Air Fryer Mac n Cheese
Creamy American pasta in a thick cheddar sauce with a crispy top of grated cheese and butter-toasted breadcrumbs. Ready in the air fryer in under half an hour and perfect as comfort food or a main course.
Equipment
- 1 Air fryer
- 1 Ovnfast form (passer i airfryeren)
- 1 Pot For the cheese sauce
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Grater For the cheese
Ingredients
Pasta and cheese sauce
- 400 g macaroni
- 50 g butter
- 40 g plain flour
- 600 ml milk Whole milk for a creamy result
- 250 g cheddar Grated
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp salt- 0.5 tsp black pepper Freshly ground
Topping
- 100 g cheddar Grated, for the top
- 50 g panko Or regular breadcrumbs
- 20 g butter Melted
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the air fryer to 180 °C (fan).
- Cook the 400 g macaroni in lightly salted water according to the package instructions, but 1-2 minutes less than stated, so the pasta is al dente. Drain and set the pasta aside.
Cheese sauce
- Melt the 50 g butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the 40 g plain flour and let the roux bubble for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Pour in the 600 ml milk a little at a time while whisking, so the sauce becomes completely smooth. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, until it thickens.
- Take the saucepan off the heat. Stir in the 250 g cheddar a little at a time along with the 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp salt and 0.5 tsp black pepper, until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Fold the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, so every piece is coated.
Cooking in the air fryer
- Pour the pasta mixture into an ovenproof dish that fits in your air fryer.
- Sprinkle the 100 g cheddar evenly over the pasta. Mix the 50 g panko with the 20 g butter in a small bowl and spread the topping on top.
- Place the dish in the air fryer at 180 °C for 10-12 minutes, until the top is golden and crispy. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes, so the breadcrumbs don't burn.
Serving
- Take the dish out and let it rest for 2-3 minutes, so the sauce sets slightly. Serve immediately while it's creamy and hot.
Notes
Tips for the perfect result:
Cook the pasta a couple of minutes less than the package instructions. It finishes cooking in the air fryer and turns out perfectly al dente, whereas it would otherwise risk becoming a little too soft. Use real block cheddar (not pre-grated) and grate it yourself — it gives a better melt and a creamier sauce. Variation:
Add crispy fried bacon, cooked peas, fried onions or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for extra depth. A blend of cheddar and gruyère or mozzarella lifts the dish with a more complex cheese profile. Serving:
Serve with a fresh green salad and a slice of toasted bread. Mac n cheese also works as a hearty side for grilled chicken, pulled pork or a good steak. Portion size:
If your air fryer is smaller, you can split the dish into two portions and cook them separately — the topping turns out just as crispy.
Cook the pasta a couple of minutes less than the package instructions. It finishes cooking in the air fryer and turns out perfectly al dente, whereas it would otherwise risk becoming a little too soft. Use real block cheddar (not pre-grated) and grate it yourself — it gives a better melt and a creamier sauce. Variation:
Add crispy fried bacon, cooked peas, fried onions or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for extra depth. A blend of cheddar and gruyère or mozzarella lifts the dish with a more complex cheese profile. Serving:
Serve with a fresh green salad and a slice of toasted bread. Mac n cheese also works as a hearty side for grilled chicken, pulled pork or a good steak. Portion size:
If your air fryer is smaller, you can split the dish into two portions and cook them separately — the topping turns out just as crispy.
Nutrition
Calories: 720kcalCarbohydrates: 75gProtein: 30gFat: 36gSaturated fat: 21gPolyunsaturated fat: 2gMonounsaturated fat: 10gTrans fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 1200mgPotassium: 340mgFiber: 3gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 900IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 600mgIron: 3mgNet carbohydrates: 72g
