate all the ingredients.
• Continue to cook until the macaroni is al dente.
• Season with salt and black pepper before serving.

Notes:

• The cook time depends on the type of pasta used. Start checking for doneness after 20 minutes. If you are using a larger pasta shape, it may take longer than 30 minutes.
• You can use a combination of extra-mature cheddar and Parmesan cheese, or just sharp cheddar cheese.
• You can add water to the milk for a smoother sauce.
• You do not need to pre-cook the pasta.

No need to pre-boil the pasta

Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food and a family favourite. It's a dish that's usually cooked on the stovetop or baked in the oven, but did you know you can also make it in an air fryer? And the best part is that you don't need to pre-boil the pasta!

Here's a step-by-step guide to making macaroni and cheese in your air fryer without pre-boiling the pasta:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by gathering all the ingredients, including elbow macaroni, shredded cheese (such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a combination of both), milk or heavy cream, and seasonings like garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add in some butter or cooking spray, and other optional ingredients like breadcrumbs or bacon bits for extra flavour and texture.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked elbow macaroni, shredded cheese (save some for topping), milk or heavy cream, and seasonings. Mix everything together until well combined. You can also add in a beaten egg at this stage, as some recipes suggest.

Step 3: Transfer to an Air Fryer Pan

Transfer the mixture to an air fryer pan that fits into your air fryer basket. Make sure the pan is oven-proof and deep enough to hold the macaroni. You can use a baking dish, a cake pan, or even a foil tray. Spray the pan with cooking spray or brush it with melted butter to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Air Fry

Preheat your air fryer to 350-360 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the pan in the air fryer and set the timer for 15-30 minutes, depending on the recipe you are following and the type of pasta you are using. Stir the mixture every 5 minutes or so to ensure even cooking and to prevent the cheese from separating.

Step 5: Add Toppings and Serve

Once the macaroni is cooked to your desired doneness, remove the pan from the air fryer. If desired, top with additional cheese, breadcrumbs, or bacon bits. Let the macaroni and cheese cool for a few minutes to thicken, then serve and enjoy!

Tips and Tricks:

• Use freshly shredded block cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese, as it melts better and creates a smoother sauce.
• Check the doneness of the pasta after 20 minutes to prevent overcooking.
• If using a larger pasta shape, you may need to increase the cooking time.
• For a crispy, golden crust, air fry for a few additional minutes.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.

So, there you have it! You can indeed make macaroni and cheese in an air fryer without pre-boiling the pasta. It's a quick, easy, and convenient way to enjoy this classic comfort food. Enjoy experimenting with different ingredients and toppings to find your perfect macaroni and cheese recipe!

Best type of cheese to use

The type of cheese you use for your macaroni and cheese can make or break your dish. The cheese is responsible for the creaminess and flavour of your mac and cheese.

Sharp Cheddar

Sharp cheddar is the most popular choice for mac and cheese. It is generally easy to find and affordable, melts beautifully, and tastes delicious. It has a bold, complex flavour and its low moisture content means it requires more heat to melt.

Medium Cheddar

Medium cheddar is a good option if you want an ultra-creamy mac and cheese. It has more moisture than sharp cheddar, which makes it melt more easily and yields a creamier sauce.

Mild Cheddar

Mild cheddar melts well and has a gentle, buttery flavour. It is perfect for a classic, creamy mac and cheese, and its higher moisture content makes it ideal for achieving a stringy texture.

Gruyère

Gruyère is a Swiss cheese with exceptional melting properties and a sophisticated flavour profile. The ageing process gives it sweet, nutty, earthy notes, and when heated, it becomes creamy without becoming greasy. It is a game-changer for mac and cheese, adding a touch of nuttiness.

Smoked Gouda

Aged smoked gouda has an intense flavour with hints of butterscotch and bacon-like saltiness. It should be blended with creamier cheeses for optimal texture. Young smoked gouda can be combined with regular gouda for a perfect balance.

