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

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:
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F if required by your model.
  2. Stir together the macaroni, shredded cheese, dry mustard, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. When 1 minute is left, remove the pan and top with additional cheese, if desired.
  6. 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