Air Fryer Macaroni and Cheese Muffins

Air Fryer Macaroni and Cheese Muffins turn classic mac and cheese into perfectly portioned, crispy-on-the-outside, gooey-on-the-inside bites made in minutes. These cheesy muffins are an easy snack, kid-friendly lunch, or crowd-pleasing appetizer that disappears fast.

Air Fryer Macaroni and Cheese Muffins are the ultimate bite-sized comfort food upgrade.

They take everything you love about rich, creamy mac and cheese and turn it into handheld, golden little bundles with lightly crisp edges and a melty center.

Perfect for lunchboxes, party trays, after-school snacking, or a quick side dish that feels a little more fun than the usual scoop of mac, these muffins cook up fast in the air fryer and require minimal effort.

If you’ve got leftover mac and cheese (or a fresh batch), you’re already halfway there to cheesy bliss.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Crispy outside, gooey inside: The edges get golden and slightly crunchy while the center stays melty and cheesy (the best combo, honestly).
• Perfect for leftovers: Got extra mac and cheese? This is its glow-up moment.
• Portion-controlled and mess-free: Individual muffins = no sloppy scooping and way less chaos.
• Air fryer magic = fast cooking: No waiting on the oven to preheat like it’s on vacation.
• Kid-approved (and adult-obsessed): Basically a cheesy snack disguised as a side dish.

Ingredients Needed

• Macaroni and Cheese: You can use either homemade, frozen macaroni and cheese (heated and then cooled down) or even store-bought macaroni and cheese. The key is to make it cold when you start.
• Bread Crumbs: A great time to use gluten-free, or even homemade bread crumbs. You can either use seasoned or unseasoned.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Freshly grated works better here since the store-bought (package) cheese has cellulose, which causes it not to melt like fresh grated. And for macaroni and cheese, you want melted cheese!
• Egg: If you want to do this dairy-free (or egg-free), you can use the alternatives, such as tofu, applesauce, or even mashed banana.

How To Make Air Fryer Macaroni and Cheese Muffins

Step One: In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well. 

Step Two: Spray the muffin tin with cooking spray. Then, spoon the mac n cheese mixture into a prepared muffin tin.

Step Three: Set the pan into the air fryer basket, and set the air fryer temperature to 320 degrees F, air fryer setting, and set cook time for 5 8 minutes, or until the macaroni and cheese is bubbling.

Step Four: Top each muffin with additional shredded cheese. Air fry for another 2-3 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese melted.

Air Fryer Macaroni and Cheese Muffins Recipe Tips

• Use a Non-Stick Muffin Tin: Prevents sticking and makes removing the muffins easier.
• Don’t Overfill: Fill each muffin cup about ¾ full to allow room for slight expansion while cooking.
• Mix Cheese Well: Ensure cheese is evenly distributed for consistent flavor in every bite.
• Add Toppings: Sprinkle extra shredded cheese, breadcrumbs, or herbs on top before air frying for a crispy, golden finish.
• Check Doneness Early: Cooking times can vary by air fryer model; start checking a minute or two before the recommended time to avoid overcooking.

Storing Instructions

• Storing: Allow the muffins to cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days.
• Freezing: Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: To reheat from the fridge, place muffins in the air fryer at 320°F for 3–5 minutes until warmed through. To reheat from frozen, unwrap and air fry at 320°F for 8–10 minutes until hot and slightly crispy on top.

Air Fryer Macaroni and Cheese Muffins Recipe Faqs

Why is the air fryer method better for these? The air fryer’s rapid, circulating heat is perfect for creating a crispy, golden-brown crust on the outside of the muffin while keeping the interior mac and cheese warm and gooey, much faster than a conventional oven.

What kind of muffin liners or pan should I use? You must use silicone muffin cups or small ramekins that fit inside your air fryer basket. Do not use paper liners, as they can burn or fly around due to the air circulation.

Do I need to bind the mac and cheese with egg? Yes, mixing the mac and cheese with at least one egg is crucial. The egg acts as a binder, helping the mac and cheese hold its muffin shape and preventing it from crumbling when removed from the mold.

Can I use leftover mac and cheese? Absolutely! Leftover mac and cheese works perfectly. You may need to reheat it slightly and then stir in a fresh egg and any extra milk or cheese needed to achieve a scoopable, sticky consistency.

How do I prevent the tops from burning? If the tops are browning too quickly, place a small, thin piece of aluminum foil loosely over the tops of the muffins for the remainder of the cooking time to shield them from the direct heat.

How do I know when they are done? The muffins are done when the tops and sides are firm, golden brown, and the internal mac and cheese is hot and bubbling. They should hold their shape when gently touched.

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