🧀 Air Fryer Macaroni Cheese (Quick & Easy)
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 12–15 minutes
Total time: ~25 minutes
Serves: 2–3
✅ Ingredients
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1½ cups cooked macaroni pasta (elbow or shells)
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1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
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½ cup mozzarella cheese, grated
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½ cup milk (whole milk best)
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2 tbsp butter
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2 tbsp cream cheese (for extra creaminess)
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¼ tsp salt
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¼ tsp black pepper
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¼ tsp paprika (optional)
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1 tbsp breadcrumbs (optional, for crispy top)
🔥 Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat Air Fryer
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Preheat to 180°C / 360°F for 3 minutes.
2️⃣ Make the Cheese Mixture
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In a bowl, mix:
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Cooked macaroni
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Butter
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Milk
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Cream cheese
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Half of the cheddar
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Salt, pepper, paprika
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Stir well until everything is coated.
3️⃣ Transfer to Air Fryer Dish
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Spoon mixture into an air fryer–safe dish or silicone tray.
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Top with remaining cheddar + mozzarella.
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Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top (optional).
4️⃣ Air Fry
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Cook at 180°C / 360°F for 12–15 minutes
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Top should be golden, bubbly, and slightly crispy
(If browning too fast, cover loosely with foil)
5️⃣ Rest & Serve
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Let sit 3–5 minutes before serving (thickens perfectly).
😋 Optional Add-Ins
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Crispy bacon bits
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Cooked chicken
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Jalapeños
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Broccoli or sweetcorn
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Parmesan on top
❓ Q&A
Q: Can I make this from dry pasta?
A: No. Pasta must be fully cooked first, or it won’t soften properly.
Q: What cheese works best?
A: Cheddar for flavor + mozzarella for stretch is perfect. Gouda or Monterey Jack also work great.
Q: Why is my mac & cheese dry?
A: Add a splash more milk before cooking. Air fryers cook fast and can dry dishes out.
Q: Can I reheat leftovers in the air fryer?
A: Yes!
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Add 1–2 tbsp milk
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Heat at 160°C / 320°F for 4–5 minutes
Q: Is this suitable for beginners?
A: Absolutely! No sauce-making, no stove stress—just mix, cook, and enjoy 👍
Q: Can I make it healthier?
A:
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Use reduced-fat cheese
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Add veggies
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Use whole-wheat pasta
Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Yes, but texture is best fresh. Freeze up to 1 month, reheat with added milk.