Simple Air Fryer Mac and Cheese
Creamy, cheesy mac and cheese with a crispy air fryer top – ready in under 40 minutes with no boiling required.
Equipment
- Air fryer
- - Air fryer-safe baking dish
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- - 1½ cups elbow macaroni
- - 1½ cups half-and-half
- - 8 oz Velveeta cubed
- - 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded (divided)
- - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- - ¼ tsp garlic powder
- - ¼ tsp onion powder
- - ¼ tsp black pepper
- - Pinch of salt
- - Pinch of cayenne pepper optional
Instructions
- 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
- Stir during cooking to prevent burning.
- Room temperature dairy prevents curdling.
- Store leftovers up to 4 days, reheat with splash of milk.
- Room temperature dairy prevents curdling.
- Store leftovers up to 4 days, reheat with splash of milk.