Air Fryer Macaroni cheese

Macaroni and cheese is a beloved comfort food that brings back memories of childhood and family gatherings. It’s a dish that is loved by both kids and adults alike. But have you ever tried making macaroni and cheese in an air fryer? If not, you’re in for a treat! In this blog post, we’ll explore the wonderful world of air fryer macaroni cheese and discover how this cooking method can elevate this classic dish to a whole new level of deliciousness.

The Magic of Air Fryer Cooking

Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. These countertop appliances use hot air circulation to cook food, resulting in crispy and evenly cooked dishes without the need for excessive oil. The air fryer’s ability to create a golden and crispy crust is what makes it perfect for making macaroni and cheese. Traditional macaroni and cheese recipes often call for baking in the oven, which can sometimes result in a dry or overcooked dish. The air fryer, on the other hand, cooks the macaroni and cheese quickly and evenly, ensuring that each bite is creamy and flavorful.

A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Recipe

Now that we understand the magic of air fryer cooking, let’s dive into the ingredients and steps needed to create a mouthwatering air fryer macaroni cheese. This recipe takes the classic macaroni and cheese and adds a few flavorful twists to make it truly irresistible. The star of this dish is, of course, the macaroni. Use 1 ½ cups of elbow macaroni for the perfect bite-sized pasta. The cheese is where the magic happens – 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese adds a rich and tangy flavor to the dish. To enhance the flavors even further, we’ll add 1 teaspoon of dry mustard, ½ teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder. These spices will give the macaroni and cheese a delightful kick. Now, let’s talk about the secret ingredients that take this dish to the next level – 1 cup of milk and ½ cup of heavy cream. These dairy products create a creamy and luscious texture that will have you coming back for seconds.

Preparing and Cooking the Air Fryer Macaroni Cheese

Before we start cooking, preheat the air fryer to 350°F if required by your model. This will ensure that the macaroni and cheese cooks evenly and to perfection. In a mixing bowl, stir together the macaroni, shredded cheese, dry mustard, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. The combination of these ingredients will create a flavorful base for the dish. Once everything is well combined, pour the mixture into the air fryer pan. Now, it’s time to add the liquid ingredients. Pour in the milk and heavy cream, making sure that all the pasta is fully covered. This will ensure that each bite is creamy and delicious. Set the air fryer to cook for 20 minutes. Halfway through the cook time, remove the pan from the air fryer and give the ingredients a good stir. This will help to distribute the heat evenly and prevent any clumps from forming. When there is 1 minute left on the timer, remove the pan once again and top the macaroni and cheese with additional cheese, if desired. This step adds an extra layer of cheesy goodness to the dish. Place the pan back in the air fryer and cook for an additional minute to melt the cheese on top.

Enjoying Your Air Fryer Macaroni Cheese

Once the cooking time is complete, remove the pan from the air fryer and let it cool for a few minutes. The macaroni and cheese will be piping hot and ready to be enjoyed. Serve the air fryer macaroni cheese as a main course or as a side dish alongside your favorite protein. The creamy and cheesy goodness of this dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables. So, the next time you’re craving macaroni and cheese, give this air fryer recipe a try. The crispy and golden crust, combined with the creamy and flavorful interior, will make this dish a new family favorite. Get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with air fryer macaroni cheese!

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 ½ cup elbow macaroni
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 cup milk (room temperature)
• ½ cup heavy cream (room temperature)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F if required by your model.
2. Stir together the macaroni, shredded cheese, dry mustard, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Pour the ingredients in the air fryer pan and top with milk and heavy cream. Make sure all the pasta is fullycovered by the milk.
4. Set the air fryer to cook for 20 minutes. Halfway through the cook time, remove the pan from the air fryer and stir the ingredients.
5. When 1 minute is left, remove the pan and top with additional cheese, if desired.
6. Cook for additional minute to melt the cheese on top.