{"id":2050056,"date":"2024-09-30T17:49:12","date_gmt":"2024-10-02T21:15:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/?post_type=recipe&#038;p=2050056"},"modified":"2024-10-02T16:15:30","modified_gmt":"2024-10-02T21:15:30","slug":"air-fryer-mac-and-cheese","status":"publish","type":"recipe","link":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/air-fryer-mac-and-cheese\/","title":{"rendered":"Air-Fryer Mac and Cheese"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>This air-fryer mac and cheese is an easy way to use your favorite new appliance to make a classic side dish. \u201cCan you air fry mac and cheese?\u201d has been a frequently-searched question online and for good reason.<\/p>\n<p>The simplest way to prepare this dish is to cook the pasta and sauce separately. A few minutes in the air fryer finishes the dish beautifully, leaving it hot and bubbly with a nice and cheesy crust. It\u2019s a good way to use up the leftover macaroni and a worthy addition to our list of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/air-fryer-recipes\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/air-fryer-recipes\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\">air fryer recipes<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>Ingredients for Air-Fryer Mac and Cheese<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Milk:<\/strong> Whole milk makes the base for the recipe cheese sauce.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Seasonings:<\/strong> The garlic powder, ground mustard and paprika all complement the rich creaminess of the cheese sauce, without overwhelming the cheese flavor.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Elbow macaroni:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/ways-to-cook-elbow-macaroni\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/ways-to-cook-elbow-macaroni\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\">Elbow macaroni<\/a> is an excellent choice for sauce-based dishes like this one, because its hollow shape traps the flavorful sauce<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cream cheese:<\/strong> Cream cheese adds a pleasing tang and helps bring smoothness to the sauce..<\/li>\n<li><strong>Butter:<\/strong> Butter brings richness and flavor to the sauce, and also combines with the flour to form the sauce\u2019s thickening roux.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cheese:<\/strong> Shredded cheddar brings flavor and color to the sauce, and also create a bubbly, browned layer at the top.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Directions<\/h2>\n<h3>Step 1: Prepare the macaroni and sauce<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-2054658 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Air-Fryer-Mac-and-Cheese_TOHD24_277648_EricKleinberg_1.jpg?fit=700%2C1024\" alt=\"Taste Recipes Air Fryer Mac and Cheese photo of adding all the ingredients to an 8 inch baking pan.\" width=\"700\" height=\"1024\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><span class=\"credits-overlay\"><span class=\"image-credit noskim\">ERIC KLEINBERG FOR TASTE OF HOME<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Preheat your air fryer to 360\u00b0F. While it heats, grease an 8-inch metal cake pan. Combine the milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder and mustard in the cake pan. Stir in the macaroni, cream cheese, butter, and 1 1\/2 cups of the shredded cheddar.<\/p>\n<h3>Step 2: Finish the mac and cheese<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-2054659\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Air-Fryer-Mac-and-Cheese_TOHD24_277648_EricKleinberg_2.jpg?fit=700%2C1024\" alt=\"Taste Recipes Air Fryer Mac and Cheese photo of cooking the mac and cheese in the air fryer.\" width=\"700\" height=\"1024\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><span class=\"credits-overlay\"><span class=\"image-credit noskim\">ERIC KLEINBERG FOR TASTE OF HOME<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Place the pan in your air fryer&#8217;s basket. Bake the macaroni for 25 minutes, stirring halfway through that time. Top with the remaining 1\/2 cup of shredded cheddar, then continue baking for 5 more minutes, or until the top is melted and bubbly.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-2054661\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Air-Fryer-Mac-and-Cheese_TOHD24_277648_EricKleinberg_4.jpg?fit=700%2C1024\" alt=\"Taste Recipes Air Fryer Mac and Cheese photo of the finished recipe.\" width=\"700\" height=\"1024\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><span class=\"credits-overlay\"><span class=\"image-credit noskim\">ERIC KLEINBERG FOR TASTE OF HOME<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Air-Fryer Mac and Cheese Variations<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Switch the pasta:<\/strong> Elbow macaroni is always a good choice for casserole-style dishes but any other <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/the-ultimate-guide-to-pasta-shapes\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/the-ultimate-guide-to-pasta-shapes\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\">bite-sized shape<\/a> with a knack for holding sauce can also be a good choice. Shells, fusilli, rotini, bowties, penne and many more are all suitable options. One to think carefully about is cavatappi, aka \u201cscooby-doo.