Name: Air Fryer Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 42 min
Yield: 6 as a side
Ingredients: cooking spray or melted butter (, for the pan); 2 cups (250g) elbow macaroni (uncooked); 14 oz (410g) full-fat evaporated milk (canned); 1 ⅓ cups (320ml) water; 2 tsp mustard powder; 1 tsp sweet paprika; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp grated nutmeg; ½ tsp pepper; 8 oz (225g) block strong cheddar (or Red Leicester cheese); 2 tbsp full-fat sour cream (or creme fraiche); 3 ½ oz (100g) chorizo sausage (, mild or spicy); fresh breadcrumbs

Super tasty as a side to my Air Fryer Ham Steaks

Mac and cheese is my comfort food sweet spot. Creamy, rich and oh-so-delicious and a firm favorite with the whole family.

Since I am currently so in love with my air frying, I was curious whether you can make mac and cheese in the Air Fryer. The answer? YES YOU CAN! (I sound like Bob the Builder :D)

I experimented with various twists on my usual macaroni recipe and I have finally landed on an easy Air Fryer mac and cheese recipe that’s EASY and doesn’t require you to boil the pasta first.

close up on macaroni and cheese topped with chorizo crumbs

Here’s What You’ll Need

I used my Cosori Air Fryer to test this recipe, making the mac and cheese in a deep 8-inch cake tin. You can use any container that fits into your air fryer model.

Elbow macaroni
Evaporated milk and water
Block cheese such as mature cheddar or Red Leicester
Salt, pepper, paprika, mustard powder, nutmeg
Sour cream or creme fraiche
A little butter, for greasing the pan

Stir in the most of the grated cheese and elbow macaroni.

Place the pan in the Air Fryer and cook for a total of 25-28 minutes, stirring at intervals. I usually stir every seven minutes or so. Add the rest of the cheese and sour cream at the 14 minute mark.

Pan with uncooked macaroni and cheese in an air fryer basket

Check the pasta is cooked through, with a little bite to it. The mac and cheese will still look a little watery at the end of cooking. Cover the pan with a plate and leave to rest for another 7 minutes to allow for the mac and cheese to thicken and become creamy.

stirring macaroni and cheese in an air fryer basket

While the macaroni is resting you can cook some chorizo crumbs (in a liner) in the Air Fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 5-7 minutes or until the chorizo becomes crispy. Drain any oil that is released.
Stir the mac and cheese once more and have a taste so you can adjust the seasoning if needed. Top with the chorizo crumbs and dig in!

Mac and cheese with chorizo in a ceramic pot

Lucy’s Pro Tip

Air Fryer PSA

Air Fryers are all a little bit different so you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly, if you use a different model to mine or even a different pan than the one I tested the recipe on. If the pasta is not cooked to your liking after 25 minutes then add 2-3 minutes to the cooking time until you are happy.

Recipe Tips

• Packaged shredded cheese is coated to prevent it from clumping and can create an odd grainy texture to your mac and cheese.

• The mac and cheese needs to rest before serving as it will become creamier when it cools. Covering the pan keeps the heat in and will continue to soften the pasta so I usually take it out when the macaroni is still al dente.

• Leftovers will keep for up to three days in the fridge. Add a splash of milk when reheating in a saucepan or the microwave.

Serving Suggestions

Air Fryer macaroni and cheese is great on its own, perhaps with a green salad, but will also make a great side dish for: Air Fryer Chicken Goujons, Air Fryer Roast Beef, Air Fryer Turkey, Popcorn Chicken.

You might also like my Crab Mac and Cheese.