Air Fryer Macaroni and Cheese Recipe 🧀🍝

delicious Air Fryer Macaroni and Cheese recipe! 🍝🧀 Using the air fryer gives it that crispy top while keeping the inside creamy and cheesy. It’s a fun twist on the traditional stovetop or oven-baked mac and cheese. 😋

Air Fryer Macaroni and Cheese Recipe 🧀🍝

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni (or your favorite pasta) 🍝
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese 🧀
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 🧀
• 1/2 cup milk 🥛
• 2 tablespoons butter 🧈
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour 🌾
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 🧄
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder 🧅
• Salt and pepper, to taste 🧂
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika (for extra flavor) 🌶️
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (for a crunchy top) 🍞

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

   • Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. 🍝

2. Make the Cheese Sauce:

   • In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. 🧈
   • Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a smooth paste. Cook for about 1-2 minutes to form a roux. 🌾
   • Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens. 🥛
   • Stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until completely melted and smooth. 🧀
   • Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. 🌶️

3. Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce:

   • Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is evenly coated. 🍝🧀

4. Prepare the Air Fryer Basket:

   • Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). 🔥
   • Lightly grease an oven-safe dish that fits in your air fryer basket (a small casserole dish works well). Alternatively, you can use aluminum foil to make a makeshift dish if needed. 🫒

5. Assemble the Mac and Cheese:

   • Pour the cheesy pasta into the prepared dish. 🍝
   • Sprinkle the top with breadcrumbs for that crunchy, golden finish. 🍞

6. Cook in the Air Fryer:

   • Place the dish in the air fryer and cook at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes, or until the top is crispy and golden brown. ⏳

7. Serve:

   • Once the mac and cheese is done, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool for a couple of minutes before serving. 🍽️

Enjoy! 😋

This Air Fryer Macaroni and Cheese is the perfect combination of creamy and crispy—with all the cheesy goodness you crave, but made quickly in the air fryer! The crispy breadcrumb topping adds a great texture to the rich, gooey cheese inside. 🍝🧀

Feel free to get creative and add bacon, chopped herbs, or a bit of hot sauce for some extra flavor! 😍