Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this easy and delicious recipe for Air Fryer Macaroni and Cheese. Creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly comforting, this homemade mac and cheese is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, with the magic of the air fryer, you can achieve a crispy golden topping that adds the perfect crunch to every bite. Follow along with our step-by-step instructions to create this mouthwatering dish in your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (about 2 cups) elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Cooking spray
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Macaroni a. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. b. Drain the cooked macaroni and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Sauce a. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. b. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden. c. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. d. Cook the sauce, stirring frequently, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. e. Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. f. Season the cheese sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, to taste.
Step 3: Combine the Macaroni and Cheese Sauce a. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until evenly coated. b. Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a greased air fryer-safe baking dish or basket.
Step 4: Prepare the Crispy Topping a. In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. b. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese.
Step 5: Air Fry the Macaroni and Cheese a. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). b. Place the baking dish or basket in the preheated air fryer and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy, and the macaroni and cheese is heated through.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy a. Once cooked, remove the air fryer macaroni and cheese from the air fryer. b. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. c. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Tips for Success:
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to customize the cheese blend according to your preferences. Experiment with different combinations of cheeses such as Gruyère, fontina, or Monterey Jack for unique flavor profiles.
- Crispy Topping: For an extra crunchy topping, drizzle the breadcrumb mixture with a little melted butter before sprinkling it over the macaroni and cheese.
- Add-Ins: Enhance your air fryer macaroni and cheese with additional ingredients such as cooked bacon, diced ham, or sautéed vegetables like spinach or broccoli.
- Double Batch: This recipe can easily be doubled to serve a larger crowd. Simply adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly and divide the mixture between two baking dishes or batches in the air fryer.
- Reheating: Leftover macaroni and cheese can be reheated in the air fryer for a few minutes until warmed through. This helps to retain its crispy texture and cheesy goodness.
With its creamy cheese sauce and crispy breadcrumb topping, Air Fryer Macaroni and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or main course, this homemade version will impress even the pickiest eaters. Plus, with the convenience of the air fryer, you can enjoy this classic dish in less time and with less mess. So go ahead, fire up your air fryer and treat yourself to a bowl of cheesy goodness that’s sure to satisfy your cravings!
