Craving comfort food that’s quick, creamy, and topped with a golden, crispy crust? This air fryer mac and cheese hits all the right notes. It’s faster than oven baking, doesn’t need constant stirring like stovetop versions, and comes out rich and cheesy every time.
This is the perfect weeknight dinner, weekend snack, or even a potluck dish. Whether you’re using cooked pasta and making it from scratch or adding a twist to boxed mac and cheese, the air fryer gives you convenience and crunch.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or more cheddar)
- 1 cup milk (preferably warm)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Crispy Topping (Optional but Recommended):
- 2–3 tablespoons breadcrumbs (plain or panko)
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- Optional: a pinch of paprika or garlic powder
Instructions
1. Cook the Macaroni
Start by boiling the elbow pasta in salted water according to package instructions (usually about 8–10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce
In a small saucepan (or microwave-safe bowl), melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir in the flour and whisk until it forms a smooth paste (called a roux). Slowly pour in the warm milk while stirring to avoid lumps. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens slightly.
Once thickened, add shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Stir until fully melted and smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.
3. Mix Pasta and Cheese Sauce
Add the cooked macaroni to a large mixing bowl. Pour the cheese sauce over it and stir until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy mixture.
4. Transfer to Air Fryer Dish
Spoon the mac and cheese mixture into an oven-safe dish or air fryer-safe pan (like a cake tin or casserole dish) that fits in your air fryer basket. Spread it out evenly.
5. Add the Crunchy Topping
In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter (and spices if using). Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
6. Air Fry Until Crispy
Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C).
Place the mac and cheese dish inside and cook for 10–12 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy and the cheese is bubbling.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Carefully remove the hot dish from the air fryer. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. The cheese will set slightly and make it easier to scoop.
Tips & Tricks
- Use real cheese for the best flavor—avoid pre-shredded if you can.
- Warm the milk before adding it to the roux. It mixes more smoothly.
- Don’t overcook the pasta—it continues to soften while air frying.
- Try different cheeses like gouda, parmesan, or pepper jack for flavor variety.
- Make it in individual ramekins for mini mac & cheese bowls!
Notes
- You can prep this ahead and air fry just before serving.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 4–6 minutes.
- Want to make it gluten-free? Use gluten-free pasta and flour.
Air Fryer Mac and Cheese
Creamy, cheesy, and topped with golden breadcrumbs — this air fryer mac and cheese is a fast comfort food favorite!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Serves: 2–3
Ingredients
Main:
- 1½ cups elbow macaroni (cooked)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping (Optional):
- 2–3 tbsp breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- Optional: paprika or garlic powder
Instructions
- Cook pasta until al dente; drain.
- In a saucepan, melt butter. Add flour and whisk into a paste.
- Slowly add warm milk and stir until thickened.
- Add cheeses, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
- Mix cheese sauce with pasta.
- Pour into air fryer-safe dish.
- Mix breadcrumbs with butter, sprinkle on top.
- Air fry at 360°F (180°C) for 10–12 mins until golden and bubbly.
- Cool slightly and serve.
