Did you know you can make rich, creamy mac and cheese right in your air fryer—without boiling the pasta first?
This recipe is easy, comforting, and made entirely in the air fryer using simple everyday ingredients.
I tested this recipe in a Cosori Air Fryer using a deep 8-inch cake tin, but you can use any oven-safe container that fits your model.
❤️ Why You Will Love This Recipe
- No stovetop needed
- No boiling the macaroni
- Creamy, rich, and family-friendly
- Uses affordable, everyday ingredients
- Easy prep and hands-off cooking
🧾 Ingredients
For the Mac and Cheese
- Cooking spray or melted butter (for greasing the pan)
- 2 cups (250g) elbow macaroni – uncooked
- 14 oz (410g) full-fat evaporated milk
- 1 ⅓ cups (320 ml) water
- 2 tsp mustard powder
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp grated nutmeg
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 8 oz (225g) block strong cheddar or Red Leicester, freshly grated
- 2 tbsp full-fat sour cream or crème fraîche
Optional Toppings
- 3½ oz (100g) chorizo, mild or spicy
- Fresh breadcrumbs (optional)
👩🍳 How to Make Air Fryer Mac and Cheese
1. Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat to 350°F (180°C) for 5 minutes.
2. Prepare the Cheese
Grate the cheese (freshly grated is important for smooth melting).
3. Prepare Your Pan
Grease your deep tin with butter or cooking spray.
4. Add Ingredients
In the pan, combine:
- evaporated milk
- water
- mustard powder
- paprika
- salt
- nutmeg
- pepper
Stir well.
Add:
- 3/4 of the grated cheese
- uncooked macaroni
Stir to coat evenly.
5. Air Fry
Place the pan in the air fryer and cook for 25–28 minutes, stirring every 7 minutes.
At the 14-minute mark, add:
- Remaining cheese
- Sour cream / crème fraîche
Stir again.
6. Check for Doneness
The pasta should be cooked with a slight bite (al dente).
The mixture may look watery, but this is normal.
7. Rest
Cover the pan with a plate.
Let rest 5–7 minutes to thicken and turn creamy.
🔥 Optional: Chorizo Topping
- Remove casing from chorizo. Chop finely or pulse in a mini chopper.
- Air fry in a liner at 400°F (200°C) for 5–7 minutes, until crispy.
- Drain excess oil.
- Sprinkle over the mac and cheese.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve as a main dish or pair with:
- Air Fryer Chicken Goujons
- Air Fryer Roast Beef
- Air Fryer Turkey
- Popcorn Chicken
- Green salad
- Garlic bread
💡 Recipe Tips
- Do not use packaged shredded cheese—it contains anti-caking powder that can make the sauce grainy.
- Resting time is essential—the sauce thickens as it cools.
- If your pasta isn’t done after 25 minutes, add 2–3 extra minutes.
- Every air fryer cooks differently; times may vary.
- Leftovers keep up to 3 days in the fridge. Add a splash of milk when reheating.
🔢 Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 477
- Carbs: 43g
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 709mg
- Potassium: 354mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 8g
- Vitamin A: 786 IU
- Vitamin C: 1 mg
- Calcium: 458 mg
- Iron: 1 mg
