Air fryer mac and cheese gives your favorite comfort food a crispy, golden upgrade — no boiling required. This ultra-creamy, cheesy dish is made with elbow macaroni, Velveeta for silkiness, sharp cheddar for flavor, and finished with that irresistible air-fried crust on top. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for family dinners, backyard BBQs, or when boxed mac just won’t cut it.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Mac and Cheese
- 30-minute meal – Faster than baking, no pre-boiling needed.
- Crispy, cheesy topping – Thanks to the air fryer’s magic.
- Creamy inside – Velveeta + cheddar = smooth, gooey goodness.
- One dish, less cleanup – Mix and cook everything in one baking pan.
- Perfect portion size – Feeds a small family without a week of leftovers.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups dry elbow macaroni
- 1½ cups half-and-half
- 8 oz Velveeta, cubed
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded (divided)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 360°F and preheat for 10 minutes to ensure even cooking.
2. Combine Mac and Cheese Base
In a large bowl, mix together:
- Uncooked elbow macaroni
- Half-and-half
- Velveeta cubes
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
- Butter
- Garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, cayenne (optional), and salt
Stir well until evenly coated.
3. Assemble in Air Fryer Dish
Lightly grease an air fryer-safe baking dish.
Pour in the mac and cheese mixture and spread evenly.
4. Cook in Air Fryer
Place dish into the preheated air fryer.
Cook at 360°F for 15–18 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to ensure even melting and pasta cooking.
5. Add Topping
Sprinkle remaining 1 cup cheddar cheese on top.
Return to air fryer and cook for 2–3 more minutes, until bubbly and golden.
6. Serve
Remove carefully and serve hot. Optional: top with a pinch of black pepper or extra cayenne.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
- Total Time: 30–40 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty: Easy
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: ~450–475
- Protein: 16–18g
- Fat: 25–28g
- Carbs: 32–36g
Tip: Use whole milk for a lighter version or heavy cream for extra richness.
Tips & Variations
- Don’t skip stirring – Keeps cheese evenly melted and prevents burning.
- Pasta should be al dente – It continues cooking as it absorbs liquid.
- Use block cheese – Shredded fresh melts better than pre-shredded.
- Dairy at room temp – Prevents curdling and keeps sauce smooth.
FAQs
Can I use different cheese?
Yes! Try Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend. Just keep at least half cheddar or Velveeta for proper melt.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but make sure your air fryer dish isn’t overfilled. Cook in batches if needed.
What if I don’t have Velveeta?
Use 6 oz cream cheese or American cheese slices instead. It may be slightly less creamy but still tasty.
Simple Air Fryer Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat air fryer to 360°F for 10 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix uncooked macaroni, half-and-half, Velveeta, 1 cup cheddar, butter, and spices.
- Lightly grease an air fryer-safe baking dish. Pour in mixture evenly.
- Cook at 360°F for 15–18 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes.
- Add remaining 1 cup cheddar cheese. Cook 2–3 more minutes until melted and golden.
- Serve immediately with optional pepper or cayenne on top.
Notes
– Room temperature dairy prevents curdling.
– Store leftovers up to 4 days, reheat with splash of milk.
What to Serve With Air Fryer Mac and Cheese
Pair this cheesy side with:
- BBQ pulled pork
- Grilled chicken or ribs
- Coleslaw or green salad
- Roasted broccoli or green beans
- Cornbread or garlic bread
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze portions up to 3 months. Texture may change slightly.
- Reheat: Use the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes, or microwave on medium, stirring halfway. Add a splash of milk if it’s too thick.