• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Fork To Spoon

Fork To Spoon

Your Guide for Everything Air Fryer and Instant Pot

  • Home
  • Instant Pot
    • Appetizers
    • Beef
    • Beverages
    • Baked Goods
    • Breakfast
    • Cakes
    • Chicken
    • Dips
    • Eggs
    • Jams
    • Oatmeal
    • Muffins
    • Pork
    • Potatoes
    • Rice
    • Seafood
    • Vegetables
  • Air Fryer
    • Charts & Tips
    • Air Fryer Vegetables
    • Appetizers
    • Baked Goods
    • Beef
    • Bread
    • Breakfast
    • Cakes
    • Chicken
    • Cookies
    • Donuts
    • Keto
    • Muffins
    • Pasta
    • Pastry
    • Pie
    • Pizza
    • Seafood
    • Sandwiches
    • Vegetables
  • Homemade Pantry
  • Shop
  • About
Home » Blog

Air Fryer Mac and Cheese

By Laurie
FacebookTweetPin
Jump to RecipeLeave a Review
Air Fryer Macaroni & Cheese

This Air Fryer Mac and Cheese is creamy, comforting, and incredibly cheesy. This spin on TikTok mac and cheese is faster and easier!

cooked air fryer mac and cheese in pan

There is nothing better for lunch or dinner than a comforting bowl of Homemade Creamy Mac and Cheese, perfectly cooked in the Air Fryer!

If you watch anything on TikTok, you are probably familiar with the viral TikTok mac and cheese videos! Essentially, you put dried pasta and the rest of your ingredients in the casserole dish and bake. Then the result is incredibly cheesy mac and cheese.

Well…I have taken it to a whole new level. Air fryer mac and cheese is made with same concepts as the TikTok mac and cheese, but it’s a whole lot faster.

While you are at it, be sure to try my Copycat Recipe for Kraft Mac & Cheese, made in the Instant Pot.

If you are looking for even more easy Air Fryer Side Dish Recipes, some of my favorites are AIR FRYER WEIGHT WATCHERS RED POTATO RECIPE, LOADED NINJA FOODI POTATOES, AIR FRYER GARLIC BUTTER HASSELBACK POTATOES, and AIR FRYER SPICY FRENCH FRIES.

See our video on another great Air Fryer Cheese recipe!

Air Fryer Mac and Cheese

Air Fryer Mac and Cheese is a dish that can be served as a side or the entire meal if you want something quick to put together. It’s perfect for those days when you don’t want to spend hours slaving over an elaborate recipe.

The best part about Air Fryer Macaroni and Cheese? You only need one pan! Combine all ingredients in a baking pan, just like the TikTok mac and cheese recipe! The tasty mac and cheese with heavy cream doesn’t take long at all–You don’t even need to cook the pasta beforehand!

Why You’ll Love This Mac and Cheese Air Fryer Recipe

  • 30 minute dish!
  • Minimal prep time
  • Kids and adults will devour it
  • Great for entertaining
  • Comforting
  • Delicious
ingredients for tiktok mac and cheese

Ingredients Needed For Homemade Creamy Mac and Cheese

  • Elbow Macaroni
  • Water
  • Heavy Cream
  • Sharp Cheddar cheese
  • Dry Mustard
  • Salt
  • Black Pepper
  • Garlic Powder

How To Make Air Fryer Mac and Cheese

For the full recipe, make sure you scroll down to the recipe card below, but here is a brief overview of how to make this mac and cheese air fryer recipe.

uncooked ingredients for homemade creamy mac and cheese in pan

Step 1: Combine ingredients

In a large bowl, mix the macaroni, water, heavy cream, about 3/4 of the cheese, dry mustard, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well to combine.

Step 2: Air Fry

Pour the mixture into an air-fryer-safe pan. Set the pan into the air fryer, set the temperature to 360 degrees F, air fryer setting, for 15-20 minutes.

Step 3: Stir, cool & serve

When the macaroni and cheese are about halfway done cooking, stir in the rest of the cheese.

Remove and let cool, slightly before serving.

mac and cheese with heavy cream in a pan

Pro Tips:

  • Use your favorite cheese. I used shredded sharp cheese, you can really use any of your favorite cheese. Colby Jack, American, and Gouda are a few ideas to consider.
  • Don’t forget to stir. Stir a few times during the cooking process, so that everything cooks up evenly.
  • Don’t add all the cheese too early. Adding cheese, when it’s halfway done really creates the best homemade creamy mac and cheese. Feel free to sprinkle some on top too!
  • This recipe will work in any air fryer. I have made this mac and cheese air fryer recipe in my Instant Pot Vortex, Ninja Foodi, and Instant Pot Crisp Lid. The timing will be about 2 to 3 minutes different.

Pasta Options For Mac and Cheese with Heavy Cream:

There are endless possibilities when it comes to pasta for TikTok mac and cheese. You can use virtually any type of pasta you like, from traditional elbow macaroni to fun-shaped pasta like wagon wheels or stars.

