Simple air fryer mac and cheese brings creamy comfort food together with the magic of crispy, golden edges—all in less than 40 minutes. This no-boil recipe uses classic elbow macaroni, melty Velveeta, and sharp cheddar for a smooth, rich cheese sauce that finishes with a perfectly crisp top layer. Whether you’re short on oven space or just craving something quick and indulgent, this air fryer mac and cheese is an easy, family-approved side dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No boiling required – Pasta cooks right in the dish
- Crispy top, creamy center – Best of both worlds
- Quick and easy – Done in under 40 minutes
- Kid-friendly – Velveeta makes it super smooth
- Perfect side dish – Pairs well with BBQ pulled pork, crispy green beans, or classic coleslaw
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1¼ cups half-and-half (or whole milk)
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup cubed Velveeta
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 2 tbsp panko breadcrumbs for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 360°F and preheat for 3–5 minutes while prepping ingredients. - Mix the Base
In a 6-inch round baking dish (or air fryer-safe pan), combine uncooked macaroni, half-and-half, butter, Velveeta, ¾ cup shredded cheddar, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well. - First Bake
Cover the dish tightly with foil and place into the air fryer basket. Cook for 20 minutes. - Stir and Top
Carefully remove the foil. Stir the pasta mixture thoroughly to check doneness (macaroni should be tender). Top with remaining ¾ cup cheddar and optional panko. - Final Crisp
Return to the air fryer uncovered for 5–7 minutes until cheese is melted and golden on top. - Serve Warm
Let rest for 2 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty: Easy
Nutrition Facts (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 425
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 26g
- Carbs: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 640mg
Tips & Variations
- Add mix-ins: Stir in cooked bacon, jalapeños, or diced ham before topping
- Go spicy: Add cayenne or hot sauce for a kick
- Make it smoky: Use smoked gouda or chipotle cheddar
- Use whole milk: If half-and-half isn’t available
- No breadcrumbs? Crushed Ritz or crushed cornflakes work great too
FAQs
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, but block cheese melts more smoothly. Pre-shredded often has anti-caking agents.
Do I need to boil the pasta first?
Nope! It cooks in the half-and-half while air frying.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but make sure your dish fits in the air fryer and stir halfway through cooking.
Does this reheat well?
Yes! Add a splash of milk and reheat in the microwave or air fryer at 300°F for 5 minutes.
Simple Air Fryer Mac and Cheese
Equipment
- Air fryer
- – Air fryer-safe dish (6–7 inch round)
- Mixing spoon
- – Foil
Ingredients
- – 1 cup elbow macaroni uncooked
- – 1¼ cups half-and-half or whole milk
- – 1 tbsp butter
- – 1½ cups shredded cheddar divided
- – 1 cup cubed Velveeta
- – ½ tsp garlic powder
- – ¼ tsp paprika
- – Salt and pepper to taste
- – Optional: 2 tbsp panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 360°F for 3–5 minutes.
- In an air fryer-safe dish, mix macaroni, half-and-half, butter, Velveeta, ¾ cup cheddar, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cover with foil and cook for 20 minutes.
- Stir well, top with remaining cheddar and breadcrumbs.
- Cook uncovered for 5–7 more minutes.
- Let rest 2 minutes and serve warm.
Notes
– Use freshly shredded cheese for best melt
– Pairs perfectly with BBQ, crispy veggies, or slaw
Conclusion
This simple air fryer mac and cheese proves that comfort food doesn’t have to take hours—or a big mess. With its rich, creamy center and crispy top, it’s the perfect side for everything from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts. Add your own twist or keep it classic—either way, it’s going to disappear fast!