\u201d Although it\u2019s a great pasta choice for mac and cheese generally, the oversized spirals may be too large to be practical in an air fryer\u2019s basket.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Change up the cheese:<\/strong> The cheeses used in this recipe work well together and make a good mac and cheese but you have plenty of other options. Soft white processed cheese (Laughing Cow or similar) can take the place of cream cheese, for example. A handful of grated Parmesan adds big cheese flavor. Gruyere, Swiss, Monterey Jack and aged Gouda all pack along plenty of flavor and melt well. Fontina is another mild and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/best-melting-cheeses\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/best-melting-cheeses\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\">melty cheese<\/a> that works well in recipes like this one. You could even mix a bit of mozzarella into the topping to get a bigger cheese \u201cpull\u201d when you lift out a forkful of the finished mac and cheese.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Storing Air-Fryer Mac and Cheese<\/h2>\n<p>Any leftover macaroni and cheese should be refrigerated as soon as possible in a food safe storage container with an airtight lid.<\/p>\n<h3>How long will the recipe keep?<\/h3>\n<p>Like most leftovers, your macaroni and cheese should be good for three to four days after the initial meal.<\/p>\n<h3>Can I make this ahead of time?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes, macaroni and cheese reheats well so you can prep a batch whenever time permits. You can reheat it in the microwave, oven, toaster oven or in your air fryer. The sauce will naturally thicken as it cools so you may need to add a spoonful of milk when you\u2019re reheating it in order to regain the original consistency.<\/p>\n<h2>Air-Fryer Mac and Cheese Tips<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-2054660\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Air-Fryer-Mac-and-Cheese_TOHD24_277648_EricKleinberg_3.jpg?fit=700%2C1024\" alt=\"Taste Recipes Air Fryer Mac and Cheese photo of the finished recipe.\" width=\"700\" height=\"1024\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><span class=\"credits-overlay\"><span class=\"image-credit noskim\">ERIC KLEINBERG FOR TASTE OF HOME<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Is there a lower-fat way to make the sauce more flavorful?<\/h3>\n<p>You bet! If you replace half of the milk with buttermilk, you\u2019ll be able to cut back on the cheese by about 1\/3 and still have plenty of flavor. Buttermilk\u2019s tang complements the cheese and help bring out its flavors.<\/p>\n<h3>What kind of pan should I use in my air fryer?<\/h3>\n<p>This recipe calls for an 8-inch cake pan which will fit into some air fryer baskets. You may need to experiment to find a pan that fits and that\u2019s considered safe for the air fryer. Metal pans are usually best because they transfer heat to the food quickly. In a dual-basket model you may need to divide the recipe between two smaller pans or in a single-basket model you may need to use a smaller pan or one that\u2019s designed specifically for air fryers. Either way, we\u2019ve got tips to help you <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/baking-pan-conversions\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/baking-pan-conversions\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\">calculate pan sizes<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/how-to-cut-down-recipes\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/how-to-cut-down-recipes\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\">scale the recipe<\/a> to match the pans you have.<\/p>\n<h3>I don\u2019t have an air fryer yet, but I\u2019m tempted. Are some better than others?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes, you\u2019ll see differences in quality and features between air fryers. Our test kitchen recently <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/best-air-fryer\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/best-air-fryer\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\">tested air fryers<\/a>\u00a0and made several recommendations based on varying combinations of price, features and the quality of food they produced.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Air fryers aren&#8217;t meant for boiling pasta, but this air-fryer mac and cheese is still a winner. The trick is to cook your pasta conventionally and then use your air fryer to heat and brown the mac and cheese.