Macaroni In The Air Fryer: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food and a favourite among kids and adults alike. Making macaroni in an air fryer is not only possible but also easy and convenient. The best part? You don't even need to pre-boil the pasta! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a quick, tasty, and comforting meal. The air fryer gives the mac and cheese a crispy, golden crust that's hard to resist. So, get your aprons on and let's dive into the world of air-fried macaroni and cheese!

Choosing the right cheese

Type of Cheese

It is recommended to use a combination of cheeses to enhance the flavour and creaminess of your macaroni. Here are some ideal options:

• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Provides a bold, tangy flavour and melts beautifully into the sauce.
• Extra Mature Cheddar: Grated extra mature cheddar adds a strong cheesy flavour and melts well.
• Parmesan: Parmesan cheese enhances the depth of flavour and adds a nutty, salty taste.
• Mozzarella: Mozzarella contributes to a gooey, stretchy texture.
• Gruyère: For a creamy, nutty twist, Gruyère is an excellent choice.
• Smoked Gouda: A hint of smokiness will add depth to your mac and cheese.
• Monterey Jack: This cheese melts well and has a mild, buttery flavour.

Fresh vs Pre-Shredded Cheese

When it comes to the texture of your mac and cheese, using block cheese and shredding it yourself is highly recommended. Pre-shredded cheese is often coated with anti-caking agents, which can affect its melting ability and create a grainy texture in your dish. Freshly grated cheese will ensure a smoother, creamier sauce.

Melting Ability

For the best results, choose cheeses that melt well, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or gouda. These cheeses will create a creamy, stretchy sauce that coats your macaroni perfectly. Harder cheeses like Parmesan or Asiago can be used as toppings or added in smaller amounts for flavour without sacrificing the creaminess of the dish.

Experimenting with Flavours

Feel free to experiment with different combinations of cheeses to find your perfect blend. For example, mixing sharp cheddar with Gruyère, mozzarella, and Parmesan can result in a rich and creamy texture. You can also add a little cream cheese to increase the creaminess. Additionally, spices like smoked paprika, mustard powder, and garlic powder can enhance the flavour of your cheese sauce.

Quantity of Cheese

The amount of cheese you use will depend on your personal preference for cheesiness and the size of your batch. As a guide, aim for a ratio of around 1:1 or 1:2 of cheese to macaroni, depending on how cheesy you like it. Remember, you can always adjust the quantity to your taste and add more cheese if needed.

Preparing the pasta

Firstly, gather your ingredients. The exact ingredients may vary depending on your preferred recipe, but typically you will need macaroni, cheese, milk or cream, and seasonings such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, and mustard powder. You may also want to add extras like breadcrumbs or chopped sun-dried tomatoes for added flavour and texture.

Once you have your ingredients, it's time to prepare the pasta. Start by preheating your air fryer to around 350-360 degrees Fahrenheit. This step is important as it ensures your air fryer is at the optimal temperature for cooking the pasta. While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare the pasta mixture.

Take an oven-proof dish that fits comfortably into your air fryer basket. This could be a baking dish, a foil tray, or an air fryer-safe silicone dish. Combine your dry macaroni, milk or cream, seasonings, and about three-quarters of your grated cheese in the dish. Mix everything well to ensure all the pasta is coated. If you are using extras like sun-dried tomatoes or breadcrumbs, add them to the mixture now.

Now, place the dish into the preheated air fryer and set the timer. The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model and the type of pasta used, but on average, it should take around 15-20 minutes for the macaroni to cook through. It is important to stir the pasta every 5 minutes or so to ensure even cooking and to prevent the cheese sauce from separating.

Keep an eye on your macaroni during the last few minutes of cooking. You want the pasta to be al dente, so adjust the cooking time accordingly. Once the pasta is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool slightly. This step is crucial as it allows the macaroni and cheese to thicken and become creamier.