Monterey Jack

Monterey Jack has exceptional melting properties and a subtle buttery sweetness. It is a good option for a mild, creamy, and kid-friendly mac and cheese.

Parmesan

Parmesan adds a salty depth to your mac and cheese, transforming it from comfort food to culinary excellence. It can be incorporated into the cheese sauce or used as a topping. Look for chunks with a slightly crumbly texture and tiny white crystals, which indicate proper ageing and contribute to a complex flavour profile.

Fontina

Fontina has complex notes of nuts, herbs, and butter that develop into earthy mushroom flavours as it ages. It is known for its perfect melting properties and works well in a blend with other cheeses.

Brie

Brie has a high fat content that creates a silky sauce for mac and cheese. It has subtle mushroom and butter notes that add complexity. The rind can be included for extra flavour, or removed for a smoother texture. It should be mixed with sharper cheeses, such as aged cheddar, for a balanced flavour profile, and added in small pieces near the end of cooking to prevent separation.

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese can be used as a binder to achieve a stable emulsion that reheats beautifully. It adds body, silkiness, and protein to the sauce.

Velveeta

Some people swear by Velveeta for the creaminess it brings to mac and cheese, while others refuse to use it.

Mozzarella

Mozzarella is another cheese that melts well.

Romano

Romano is a salty cheese that melts better than you might expect.

Feta

Despite its crumbly appearance, feta has a high moisture content. It has a tangy, salty flavour that pairs well with Romano.

Dry Jack

Aged Monterey Jack, also known as Dry Jack, develops a firm texture and nutty profile similar to Parmesan.

Colby

Colby is another cheese that can be used to add flavour and stretchiness to your mac and cheese.

Muenster

Muenster is a good choice for its stretchy meltiness.

Smoked Cheddar

Smoked cheddar adds a smoky flavour to your mac and cheese.

Smoked Provolone

Smoked provolone is another smoked cheese that can be used to add flavour to your dish.

White Cheddar

White cheddar can be used to make a white cheddar mac and cheese.

Mexican Blend

A Mexican blend of cheeses can be used to create a gooey, melty mac and cheese.

Pecorino Romano

Pecorino Romano can be used in combination with Parmesan to add a sharp depth of flavour to your mac and cheese.

Ricotta

Ricotta can be used in combination with other cheeses to create a creamy mac and cheese.

American

American cheese has the saltiness needed to season your mac and cheese.

Swiss

Swiss cheese can be used in a pinch if you don't have gruyère.

Stilton

Stilton is another option for those who like blue cheese.

Freshly Grated Cheese

It is recommended to grate your own cheese rather than using pre-grated cheese, as the preservatives in pre-grated cheese can affect its melting ability and taste.

How long to cook for

The cooking time for macaroni in an air fryer depends on the type of pasta used and the quantity being cooked. It is recommended to cook the pasta for 15-30 minutes at 350°F to 360°F, stirring the ingredients every 5 minutes or so.

For example, one recipe for Air Fryer Mac and Cheese suggests preheating the air fryer to 360°F and cooking the macaroni for 15-18 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to incorporate the ingredients. Another recipe recommends cooking the macaroni for 25-30 minutes at 340°F, stirring every 5 minutes.

It is important to note that different air fryers may cook at different speeds, so it is advisable to check the macaroni halfway through the cooking process and adjust the timing as needed. The pasta should be cooked until it is al dente, with a little bite to it.

Additionally, the type of pasta used can impact the cooking time. Smaller pasta shapes, such as elbow macaroni, tend to cook faster than larger shapes.

Reheating and storage

Leftover mac and cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four or five days. To reheat, place the mac and cheese in an oven-safe dish that fits into your air fryer and heat at 350°F for two to three minutes, stirring halfway through. You can also add a splash of milk to the mac and cheese before reheating if it looks dry.

It is important to note that mac and cheese is best eaten fresh, as the pasta will dry out when reheated. If you are making a large batch, it may be better to freeze individual portions and reheat them as needed. However, it is not recommended to freeze cooked pasta, as it will likely become mushy when thawed.

Frequently asked questions