Here’s an easy, creamy Air Fryer Macaroni & Cheese—perfect for reheating or baking from scratch with a crispy top 🧀
🧀 Air Fryer Macaroni & Cheese
Serves
2–4
Option 1: From Cooked Mac & Cheese (Best Results)
Ingredients
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3 cups prepared macaroni & cheese (homemade or boxed)
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½ cup shredded cheddar (or cheddar blend)
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1–2 tbsp milk or cream
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Optional topping: breadcrumbs or crushed crackers + butter
Instructions
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Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
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Place mac & cheese in an air-fryer–safe dish.
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Stir in milk to loosen.
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Top with cheese (and crumbs if using).
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Air fry 8–12 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
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For extra browning, increase to 380°F for last 2 minutes.
Option 2: Small-Batch From Scratch (No Oven Needed)
Ingredients
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1 cup cooked macaroni (al dente)
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1 tbsp butter
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1 tbsp flour
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¾ cup milk
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1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Gruyère, or mix)
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Salt & pepper
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Optional: paprika or mustard powder
Instructions
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In a heatproof bowl, melt butter (air fry at 350°F for 1–2 min).
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Stir in flour; cook 1 minute.
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Whisk in milk until smooth.
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Air fry 350°F for 3–4 minutes, stirring once, until thickened.
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Stir in cheese, seasoning, and pasta.
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Top with extra cheese.
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Air fry 5–7 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
Tips for Air Fryer Success
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Use a ceramic or metal dish that fits your basket.
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Stir halfway for even heating.
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Cover loosely with foil if top browns too fast.
Variations
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Bacon mac: Add cooked bacon bits.
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Buffalo mac: Stir in hot sauce.
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Breadcrumb crust: Toss crumbs with butter for crunch.
If you want, tell me which air fryer you have and serving size, and I’ll dial it in perfectly for you