Mac and cheese is all about that contrast — creamy inside, crispy golden top. The air fryer delivers the bubbling, baked finish in a fraction of the oven time. Boil the pasta, mix the sauce, then crisp it up. Here's how.
Key takeaways
Q: How do you make mac and cheese in an air fryer?
A: Mix cooked macaroni with cheese sauce in a dish, top with cheese and crumbs, and air fry at 180°C (360°F) for 10–12 minutes until golden.
Q: Do you cook the pasta first?
A: Yes — boil the macaroni on the hob, then use the air fryer for the crispy baked top.
The method
The air fryer isn't a boiler, so cook the pasta and stir up a quick cheese sauce on the hob first. Combine them in an oven-safe dish, scatter over extra cheese and breadcrumbs, and air fry until the top is golden and bubbling.
The recipe
Air Fryer Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 250g macaroni, cooked
- 300ml cheese sauce
- 50g cheese, 30g breadcrumbs
- Salt & pepper
Method
- Mix the pasta with the cheese sauce in a dish.
- Top with cheese and breadcrumbs.
- Air fry at 180°C (360°F) for 10–12 minutes.
- Serve bubbling and golden.
Tips
- Use an oven-safe dish that fits the basket.
- Breadcrumb topping for the crunchiest finish.
- Great for leftovers — crisp up cold mac and cheese the same way.
Frequently asked questions
How do you make mac and cheese in an air fryer?
Cook the macaroni and a cheese sauce on the hob, combine in an oven-safe dish, top with cheese and breadcrumbs, and air fry at 180°C for 10–12 minutes.
Can you cook the pasta in the air fryer?
No — pasta needs to boil in water, which an air fryer can't do. Boil it on the hob, then use the air fryer for the crispy top.
Can you reheat mac and cheese in an air fryer?
Yes — it's great for leftovers. Reheat in a dish at 180°C until hot through, and the top crisps up beautifully.