Posted by Indulging in a comforting bowl of mac and cheese is a universal joy, and with the advent of air fryers, it’s easier than ever to whip up this classic dish without the hassle of boiling pasta separately. This Creamy Air Fryer Mac and Cheese not only simplifies the cooking process but also delivers a rich, cheesy flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds. Best of all, this delightful side dish can be prepared in approximately 20 minutes, making it a perfect addition to weeknight dinners or festive gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni: The star of our dish, these small, curved pasta shapes are perfect for holding creamy cheese sauce.
- 1 cup water: Essential for cooking the macaroni and creating a creamy texture.
- ½ cup heavy cream: This ingredient adds a luxurious richness that enhances the overall flavor and texture.
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded and divided: Sharp cheddar provides a bold, tangy flavor, making this dish truly unforgettable.
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard: This ingredient adds a subtle kick and depth of flavor that elevates the cheese.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients without overpowering them.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a hint of spice to balance the richness.
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder: This seasoning brings an aromatic touch, making the dish even more savory.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Begin by taking a 7-inch deep pan that is suitable for your air fryer. In this pan, mix the elbow macaroni, water, heavy cream, three-quarters of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, dry mustard, kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir the mixture well to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed. The creamy base should coat the macaroni, preparing it for a rich and cheesy finish.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 182 degrees Celsius). This temperature allows for an optimal cooking environment, ensuring that the pasta cooks thoroughly while the cheese melts perfectly.
- Cooking the Mac and Cheese: Carefully place the pan into the air fryer basket. Set the timer for 18-20 minutes. As the mac and cheese cooks, the steam from the water will help soften the pasta, while the heavy cream and cheese meld together to create a luscious sauce.
- Add Remaining Cheese: Halfway through the cooking time, around the 9-10 minute mark, pause the air fryer and gently open the basket. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the macaroni mixture. This will create a deliciously gooey layer of cheese that melts beautifully. Stir the mixture gently to incorporate the added cheese, ensuring it distributes evenly throughout.
- Finish Cooking: Close the air fryer and resume cooking for the remaining time. Keep an eye on the macaroni; you want it to be al dente, as it will continue to soften after removing from the air fryer.
- Cooling Period: Once the timer goes off, open the air fryer and give the mac and cheese a good stir. Carefully remove the pan from the basket and allow it to cool for about 5-10 minutes. During this cooling period, the mac and cheese will thicken, resulting in an irresistibly creamy texture.
- Serve and Enjoy: After the cooling period, it’s time to serve! Dish out generous portions of your creamy mac and cheese, and watch as everyone digs in. The combination of flavors and textures is sure to be a hit!
Tips for Perfect Mac and Cheese
- Air Fryer Variability: Different air fryer brands may vary in cooking times and temperatures. It’s always a good idea to check on your dish a minute or two before the recommended cooking time, especially if you’re trying this recipe for the first time.
- Experiment with Cheeses: While sharp cheddar is the star here, feel free to mix in other cheeses like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a touch of cream cheese for added creaminess.
- Add-Ins: For extra flavor and texture, consider adding cooked bacon, sautéed vegetables, or spices like paprika or cayenne pepper to spice things up.
Air Fryer Macaroni cheese
This quick and easy Creamy Mac and Cheese recipe comes together in your air fryer in about 20 minutes. No boiling required, making it a hassle-free option for a delicious side dish.
- Course: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4 people
- Calories: 530 kcal
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- In a deep 7-inch pan, combine elbow macaroni, water, heavy cream, three-quarters of the cheddar cheese, dry mustard, kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well.
- Place the pan in the air fryer basket, set it to 360°F (182°C), and cook for 18-20 minutes.
- Halfway through, open the basket, stir in the remaining cheese, close it, and continue cooking.
- When done, stir the mac and cheese and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 530 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 661mg
- Potassium: 195mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Vitamin A: 1005 IU
- Calcium: 439 mg
- Iron: 1 mg