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8014,"featured_media":2058154,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"ep_exclude_from_search":false},"tags":[304037,304154,304032,303971,303984,306928,306910,304328,306936,304292,305487,304338,303966,304988,303887,306848,304347,307536,306317,304268,307514,306297,324623,304313,304150,303883,305031],"categories-v2":[308628,309437,308623,308500,308513,309924,309906,308988,308984,308481,309934,308305,310796,308992,308495,308935,308478,309603,308998,310514,312180,259483,310497,312156,309177,308313,309434,308476,308975],"coauthors":[343387],"recommended_recipes":[{"post_title":"Air-Fryer Quesadilla","post_link":"\/recipes\/air-fryer-quesadillas\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Air-Fryer-Quesadilla_EXPS_TOHD25_267090_ChristineMa_1.jpg"},{"post_title":"Air-Fryer Hamburgers","post_link":"\/recipes\/air-fryer-hamburgers-recipe\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Air-Fryer-Hamburgers_EXPS_FT24_276029_0402_JR_7.jpg"},{"post_title":"Air-Fryer Brownies","post_link":"\/recipes\/air-fryer-brownies\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Air-Fryer-Fudgy-Brownies_EXPS_FT22_267746_F_0207_1.jpg"},{"post_title":"Air-Fryer Corn Dogs","post_link":"\/recipes\/air-fryer-corn-dogs\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Air-Fryer-Corn-Dogs_EXPS_TOHcom24_277156_MD_P2_07_25_2b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Air-Fryer Fish and Chips","post_link":"\/recipes\/air-fryer-fish-and-fries\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Air-Fryer-Fish-and-Fries_EXPS_FT23_227096_ST_0906_3.jpg"},{"post_title":"Air-Fryer Fish Tacos","post_link":"\/recipes\/air-fryer-fish-tacos\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Air-Fryer-Fish-Tacos_EXPS_DCRTL24_267571_P2_MD_05_07_3b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Air-Fryer Chicken Parmesan","post_link":"\/recipes\/air-fryer-chicken-parmesan\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/EXPS_EDAFRDT22_PU5949_E12_08_4bC.jpg"},{"post_title":"Air-Fryer French Fries","post_link":"\/recipes\/air-fryer-french-fries\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Easy-Air-Fryer-French-Fries_FT23_235671_JR_0817_6_FT.jpg"},{"post_title":"Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese","post_link":"\/recipes\/stovetop-macaroni-and-cheese\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Stovetop-Macaroni-and-Cheese_exps4428_SD143204D12_10_4b_RMS.jpg"},{"post_title":"Air-Fryer Mozzarella Sticks","post_link":"\/recipes\/air-fryer-mozzarella-sticks\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Air-Fryer-Mozzarella-Sticks_EXPS_FT23_266938_ST_0808_2.jpg"},{"post_title":"Air-Fryer Hash Browns","post_link":"\/recipes\/air-fryer-hash-browns\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Onion-Garlic-Hash-Browns_EXPS_BMMZ20_83621_E10_23_6b_copy.jpg"},{"post_title":"Air-Fryer Lime Macaroons","post_link":"\/recipes\/air-fryer-lime-macaroons\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Lime-Gin-Coconut-Macaroons_exps169079_TH132104D06_20_27bC_RMS_basedon-2.jpg"},{"post_title":"Air-Fryer Grilled Cheese Sandwiches","post_link":"\/recipes\/air-fryer-grilled-cheese-sandwiches\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Air-Fryer-Grilled-Cheese-Sandwiches_EXPS_FT23_267089_JR_0906_7.jpg"},{"post_title":"Air-Fryer Cheesecake","post_link":"\/recipes\/air-fryer-cheesecake\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Best-Ever-Cheesecake_EXPS_THAS19_1089_B04_17_9b_based-on.jpg"},{"post_title":"Air-Fryer Apple Crisp","post_link":"\/recipes\/air-fryer-apple-crisp\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Air-Fryer-Apple-Crisp_EXPS_FT23_275490_ST_1213_5.jpg"},{"post_title":"Air-Fryer Cheeseburgers","post_link":"\/recipes\/air-fryer-bacon-cheeseburgers\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Air-Fryer-Cheeseburgers_EXPS_FT24_246423_JR_1211_1.jpg"},{"post_title":"Air-Fryer Apple Danish","post_link":"\/recipes\/air-fryer-apple-danish\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Air-Fryer-Apple-Danish_EXPS_RC22_267559_DR_03_02_3b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Air-Fryer Nachos","post_link":"\/recipes\/air-fryer-nachos\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Air-Fryer-Nachos_EXPS_FT23_275492_EC_121223_8.jpg"},{"post_title":"Air-Fryer Cheeseburger Onion Rings","post_link":"\/recipes\/air-fryer-cheeseburger-onion-rings\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Cheeseburger-Onion-Rings_EXPS_FT19_243472_F_0709_1_basedon.jpg"}],"acf":{"long_pin_file":false,"ncv_override_generic_settings_option":false,"ncv_autoplay_option":"","ncv_stickyplay_option":"","ncv_ads_option":"","ncv_mute_option":"","ncv_comscore_option":"","ncv_autoplay_mobile_option":"","ncv_viewable_threshold_option":"","ncv_sticky_offset_option":"","ncv_autopause_option":"","ncv_sticky_offset_mobile_option":"","ncv_autopause_mobile_option":"","ncv_sticky_mobile_option":"","ncv_remove_player_option":false,"ncv_moat_option":"","long_pin":"https:\/\/tmbidigitalassetsazure.blob.core.windows.net\/rms3-prod\/attachments\/37\/1200x1200\/Air-Fryer-Mac-and-Cheese_EXPS_TOHD24_277648_EricKleinberg_5.jpg"},"recipe_schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"Recipe","@id":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/air-fryer-mac-and-cheese\/","name":"Air-Fryer