Air fryer mac and cheese is the ultimate weeknight comfort food—crispy on top, creamy in the middle, and ready in under 40 minutes. With no boiling required, this one-dish wonder uses the air fryer to do all the work, delivering rich flavor with fewer dishes. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just craving something cozy, this cheesy classic made easier is about to be your new go-to.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No pre-boiling — pasta cooks right in the dish
- Perfect texture — creamy center with golden, bubbly top
- Quick & easy — done in 30–40 minutes
- Minimal cleanup — everything goes in one pan
- Kid-approved and family-friendly
Ingredients
- 1½ cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1½ cups half-and-half (or whole milk)
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 2 tbsp butter
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of cayenne (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 360°F for 10 minutes.
- Lightly grease an air fryer-safe baking dish.
2. Combine the Base
- In a mixing bowl, combine:
- Macaroni
- Half-and-half
- Velveeta
- 1 cup cheddar
- Butter and all spices
- Stir well, then transfer to the prepared baking dish.
3. Air Fry the Mac and Cheese
- Place dish in air fryer basket.
- Cook for 15–18 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes.
- Pasta should be al dente and creamy by the end.
4. Add the Final Cheese
- Sprinkle remaining cheddar on top.
- Cook 2–3 more minutes until melted and golden.
5. Serve
- Let rest for 5 minutes.
- Serve hot, optionally topped with cracked pepper or cayenne.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
- Total Time: 30–40 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Servings: 4
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American comfort
Nutrition Facts (Whole Batch Estimate)
- Calories: 1800–1900
- Protein: 70–80g
- Fat: 100–115g
- Carbs: 140–150g
(Approx. 450–475 calories per serving if divided by 4)
Tips & Variations
- Shred your own cheese — for smooth melting
- Stir often — prevents dry edges and ensures even pasta cooking
- Want extra crunch? Add breadcrumbs before final cheese step
- Spice it up — add jalapeños or hot sauce
- Use different cheeses — Gruyère, mozzarella, or pepper jack
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Cavatappi, rotini, or small shells work well.
Can I use milk instead of half-and-half?
Yes, but it may be slightly less creamy. Evaporated milk is another great option.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 4–6 minutes or in the microwave with a splash of milk.
Can I freeze this?
Yes, freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Reheat with a bit of extra cream or milk.
Simple Air Fryer Mac and Cheese
Equipment
- – Air fryer (6 qt or larger)
- – Mixing bowl
- – Baking dish (air fryer-safe)
- – Spoon/spatula
Ingredients
- – 1½ cups elbow macaroni uncooked
- – 1½ cups half-and-half
- – 8 oz Velveeta cubed
- – 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar divided
- – 2 tbsp butter
- – ¼ tsp garlic powder
- – ¼ tsp onion powder
- – ¼ tsp black pepper
- – Pinch of salt
- – Pinch of cayenne optional
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 360°F for 10 minutes.
- Mix pasta, half-and-half, Velveeta, 1 cup cheddar, butter, and seasonings in a bowl.
- Pour into greased air fryer-safe baking dish.
- Air fry for 15–18 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes.
- Top with remaining cheddar, air fry 2–3 minutes more.
- Rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
– Add breadcrumbs for extra crunch
– Store leftovers in fridge or freeze for up to 3 months
Conclusion
This air fryer mac and cheese is creamy, crispy, and crazy simple. With just a few ingredients and no need to boil pasta ahead of time, you’ll have comfort food on the table fast—with minimal mess. It’s the kind of dish that keeps everyone coming back for seconds, whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy solo night in.