Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for Air Fryer Mac and Cheese, perfect for when you’re craving a cheesy, creamy dish with a crispy top!
Ingredients:
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (or any pasta shape you prefer)
- 4 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup milk (whole milk works best)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Crispy Topping:
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni (or your preferred pasta) and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 7-8 minutes.
- Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Make the cheese sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Once the butter is melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Gradually add the milk and heavy cream while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook and whisk until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
3. Combine pasta and cheese sauce:
- Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to coat the pasta evenly.
4. Prepare the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your Air Fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
5. Assemble the Mac and Cheese:
- Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a baking dish or a heatproof dish that will fit in your Air Fryer basket. Ensure the dish is evenly spread.
- In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this breadcrumb mixture evenly over the mac and cheese for a crispy topping.
6. Air Fry the Mac and Cheese:
- Place the dish in the Air Fryer basket and cook at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Check halfway through the cooking time and give the dish a gentle shake or stir to ensure the topping crisps evenly.
7. Serve:
- Carefully remove the mac and cheese from the Air Fryer. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Optionally, sprinkle with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs for added flavor.
Tips:
- Extra cheesy: You can add more cheese for a richer, creamier texture. Try mixing in Gruyère, fontina, or even a bit of cream cheese for extra creaminess.
- Make it spicier: For a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
- Storage: Leftover mac and cheese can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the Air Fryer for a few minutes to restore the crispy topping.
Enjoy your Air Fryer Mac and Cheese—creamy, cheesy, and with a perfectly crispy top! Perfect as a side dish or even a main course!