And that's it! You've successfully prepared the pasta for your air-fried macaroni. Now you can serve it as a delicious side dish or main course. Enjoy your homemade, creamy, and comforting macaroni and cheese!

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for macaroni in an air fryer will vary depending on the specific air fryer model and the quantity of macaroni being cooked. However, a general guideline is to cook it at around 360°F (180°C) for 15 to 20 minutes.

For example, one recipe calls for preheating the air fryer to 360°F and cooking the macaroni for 18 to 20 minutes, stirring halfway through. Another recipe recommends cooking the macaroni at 340°F for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes.

It is important to note that air fryers can vary in terms of cooking speed, so it is advisable to check on the macaroni halfway through the cooking process and adjust the timing as needed. Additionally, different types of pasta may require longer cooking times, so it is recommended to start checking for doneness after 20 minutes of cooking.

When cooking macaroni in an air fryer, it is also crucial to use an appropriate oven-safe or air fryer-safe dish that fits comfortably within the air fryer basket to prevent spills and ensure even cooking.

Adding extra ingredients

Cheeses

• Experiment with different cheeses to add variety and depth of flavor. Try combinations like sharp cheddar, Gruyère, smoked Gouda, mozzarella, Parmesan, or pepper jack.
• For the best results, use a good melting cheese such as cheddar, mozzarella, or gouda.
• If you want an extra creamy texture, add some cream cheese to the mix.
• Harder cheeses like Parmesan or Asiago can be used as a topping for added flavor.

Meats

• Add some cooked bacon, diced ham, or even lobster meat for a luxurious twist.
• Chorizo sausage is a great option to add spice and flavor. Cook the chorizo separately in the air fryer and sprinkle it on top of your mac and cheese.

Vegetables

• Mix in some broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, green onions, sun-dried tomatoes, or jalapeños for added texture and flavor.
• For a simple side dish, serve your air fryer mac and cheese with a green salad or roasted vegetables like asparagus, peas, sweet corn, or broccoli.

Seasonings and Herbs

• Season your mac and cheese with salt, pepper, garlic powder, mustard powder, smoked paprika, or cayenne pepper to enhance the flavor.
• Freshly chopped herbs like parsley or chives can be sprinkled on top for a garnish.

Toppings

• For a crispy topping, add seasoned breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs, or crushed crackers before the final air frying step.
• You can also sprinkle Parmesan cheese or garlic powder on top for an extra pop of flavor.

Serving suggestions

What to serve with mac and cheese

• Chicken tenders
• Chicken cutlets
• Pork chops
• A green salad
• Side salad
• Air fryer asparagus
• Peas
• Sweetcorn
• Roasted Tenderstem broccoli
• Homemade focaccia
• Air fryer garlic bread
• Air fryer ham steaks
• Air fryer chicken goujons
• Korean fried chicken
• Air fryer roast beef
• Beef
• Chicken
• Pork
• Stir-fry veggies

How to adapt your mac and cheese

• Make it spicy and add chilli flakes
• Sprinkle over cooked bacon pieces or toasted breadcrumbs
• Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and pesto
• Garnish with freshly chopped herbs such as parsley or chives
• Use leftovers to make air-fried mac and cheese balls
• Add a crispy topping such as seasoned breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs, or crushed crackers
• Experiment with different cheeses such as sharp cheddar, Gruyère, smoked gouda, pepper jack, parmesan, or mozzarella
• Add-ins like crispy bacon, broccoli, or jalapeños can elevate the flavor and texture
• Substitute heavy cream with milk or a combination of milk and cream cheese
• Add chunks of cooked lobster meat for a luxurious twist
• Sprinkle in some panko breadcrumbs for a crunchy texture
• Sprinkle some parmesan cheese on top
• Stir in a little bit of garlic powder
• Add in some diced ham or cooked bacon for some added protein

Storing and reheating

• Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days
• Reheat mac and cheese quickly by placing it in an oven-safe dish that fits into the air fryer. Air fry at 350°F for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, or until heated through

Frequently asked questions