The rich and comforting aroma of melting cheese and perfectly cooked pasta wafts through the kitchen, signaling the creation of a culinary masterpiece – Air Fryer Mac and Cheese. This classic comfort dish, elevated to new heights by the wonders of air frying, is a symphony of textures and flavors.
The process begins with the careful selection of pasta, a crucial element in achieving the ideal balance of tenderness and bite. The pasta, enveloped in a velvety cheese sauce, takes center stage as it cooks to perfection in the confines of the air fryer. Meanwhile, a medley of cheeses – sharp cheddar, gooey mozzarella, and perhaps a hint of Parmesan – meld together, creating a luscious sauce that will generously coat each pasta spiral.
The sizzling sounds emanating from the air fryer are a prelude to the magic happening within. The result is a masterpiece – a golden-brown, crispy top layer that conceals a rich, creamy interior. Each forkful delivers a perfect union of textures, the crunch of the top layer giving way to the indulgent creaminess beneath.
The air-fried mac and cheese emerges from the air fryer, a culinary marvel that transcends the ordinary. The golden crust hints at the promise of a delightful crunch, while the gooey, cheesy center speaks to the heart of comfort food. Plated with care, the dish is a visual delight, inviting all to partake in its warm, cheesy embrace.
This Air Fryer Mac and Cheese is more than a dish; it’s a journey of textures, a celebration of flavors, and a reminder that comfort food can be both familiar and extraordinary. With each bite, nostalgia mingles with the thrill of innovation, making this air-fried rendition a cherished addition to the culinary repertoire. Enjoy the crispy, creamy goodness – a testament to the fusion of tradition and modern cooking
Air Fryer Mac and Cheese
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techniques.
Whip up comforting air fried macaroni and cheese as a delicious side dish!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 16 mins
Total Time: 21 minutes
Yield: 3 1x
INGREDIENT:
- 1 ½ cup elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup milk (room temperature)
- ½ cup heavy cream (room temperature)
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F if required by your model.
- Stir together the macaroni, shredded cheese, dry mustard, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Pour the ingredients in the air fryer pan and top with milk and heavy cream. Make sure all the pasta is fully covered by the milk.
- Set the air fryer to cook for 20 minutes. Halfway through the cook time, remove the pan from the air fryer and stir the ingredients.
- When 1 minute is left, remove the pan and top with additional cheese, if desired.
- Cook for additional minute to melt the cheese on top.
Nutritional Approximations per Serving:
- Calories: 350-450 kcal
- Total Fat: 20-25g
- Saturated Fat: 10-15g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6-8g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1-2g
- Cholesterol: 40-60mg
- Sodium: 600-800mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Dietary Fiber: 1-2g
- Sugars: 3-5g
- Protein: 12-15g
Micronutrients:
- Calcium: 250-300mg
- Iron: 1-2mg
- Potassium: 200-250mg
- Vitamin C: 0mg
- Vitamin A: 400-500 IU