Mac and Cheese","datePublished":"2024-09-30","dateModified":"2024-10-02","prepTime":"PT15M","cookTime":"PT30M","totalTime":"PT45M","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Air-Fryer-Mac-and-Cheese_EXPS_TOHD24_277648_EricKleinberg_5.jpg","height":1200,"width":1200},"recipeCategory":["Dinner","Side Dishes"],"description":"Air fryers aren't meant for boiling pasta, but this air-fryer mac and cheese is still a winner. The trick is to cook your pasta conventionally and then use your air fryer to heat and brown the mac and cheese.","recipeIngredient":["2-1\/2 cups whole milk","1\/2 teaspoon salt","1\/2 teaspoon pepper","1\/4 teaspoon garlic powder","1\/4 teaspoon ground mustard","1\/4 teaspoon paprika","1-1\/2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni","4 ounces cream cheese, cubed","2 tablespoons butter, cubed","2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided"],"recipeInstructions":[{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Prepare the macaroni and sauce","text":"Preheat your air fryer to 360\u00b0F. While it heats, grease an 8-inch metal cake pan. Combine the milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder and mustard in the cake pan. Stir in the macaroni, cream cheese, butter, and 1 1\/2 cups of the shredded cheddar.","image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Air-Fryer-Mac-and-Cheese_TOHD24_277648_EricKleinberg_1.jpg?fit=700,1024"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Finish the mac and cheese","text":"Place the pan in your air fryer's basket. Bake the macaroni for 25 minutes, stirring halfway through that time. Top with the remaining 1\/2 cup of shredded cheddar, then continue baking for 5 more minutes, or until the top is melted and bubbly.","image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Air-Fryer-Mac-and-Cheese_TOHD24_277648_EricKleinberg_2.jpg?fit=700,1024"}],"recipeYield":"8 servings","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Fred Decker"}],"nutrition":{"@type":"NutritionInformation","calories":" 287 calories","fatContent":"20g fat (12g saturated fat)","cholesterolContent":"58mg cholesterol","sodiumContent":"433mg sodium","carbohydrateContent":"16g carbohydrate (5g sugars","fiberContent":"1g fiber)","proteinContent":"12g protein."},"aggregateRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"AggregateRating","ratingValue":0,"reviewCount":0,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},"video":{"data":{"status":204},"message":"No shortcode found in recipe"},"rms_legacy_id":"277648","romance_copy_dek":"Air fryers aren't meant for boiling pasta, but this air-fryer mac and cheese is still a winner. The trick is to cook your pasta conventionally and then use your air fryer to heat and brown the mac and cheese.","enhanced_recipe_title":"Air-Fryer Mac and Cheese","rms_legacy_data":{"RecipeCategories":null,"Ingredients":[{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"2-1\/2 cups whole milk","IngredientText":"2-1\/2 cups whole milk"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1\/2 teaspoon salt","IngredientText":"1\/2 teaspoon salt"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1\/2 teaspoon pepper","IngredientText":"1\/2 teaspoon pepper"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1\/4 teaspoon garlic powder","IngredientText":"1\/4 teaspoon garlic powder"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1\/4 teaspoon ground mustard","IngredientText":"1\/4 teaspoon ground mustard"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1\/4 teaspoon paprika","IngredientText":"1\/4 teaspoon paprika"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1-1\/2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni","IngredientText":"1-1\/2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"4 ounces cream cheese, cubed","IngredientText":"4 ounces cream cheese, cubed"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"2 tablespoons butter, cubed","IngredientText":"2 tablespoons butter, cubed"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided","IngredientText":"2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided"}],"FeaturedImage":"https:\/\/tmbidigitalassetsazure.blob.core.windows.net\/rms3-prod\/attachments\/37\/1200x1200\/Air-Fryer-Mac-and-Cheese_EXPS_TOHD24_277648_EricKleinberg_5.jpg","RecipeId":277648,"AttachmentSourceId":null,"AttachmentSource":"Eric Kleinberg for Taste Recipes","PhotoCredit":"Air-Fryer Mac and Cheese Recipe photo by Eric Kleinberg for Taste Recipes","VideoCode":null,"RecipeAttachmentFileName":"Air-Fryer-Mac-and-Cheese_EXPS_TOHD24_277648_EricKleinberg_5.jpg","ContributorId":null,"Firstname":"Taste Recipes","Lastname":"Test Kitchen","City":"Milwaukee","StateDescription":"Wisconsin","IsCommunityCook":false,"TimeCallout":"Prep: 15 min. 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