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Creamy Air Fryer Mac and Cheese (Easy Comfort Food Recipe)

ByWendy Mallins
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Air Fryer Mac and Cheese is the ultimate quick and easy comfort food! Rich, creamy, super cheesy, and ready in under 20 minutes – this no-fuss recipe is made with simple ingredients and cooked to bubbly perfection in the air fryer.

Why You’ll LOVE This Creamy Air Fryer Mac and Cheese

  • Made from scratch – no weird additives, just delicious homemade goodness.
  • Quick to make – ready in under 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Budget-friendly – low-cost ingredients you can grab at your local shop.
  • Family favourite – even the kids will be asking for seconds!
  • Easily customisable – add your own twist with meat, spice, or extra veg.

If you love cooking with your air fryer, don’t miss our Air Fryer Recipes Hub where you’ll find easy dinners, sides, snacks and desserts all in one place.

Image shows a black ninja airfryer behind a bowl with a tinfoil container with macaroni cheese in with a metal fork inside

Air Fryer Mac And Cheese Recipe

  • Serves – 2
  • Prep Time – 10 Minutes
  • Cook Time – 8 Minutes
  • Total Time – 18 Minutes

Equipment You’ll Need

  • Air Fryer – We use the Ninja Foodi Max Dual Zone Air Fryer, ideal for cooking two things at once!
  • Silicone tongs (for safe tray removal)
  • Saucepan, spoon, grater, foil tray, measuring jug

Grab our full guide to Must-Have Air Fryer Accessories UK

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a few easy ingredients to make this mouthwatering mac and cheese in the air fryer.

Image shows ingredients for mac n cheese, a glass of milk, a bowl of grated cheese, a bowl of macaroni, a plate of flower, a plate of butter, and some spices
  • 1 cup macaroni pasta
  • 2 teaspoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon plain flour
  • 250ml whole milk
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • pinch salt
  • pinch black pepper
  • 1 cup grated cheddar cheese

How to Make Mac and Cheese in the Air Fryer (Step-by-Step)

Image shows Mac and Cheese being mixed together in a pan with a bowl of cheese to the left and a glass of milk
Image shows Mac and Cheese being mixed together in a pan with a bowl of cheese to the left
Image shows Mac and Cheese being mixed together in a pan
Image shows mac n cheese in a tin foil box on a wooden chopping board
Image shows Mac n Cheese cooked in a black air fryer drawer
Image shows Mac n Cheese cooked in a black air fryer drawer

Step 1 – Cook the Pasta

Boil macaroni according to packet instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2 – Make a Quick Cheese Sauce

  • In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  • Stir in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes.
  • Gradually add the milk, whisking until smooth.
  • Bring to a gentle boil to thicken.

Step 3 – Add Cheese & Seasoning

  • Remove the sauce from heat.
  • Stir in ¾ of the grated cheese, paprika, onion and garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 4 – Combine & Transfer

  • Stir the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce.
  • Pour into a foil tray and sprinkle with remaining cheese.

Step 5 – Air Fry

  • Air fry at 200°C (390°F) for 5–8 minutes, or until golden and bubbling.

Step 6 – Serve and Enjoy

  • Carefully remove using tongs.
  • Serve hot with a side salad or garlic bread.

Tasty Variations to Try

  • Spicy Mac & Cheese – Add cayenne, chilli powder, or top with sliced jalapeños.
  • Meaty Mac & Cheese – Mix in bacon, pulled pork, leftover sausages, or BBQ chicken.
  • Gluten-Free Option – Use GF pasta and flour, and always double-check labels.

Storage & Reheating Tips

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
  • Reheat in the air fryer or microwave until piping hot throughout.

Get all Our Air Fryer UK Recipes Here

Top Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Mac and Cheese

  • Use whole milk for extra creaminess.
  • Grate your own cheese for best melt and flavour.
  • Don’t skip the paprika – it gives a subtle smoky depth.

Need Some Family Meal Ideas?

Check out our meal planning here – it’s filled with recipes, meal planning tips and pre-filled printable meal plans weekly or seasonally. We’ve got hundreds of the BEST family recipes and family meal ideas your whole family will LOVE!

Image shows a black ninja airfryer behind a bowl with a tinfoil container with macaroni cheese in with a metal fork inside

Air Fryer Mac And Cheese

Yield: Serves 2
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes

Use the air fryer to make a quick, delicious mac n cheese. Great little side dish alongside some air fried chicken strips.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup macaroni pasta
  • 2 teaspoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon plain flour
  • 250ml whole milk
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • pinch salt
  • pinch black pepper
  • 1 cup grated cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook the macaroni as per the packet instructions, then drain and put to one side. Whilst the macaroini is cooking make the cheese sauce.
  2. Melt the butter in a saucepan over a medium heat on the hob.
  3. Once melted, mix in the tablespoon of flour, and cook for a few minutes over a low heat. Image shows Mac and Cheese being mixed together in a pan with a bowl of cheese to the left and a glass of milk
  4. Then add the milk a little at a time, stirring to make a smooth paste, before adding the next lot of milk. Image shows Mac and Cheese being mixed together in a pan with a bowl of cheese to the left
  5. Bring the milk mixture to the boil so that it thickens.
  6. Then remove from the heat and add in ¾ of the grated cheese, the onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Mix it all together into a delicious cheese sauce. Image shows Mac and Cheese being mixed together in a pan
  7. Then add the cooked macaroni, mix well to coat it all in the cheese sauce.
  8. Tip the mac n cheese into a tin foil tray. Top with the rest of the grated cheese.
  9. Then air fry for on 200C for around 5-8 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and browning on the top. Image shows Mac n Cheese cooked in a black air fryer drawer
  10. Remove carefully using tongs and wear an oven glove.
  11. Then serve.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 458Total Fat: 28gSaturated Fat: 16gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 79mgSodium: 523mgCarbohydrates: 31gFiber: 2gSugar: 7gProtein: 21g

Nutritional content will vary depending on the exact ingredients you use and how careful you are with measuring - this nutritional information is given as a general guide only and may not be accurate - you should always calculate your own nutritional information especially if you have specific dietary requirements.

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© wendy
Cuisine: British / Category: Dinner

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have to pre-cook pasta before air frying mac and cheese?

Yes, for the best texture, cook the macaroni first before mixing it with the cheese sauce and finishing it off in the air fryer. This ensures the pasta is perfectly tender.

Can I make mac and cheese in the air fryer without boiling the pasta?

While some no-boil recipes exist, we recommend boiling the pasta first for this recipe to get the creamiest and most consistent results.

Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?

Absolutely! While mature cheddar gives a strong flavour, you can mix in mozzarella, Red Leicester, or a handful of Parmesan for extra richness.

How do I store and reheat leftover air fryer mac and cheese?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or air fryer until hot all the way through, adding a splash of milk if it’s looking dry.

Can I make this gluten free?

es! Just swap in gluten-free pasta and gluten-free plain flour. Also, be sure to check all seasoning blends and cheese labels for hidden gluten.

What’s the best tray to use for air fryer mac and cheese?

We recommend using foil trays that fit your air fryer basket. They help contain the cheese sauce and make clean-up super easy.

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Wendy is the creator of Daisies & Pie, a UK food blog sharing easy meals and home lifestyle tips since 2012