Creamy Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Made Easy

This Creamy Air Fryer Mac and Cheese is a quick and easy side dish that you can prepare without boiling the noodles first. Made in your Air Fryer, this dish is ready in about 20 minutes, offering a rich, creamy texture that everyone will love.

How to Make Mac and Cheese in Your Air Fryer

Start by shredding block cheese, as I strongly recommend it over the pre-shredded kind. Block cheese melts better, resulting in a smoother, creamier texture for your mac and cheese.

Next, combine uncooked elbow macaroni, water, heavy cream, mustard powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and about ¾ of the shredded cheese in a 7-inch pan. Make sure the pan fits in your Air Fryer and is deep enough to hold the macaroni mixture. I prefer using the cake pan that comes with my Air Fryer Accessory set. Stir everything together until fully combined.

Place the pan into the Air Fryer and cook at 360°F (182°C) for 18-20 minutes. Make sure to stir the mixture halfway through and add the remaining shredded cheese.

Once cooking is complete, you’ll notice that the mac and cheese looks hot, bubbly, and a little watery. Don’t worry—this is completely normal. After stirring, the dish will begin to thicken. Allow it to cool slightly, and the sauce will become even creamier, giving you a delicious bowl of mac and cheese.

Tips and Variations

I typically use sharp cheddar cheese for this recipe, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or a blend of your favorites.
Let your mac and cheese rest for a few minutes before serving; the sauce will thicken as it cools.
Air fryer cooking times can vary, so check the dish halfway through. My Philips Air Fryer takes about 18 minutes, while my Ninja Foodi takes closer to 20 minutes.

Macaroni and cheese is a frequent dish in our home, and this Air Fryer version makes it even easier. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, you can enjoy this creamy, cheesy delight in no time.

Enjoy!

Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Recipe
This creamy, cheesy mac and cheese is made right in the Air Fryer in under 25 minutes! No need to boil noodles—everything comes together in one pan for an easy, flavorful side dish.

Keyword: Air fryer mac and cheese, creamy baked macaroni and cheese, mac and cheese
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 530 kca

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups elbow macaroni
1 cup water
½ cup heavy cream
8 oz sharp cheddar cheese (shredded, separated)
1 tsp dry mustard
½ tsp kosher salt
½ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp garlic powder

Instructions:

Prep the Mac and Cheese: In a 7-inch pan, combine the elbow macaroni, water, heavy cream, ¾ of the shredded cheese, dry mustard, kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir well to mix.
Air Frying: Place the pan into the Air Fryer basket and set the Air Fryer to 360°F (182°C). Set the timer for 18-20 minutes.
Stir Halfway: At the halfway point, open the Air Fryer, add the remaining shredded cheese, and give everything a good stir. Close the Air Fryer and continue cooking until done.
Finish and Serve: Once the timer goes off, open the Air Fryer, stir the mac and cheese, and carefully remove the pan. Let it cool for 5-10 minutes to allow it to thicken.
Serve & Enjoy: After cooling, serve your delicious mac and cheese, and enjoy!