Air Fryer Mac And Cheese: Crispy, Cheesy Perfection

Making fried mac and cheese in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare this family favourite. It's a simple and tasty dish that can be made in around 20 minutes and doesn't require any stovetop cooking. You don't need to pre-boil the pasta, and the air fryer gives the mac and cheese a crispy, golden crust.

Choosing the right cheese

The cheese you choose for your fried mac and cheese can make or break your dish. Cheese affects not only the taste but also the texture of the sauce. Each type of cheese has its own unique characteristics that can either help or harm your dish. Here are some tips to help you choose the right cheese for your fried mac and cheese:

Taste and Melt

The two primary qualities you should consider when sourcing cheese are simple: it needs to taste good, and it needs to melt well. These requirements may seem obvious, but not all cheeses are created equal. Some cheeses are milder, while others melt more easily. The ideal mac and cheese needs more than one kind of cheese. When in doubt, it's best to have one main variety that offers a creamy, silky texture, and then you can supplement it with funkier, more flavourful cheeses to achieve your ideal bite.

Cheddar

Cheddar is the king of all cheeses when it comes to coating your noodles. With a fairly low melting point, cheddar keeps things smooth. It also has the classic taste you expect from mac and cheese. Sharp cheddar is ideal because its flavour is strongest. Remember always to buy cheddar in a block and grate it yourself. Pre-shredded cheddar simply doesn't work as well due to the additives that prevent clumping.

Gouda

Gouda is a seriously underrated cheese when it comes to cooking! It melts beautifully and gives your mac a sophisticated taste without being too pretentious (or turning off picky eaters).

Gruyère

Despite being a hard cheese, Gruyère still melts nicely. Its saltiness helps cut through all the heavy fats, and the nutty flavour is special. It's a great cheese to introduce into your mac when you want to add nuance while still appealing to picky eaters.

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese melts down easily and helps keep the sauce smooth with just the right amount of salt and tang. It works exceptionally well in a slow cooker mac & cheese.

Brie

Use brie when you're feeling extra fancy. The creaminess is excellent for coating your noodles, and it creates a decadent mac and cheese. Just be sure to remove the rind first. You can even make brie mac and cheese right inside your wheel of brie!

Goat Cheese

Goat cheese is extra tangy and creamy, and the flavour sticks around even after milk and cream are added. It's a nice change of pace and an unexpected twist in the world of mac.

Parmesan

We could never leave out Parmesan! It's best for sprinkling atop your mac, adding a salty and nutty flavour that's unbeatable. Combine it with creamier, more melty cheeses for a well-balanced bite. The higher the quality, the better.

Avoid Pre-Shredded Cheese

The best way to ruin your mac is to use pre-shredded cheese. Each piece is coated in cellulose to prevent clumping in the bag. But once it's melted into a cheese sauce, it creates a gritty and lumpy texture.

Avoid Dry and Crumbly Cheeses

Dry and crumbly cheeses like feta or cotija are not ideal for mac and cheese. Their high moisture levels don't allow them to melt properly, and they will leave you with clumps of cheese instead of a smooth sauce.

Preparing the air fryer

Before you begin cooking your mac and cheese in the air fryer, there are a few important steps to follow to ensure optimal results. Firstly, preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, which typically ranges from 340°F to 360°F. This step is crucial as it ensures that your air fryer is ready to cook the mac and cheese evenly and efficiently. The preheating time may vary depending on your air fryer model, so refer to its instructions.

While the air fryer is preheating, it's time to prepare the baking dish. Use an oven-proof or air fryer-safe dish that comfortably fits inside your air fryer basket. A deep dish, such as a cake pan or an oven-safe casserole dish, is ideal. Make sure the dish is greased with melted butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

Once your air fryer is preheated, it's time to assemble the mac and cheese. In a large bowl, combine the uncooked macaroni, liquid (such as water, milk, or heavy cream), seasonings (like garlic powder, mustard powder, and black pepper), and about three-quarters of the shredded cheese. Mix these ingredients well, ensuring they are fully incorporated. You can also add additional ingredients, such as sour cream or creme fraiche, at this stage if desired.

Now, carefully pour the mac and cheese mixture into your prepared baking dish. It's important to ensure that the dish is not overfilled to avoid any spillage during cooking. Once the mixture is in the dish, you are ready to place it into the air fryer and begin the cooking process.

Combining ingredients

Combining the ingredients for fried mac and cheese in an air fryer is a straightforward process. First, gather all your ingredients. The ingredients typically include dried macaroni, water, heavy cream or milk, cheese, seasonings, and butter or cooking spray.

Next, prepare your air fryer basket or oven-proof dish by spraying it with cooking spray or melting some butter in it. This step ensures that your mac and cheese doesn't stick to the dish and makes cleanup easier.

Now it's time to mix your ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the macaroni, liquid (water, heavy cream, or milk), about three-quarters of the cheese, and all the seasonings. Mix well to ensure that everything is evenly distributed.

Pour the mixture into your prepared air fryer dish. If you're using an air fryer basket, make sure the dish fits comfortably inside. If you're using an oven-proof dish, place it inside the air fryer basket.

At this point, you can also add any extra ingredients you desire. For example, you can sprinkle seasoned breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs on top for a crispy texture. You can also experiment with add-ins like crispy bacon, broccoli, jalapeños, or chicken to make your mac and cheese even more delicious.

Once you've combined and customised your ingredients, your mac and cheese is ready to be cooked in the air fryer!

Cooking the mac and cheese

Ingredients

Firstly, gather your ingredients. You will need macaroni, cheese, milk or cream, and seasonings. For the cheese, a block of mature cheddar or Red Leicester is recommended, as pre-shredded cheese can create a grainy texture. You can also add butter or cooking spray, and some recipes suggest adding mustard powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper.

Preparation

Preheat your air fryer to between 340°F and 360°F. While it is heating up, grate your cheese and mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl. You can also add the ingredients directly to an oven-proof dish that fits in your air fryer. Ensure the macaroni is covered with liquid, and stir well.

Cooking

Place the dish in the air fryer and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring every 5-7 minutes. You can add the remaining cheese halfway through the cooking time. The mac and cheese is ready when it is hot, bubbly, and watery. It will thicken as it cools.

Serving

Let the mac and cheese rest for 5-10 minutes to thicken, then serve immediately. You can also add toppings such as chorizo crumbs, bacon pieces, or breadcrumbs.

Storing and Reheating

Mac and cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk and stir, then place in the preheated air fryer until heated through.

Serving and storing

Your fried mac and cheese is best served immediately after cooking. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.

When reheating, you can use the microwave, but be aware that the pasta will dry out. For a creamier texture, add a splash of milk and place the leftovers back in the air fryer until heated through. You can also reheat in a saucepan.

Frequently asked questions