Recipe Variations:

While everyone loves a classic recipe for Macaroni and Cheese, there are many ways to spice it up. Here are some of my family’s favorites:

  • Sliced Hot Dogs
  • Can of Tuna
  • Cup of Fresh or Frozen Peas
  • Diced Cooked Ham
  • Crispy Bacon

Storage and Reheating:

If you have any leftover mac and cheese with heavy cream, let the pasta cool to room temperature and then place it into an airtight container. It will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

You can either reheat the leftovers in the microwave or air fryer. Heat until warmed through.

baked air fryer mac and cheese in pan

FAQs

Can you cook frozen mac and cheese in an air fryer?

This is one of the most requested questions, and the good news is that you can cook frozen macaroni and cheese in the Air Fryer.

To Do It Correctly: Remove the frozen pasta from the packaging, and put it in an air fryer safe pan, and heat at 300 degrees F. Cook for about 3 to 5 minutes, mix well and continue to cook and stir until fully cooked.

Can I Use Pre-Shredded Cheese?

Yes, and no! If you want the ultimate homemade creamy mac and cheese, then shredding it yourself is the way to go. In a pinch, you can use bagged cheese, but it’s not going to be the same results.

I get that it can be hard to find the time or motivation to shred cheese when you’re cooking every day.

I tend to freshly grate my cheese because the pre-shredded cheese is coated with cellulose, which keeps the cheese from clumping when in the bags at the grocery store. So, while it’s convenient, you will not get the same melted flavor as freshly grated cheese.

What Is The Best Cheese For Mac and Cheese?

Some great cheese options are Gouda, Brie, Feta, Shredded Mozzarella, Gruyere, Fontina, and Asiago Cheese! Find a cheese that you love eating, and it will elevate your homemade creamy mac and cheese!

What do I serve with this Air Fryer Mac and Cheese?

You can serve this with anything from a garden salad to a hot cup of soup. Try it with some juicy air fryer steak bites, or some tasty air fryer garlic parmesan chicken legs!

More Air Fryer Side Dishes:

  • AIR FRYER SWEET POTATO CHIPS
  • AIR FRYER SYRACUSE SALTED POTATOES
  • BREAKFAST POTATOES IN THE AIR FRYER
  • AIR FRYER LOADED POTATO SKINS
  • AIR FRYER CHEESY HASSELBACK POTATOES
3.64 from 11 votes
Print
Air Fryer Macaroni & Cheese
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
30 mins
 

his Air Fryer Mac and Cheese is creamy, comforting, and incredibly cheesy. This spin on TikTok mac and cheese is faster and easier!

Course: Appetizer, Lunch, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Air Fryer Macaroni and Cheese, Air Fryer Side Dish
Servings: 4 Servings
Calories: 481 kcal
Author: ForkToSpoon.com
Ingredients
  • 1 1/2 cup dry elbow or small macaroni (uncooked)
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
  1. In a large bowl, mix the macaroni, water, heavy cream, about 3/4 of the cheese, dry mustard, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well to combine.

  2. Pour the mixture into an air-fryer-safe pan. Set the pan into the air fryer, set the temperature to 360 degrees F, air fryer setting, for 15-20 minutes.

  3. When the macaroni and cheese is about halfway done cooking, stir in the rest of the cheese.

  4. Remove and let cool, slightly before serving.

  5. Plate, serve and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts
Air Fryer Macaroni & Cheese
Amount Per Serving (1 g)
Calories 481 Calories from Fat 279
% Daily Value*
Fat 31g48%
Saturated Fat 19g119%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 9g
Cholesterol 100mg33%
Sodium 660mg29%
Potassium 176mg5%
Carbohydrates 31g10%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 20g40%
Vitamin A 1006IU20%
Vitamin C 1mg1%
Calcium 441mg44%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Don’t Forget To Pin:

Air Fryer Macaroni & Cheese

Share this:

  • Share
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Email
  • Reddit
  • Tumblr
Try these other recipes
Air Fryer Chile Lime Pork ChopAir Fryer Chile Lime Pork Chop
Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp ToastAir Fryer Frozen Shrimp Toast
Air Fryer Frozen CarrotsAir Fryer Frozen Carrots
Copycat Texas Roadhouse ButterCopycat Texas Roadhouse Butter

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Hello, I’m Laurie!

I’m a mom and a wife who loves to cook. I love to share what I learn. I work hard on using my appliances, Air Fryer and Instant Pot, to make my life easier, and hopefully, in return, your lives easier.

Learn More »

Let's Connect


Facebook Instagram Pinterest Twitter YouTube TikTok Email

Never Miss a Single Recipe

Receive healthy recipes in your inbox!

More cooking Recipes
Air Fryer Steak Bites Wrapped In BaconAir Fryer Steak Bites Wrapped In Bacon
Cheesecake Factory Fried Macaroni & CheeseAir Fryer Cheesecake Factory Fried Macaroni & Cheese
Pretzel Cheese DipPretzel Cheese Dip
Air Fryer Butterfly ShrimpAir Fryer Butterfly Shrimp

Quick Links

  • Recipe Index
  • Cookbook
  • Appetizers
  • Beef
  • Pork
  • Top

The Latest

  • Air Fryer Mummy Pizza
  • Air Fryer Steak Bites Wrapped In Bacon
  • Air Fryer Chicken Fajita Burritos
  • Air Fryer Dark Halloween Cookies


Facebook


Instagram


Pinterest


Twitter


YouTube


TikTok


Email

Subscribe!

Make sure you never miss a recipe!



© 2022 FORK TO SPOON · PRIVACY POLICY · SITE BY MEYNE