Air Fryer Mac ‘n’ Cheese
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This air fryer mac ’n’ cheese is cheesy, creamy, and quick to make! A delicious, comforting dish perfect for any day of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Mac ’n’ Cheese
Whether you’re having a good day or a bad day, mac ’n’ cheese is always the answer. This air fryer mac ’n’ cheese is super cheesy, creamy, and incredibly easy to make.
The best part? You don’t even need a stovetop. This recipe is made entirely in the air fryer, making it a quick and mess-free comfort food. Plus, if you drizzle barbecue sauce on top, you’ll take it to a whole new level of deliciousness.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
This mac ’n’ cheese is not just quick and easy—it’s also packed with flavour. The combination of Cheddar and mozzarella ensures the creamiest, gooiest, cheesiest sauce.
Using an air fryer cuts down on cooking time while still delivering a rich, perfectly cooked dish. And since everything is cooked in one dish, cleanup is a breeze!
Equipment You’ll Need
To make this recipe, you’ll need:
- Air fryer – A quick and efficient way to cook your mac ’n’ cheese. I used a Tower 11L Air Fryer, it’s my favourite Air Fryer.
- Air fryer-safe dish – To hold the macaroni and cheese mixture.
- Measuring cups and spoons – For precise measurements.
- Spoon or spatula – For stirring the ingredients and mixing the cheese.
- Cheese grater – for grating the cheese
Why Cooking Mac ’n’ Cheese in an Air Fryer is Brilliant
- Quick Cooking: The air fryer reduces the time needed to make mac ’n’ cheese.
- Minimal Cleanup: Everything is cooked in one dish, meaning fewer pots and pans to wash.
- Energy-Efficient: Air fryers use less energy compared to ovens, saving you money on electricity.
- Perfect Texture: The air fryer cooks the macaroni evenly, creating a creamy, cheesy texture and extra crisp cheesy topping that’s hard to beat.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Mac ’n’ Cheese
- 160 g dried macaroni (5.5 oz)
- 300 ml water (1 ¼ cups)
- 120 ml double or heavy cream (½ cup)
- 100 g Cheddar, grated (3.5 oz) (you could use a mixture of Cheddar and Red Leicester or cheeses of your choice here)
- 50 g fresh mozzarella, torn into chunks (1.75 oz)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic granules
How to Make Air Fryer Mac ’n’ Cheese
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 180˚C (350˚F) and place your air fryer-safe dish inside to preheat.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In the dish, add the dried macaroni, water, cream, 75 g of the grated Cheddar, all the mozzarella, salt, pepper, and garlic granules.
Step 3: Cook in the Air Fryer
Air fry the mixture for 10 minutes, then stir to ensure everything is evenly combined.
Step 4: Add More Cheese
Stir through the remaining grated Cheddar (or combination of cheeses) and cook for another 10 minutes. If the pasta isn’t cooked to your liking yet, air fry it again until it softens, all air fryers are different, so it may need more time to cook.
Step 5: Let it Rest
Once cooked, remove the dish from the air fryer and give it a stir. It may look liquidy at first, but let it sit for about 10 minutes to thicken.
Optional: Once cooked to your liking, sprinkle more grated cheese on top to create a crisp cheesy coating and put it back in the air fryer for a further 5-10 minutes or until the cheese has fully melted and starts to crisp up on top. Leave to sit for a few minutes before serving.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Any Day
This air fryer mac ’n’ cheese is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights or indulgent weekends. Its quick prep and cook time make it ideal for when you’re short on time but still want something delicious.
Because it’s made in the air fryer, it’s also energy-efficient and minimizes kitchen mess, making it an all-around win.
Tips for the Best Mac ’n’ Cheese
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-grated cheese can sometimes result in a less creamy texture due to added anti-caking agents.
- Let It Sit: Allowing the mac ’n’ cheese to rest after cooking helps the sauce thicken to the perfect consistency.
- Customize the Flavour: Drizzle barbecue sauce on top for a smoky twist or add a pinch of chili flakes for some heat.
- Stir Thoroughly: Stirring ensures all the pasta is coated in the creamy, cheesy sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This mac ’n’ cheese is delicious on its own, but you can serve it alongside grilled chicken, garlic bread, or a fresh green salad or veggies for a complete meal.
For an extra indulgence, top it with crispy bacon bits or breadcrumbs before serving.
Watch My Step-by-Step Video
Want to see how this mac ’n’ cheese comes together? Watch my full tutorial on the Fitwaffle Kitchen YouTube channel.
Follow me on Instagram @fitwafflekitchen and TikTok @fitwaffle for more air fryer recipes and kitchen tips!
Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe
This air fryer mac ’n’ cheese is everything you could want in a comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and easy to make. Its quick preparation and foolproof method make it a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, this mac ’n’ cheese is guaranteed to be a hit every time.
Can’t get enough of Air Fryer Recipes?
I love air fryer chicken recipes, so why not try my super popular Hot Honey Chicken Tenders or my delicious copycat Nando’s Fakeaway Sweet Chilli Chicken and Halloumi Burger.
Both recipes are quick, easy, and perfect for when you’re in need of some comfort food.
Air Fryer Mac ’n’ Cheese
Ingredients
- 160 g dried macaroni 5.5 oz
- 300 ml water 1 ¼ cups
- 120 ml double or heavy cream ½ cup
- 100 g Cheddar grated (3.5 oz) (you could use a mixture of Cheddar and Red Leicester or cheeses of your choice here)
- 50 g fresh mozzarella torn into chunks (1.75 oz)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic granules
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
- Set your air fryer to 180˚C (350˚F) and place your air fryer-safe dish inside to preheat.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
- In the dish, add the dried macaroni, water, cream, 75 g of the grated Cheddar, all the mozzarella, salt, pepper, and garlic granules.
Step 3: Cook in the Air Fryer
- Air fry the mixture for 10 minutes, then stir to ensure everything is evenly combined.
Step 4: Add More Cheese
- Stir through the remaining grated Cheddar (or combination of cheeses) and cook for another 10 minutes. If the pasta isn't cooked to your liking yet, air fry it again until it softens, all air fryers are different, so it may need more time to cook.
Step 5: Let it Rest
- Once cooked, remove the dish from the air fryer and give it a stir. It may look liquidy at first, but let it sit for about 10 minutes to thicken.
Optional:
- Once cooked to your liking, sprinkle more grated cheese on top to create a crisp cheesy coating and put it back in the air fryer for a further 5-10 minutes or until the cheese has fully melted and starts to crisp up on top. Leave to sit for a few minutes before serving.
