Air Fryer Macaroni cheese

Ingredients

Pasta

• 2 cups dry elbow macaroni
  (You may also use cavatappi, shells, or rotini)

Cheese Sauce

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk (warm if possible)
• 1 cup heavy cream (optional but recommended for richness)
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, freshly grated
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Topping

• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese

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Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
2. Add the macaroni and cook it one minute less than the package instructions.
   This is important because the pasta will continue cooking in the air fryer.
3. Drain the pasta well and set it aside.

Tip: Do not rinse the pasta. The starch helps the cheese sauce cling better.

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Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1–2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste.
   This is your roux, which thickens the sauce.
3. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
4. Add the cream (if using) and continue whisking.
5. Cook for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
6. Lower the heat to medium-low.
7. Add the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
8. Add the cheeses gradually, one handful at a time, stirring until fully melted before adding more.

Important: Do not let the sauce boil after adding the cheese, or it may become grainy.

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Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce.
2. Stir gently until every piece of pasta is coated.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

At this stage, the mixture should be very creamy. If it seems thick, add a small splash of milk.

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Step 4: Prepare the Topping

1. In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter.
2. Stir in the parmesan cheese.
3. Set aside.

This topping adds crunch and contrast to the creamy macaroni.

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Step 5: Assemble for the Air Fryer

1. Lightly grease your air fryer–safe baking dish.
2. Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the dish.
3. Spread it evenly using a spoon or spatula.
4. Sprinkle the breadcrumb topping evenly over the surface.

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Step 6: Air Fry the Macaroni and Cheese

1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes.
2. Place the baking dish into the air fryer basket or tray.
3. Cook for 12–15 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
4. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil and continue cooking.

For extra crispiness, you can increase the temperature to 375°F for the final 2 minutes.

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Step 7: Rest and Serve

1. Remove the dish carefully from the air fryer.
2. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
   This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and improves texture.
3. Serve warm.

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Optional Variations

Extra Cheesy Version

• Add an additional 1/2 cup of cheddar or gouda.
• Stir some cheese directly into the topping.

Protein Add-Ins

• Cooked bacon bits
• Shredded rotisserie chicken
• Cooked ground beef or sausage

Vegetable Add-Ins

• Steamed broccoli
• Caramelized onions
• Sautéed mushrooms
• Roasted jalapeños for heat

Stir add-ins into the pasta before air frying