Air Fryer Mac and Cheese

User Reviews

5

51 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    5 mins

  • Cook Time

    20 mins

  • Total Time

    25 mins

  • Servings

    6 as a side

  • Calories

    305 kcal

  • Course

    Main Course

  • Cuisine

    American

Air Fryer Mac and Cheese

This Air Fryer Mac and Cheese uses elbow macaroni baked with sharp cheddar cheese, milk, nutmeg, salt, and pepper in an oven-safe dish inside the air fryer. The dish cooks with stirring at intervals to develop a creamy texture with no burnt top, resulting in a comforting, cheesy pasta with a lightly browned surface. Ideal as a standalone meal or served alongside a green salad.

Description

Air Fryer Mac and Cheese begins with preheating the air fryer and placing macaroni in a deep, oven-safe dish. The pasta is combined with sharp cheddar cheese, milk, a pinch of nutmeg, and seasoning. Cooking in the air fryer at 340°F, the dish is stirred twice during the 20-minute cooking to prevent sticking and uneven browning.

The stirring ensures the cheese melts evenly and prevents burning on the top or the dish’s bottom. After cooking, the dish is rested briefly before serving to let it set slightly. The sharp cheddar gives a classic cheese flavor, and the nutmeg adds subtle warmth.

This recipe is versatile for using leftover cooked macaroni and best served immediately. Adjust cheese types based on preference, and adding extra shredded cheddar before serving enhances cheesiness. Air fryer temperatures may vary, so monitor doneness accordingly.

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Ingredients

Servings

For the Air Fryer Mac and Cheese:

  • 1.5 cups macaroni
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese sharp
  • 2 1/4 cups milk
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • salt to taste, optional
  • black pepper to taste, optional

Instructions

Make the Air Fried Mac and Cheese

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 340 degrees F/170 degrees C.
  2. Add the macaroni into a deep 7 cm Air Fryer dish.
  3. Mix in the rest of the ingredients and add the dish into the air fryer basket. 
  4. Close the Air Fryer and cook for 20 mins, mixing at about 7 minutes and 15 minutes.
  5. Open the air fryer remove the Air Fryer Mac and Cheese, mix it let stand for a few minutes before serving

Notes

  • Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for more even melting.
  • Sharp cheddar is common, but substitute with your preferred cheese type.
  • Perfect for using leftover macaroni to avoid waste.
  • Choose an oven-safe dish that fits inside your air fryer basket.
  • Stir the mac and cheese at least twice during cooking to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
  • Scrape the bottom of the dish when mixing to avoid sticking.
  • Test for doneness at 20 minutes; add a few minutes if needed.
  • Sprinkle extra shredded cheese before serving for added richness.
  • Serve immediately with a green salad for a fuller meal.
  • Air fryer temperatures vary; adjust time and temperature to your model.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 305kcal (15%) Carbohydrates 25g (8%) Protein 16g (32%) Fat 16g (25%) Saturated Fat 10g (50%) Cholesterol 49mg (16%) Sodium 275mg (11%) Potassium 216mg (5%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 6g (12%) Vitamin A 526IU (11%) Calcium 380mg (38%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6as a side

Amount Per Serving

Calories 305 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 305kcal 15%
Carbohydrates 25g 8%
Protein 16g 32%
Fat 16g 25%
Saturated Fat 10g 50%
Cholesterol 49mg 16%
Sodium 275mg 11%
Potassium 216mg 5%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 6g 12%
Vitamin A 526IU 11%
Calcium 380mg 38%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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User Reviews

Overall Rating

5

51 reviews
Excellent

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