Air Fryer Macaroni and Cheese

This Air Fryer Macaroni and Cheese recipe features a creamy, homemade cheese sauce that comes together in minutes. It’s a fantastic way to free up oven space on busy cooking days and perfect when you need a no-fuss side dish. Bonus: oven instructions are included.

Easy Air Fryer Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

This air fryer mac and cheese extremely flavorful, with a super creamy texture The Velveeta cheese gives it an intensely cheesy flavor and is definitely one of the easiest mac and cheese recipes you’ll make. It’s designed to be a small batch macaroni and cheese making it easy to make for a quick side dish or main dish for supper. This family-friendly way side dish always hits the spot for my family.

Checkout this quick list of ingredients you’ll need to make Air Fryer Mac and Cheese: (Scroll down for full printable recipe card.)

• Pasta – Classic elbow macaroni forms the base of mac and cheese.
• Cheese – Velveeta cheese and shredded sharp cheddar cheese for a melty cheesy flavor.
• Liquid – Half and half for the cheese sauce.
• Spices – Salt, granulated garlic, ground mustard, onion powder, cayenne pepper or hot sauce and black pepper.

How to Make the Best Air Fryer Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

• Prepare Air Fryer – Preheat a 4-6 quart air fryer at 360°F for 10 minutes.
• Parboil Macaroni – Parboil macaroni in boiling water for 5 minutes and drain.
• Combine Macaroni, Cheese and Spices – Add to a bowl with half and half, Velveeta, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, butter, salt, garlic powder, pepper. ground mustard, onion powder and cayenne. Stir to combine.
• Prepare Pan – Spray an oven safe-air fryer safe baking dish with cooking spray and pour the mixture into the dish.
• Cook – Air fry per the recipe stirring every 5 minutes. Sprinkle the top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese after the last stir. (Some air fryers may take a little longer for the macaroni to be tender. Test one piece at 15 minutes and add time only, if needed)
• Melt Cheese on Top – Air fry an additional 5-7 minutes until cheese has melted and the top is slightly browned.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Air Fryer Mac and Cheese

• 6 quart Air Fryer or larger.
• Oven safe dish or air fryer safe baking dish. You could also use a silicone insert or the non-stick basket of the air fryer.
• Cheese grater.
• Medium pot.
• Large bowl.
• Large spoon or spatula for stirring.
• Measuring cups and spoons.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

• Pasta – You can make this with twisted macaroni, medium shells or any similar size pasta.
• Cheese – You could use colby jack cheese, medium cheddar cheese or spicy pepper jack cheese.
• Pre-Cooking the Macaroni – Some air fryer macaroni and cheese recipes can be made without precooking the macaroni. I have found that taking just a few minutes to begin the cooking process prior to air frying the macaroni and cheese turns out better. If you want to make it without precooking the pasta, you can. Mix everything together per the recipe and adjust the cooking time after testing a piece at 15 minutes for doneness. Adapt the cooking time depending on how your appliance performs.
• Air Fryer Basket Technique – Should you choose to cook the macaroni and cheese directly in the basket of the air fryer, remove the rack and spray the bottom and sides with cooking spray or brush with oil prior to adding the macaroni and cheese mixture. This will only work if the basket is solid and doesn’t have any holes.
• Dish Options – You can use any oven-proof dish in the air fryer that fits. There are a variety of silicone inserts to make it easy to clean after cooking, too. Buy the size that fits your appliance and if you have one that has a handle, it can be handy when moving it in and out of the air fryer.
• Stir to Combine the Ingredients – It’s important to stir this macaroni and cheese periodically since the Velveeta cubes will melt while it’s cooking and will need to be stirred to evenly coat the macaroni. If it has melted after the first stir, there’s no need to stir again until you’re ready to top with shredded cheese in the final stage of cooking.
• Serving Options – If you’d like to make macaroni and cheese on the stovetop check out my easy recipe for one pot Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese.  You can see all of my macaroni and cheese recipes in the recipe index here.

Storage and Leftovers

• Leftovers – Store leftover Air Fryer Macaroni and Cheese in an airtight container chilled in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating – Reheat in single serving portions in the microwave.
• Freezer – You can freeze this macaroni and cheese for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat just before serving.

Southern Style Entrees to Serve with Macaroni and Cheese

Macaroni and cheese can be served as both a side dish or a main dish entree. If you need a little inspiration look no further. More recipes you may like to make:

• Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites made on the stovetop.
• Roasted Chili Lime Pork Tenderloin is tender and flavorful.
• Teriyaki London Broil with Garlic Herb Butter.
• Pulled Pork Barbecue on toasted kaiser rolls with a side of Carolina Red Slaw.
• Lemon Rosemary Roast Chicken and Vegetables.
• Meatloaf Meatballs from Dinner Then Dessert.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• Air Fryer
• Mixing Bowls
• Measuring Set
• Kitchen Utensils