Air fryer cheesy macaroni

Ingredients

For the Macaroni:

• 8 ounces (225g) elbow macaroni (or cavatappi, penne, or shells)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk (warm)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (for an extra velvety texture)
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese , freshly grated (divided)
• 1 cup Gruyère or Gouda cheese , freshly grated (for a rich, nutty depth)
• 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened, helps create a stable, ultra-smooth sauce)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, adds a subtle warmth)
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper , to taste

For the Crunchy Topping:

• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter , melted
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley , finely chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
2. Add the elbow macaroni and cook al dente , according to the package instructions (usually about 7 to 8 minutes). You want the pasta to have a slight bite because it will cook a bit further in the air fryer.
3. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside. Do not rinse , as the residual starch helps the cheese sauce cling to the noodles.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Cheese Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the all-purpose flour continuously for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste, creating a light blonde roux.
3. Gradually pour in the warm whole milk and heavy cream while whisking vigorously to prevent any lumps from forming.
4. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 3 to 4 minutes).
5. Reduce the heat to low. Whisk in the softened cream cheese until completely smooth and melted.
6. Stir in 1 ½ cups of the sharp cheddar cheese and the full cup of Gruyère (or Gouda) until completely melted and luxurious.
7. Season the sauce with the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. Add the cooked macaroni directly into the saucepan with the warm cheese sauce.
2. Stir gently until every single piece of pasta is thoroughly coated in the rich, velvety sauce.

Step 4: Assemble for the Air Fryer

1. Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C).
2. Transfer the cheesy macaroni into an air fryer-safe baking dish (such as a small ceramic or silicone casserole dish that fits comfortably inside your air fryer basket). Alternatively, if your specific air fryer model features a non-stick basket designed for baking, you can lightly grease the basket with cooking spray.
3. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the macaroni.

Step 5: Make the Crunchy Topping

1. In a small mixing bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh parsley. Toss until the breadcrumbs are evenly moistened.
2. Sprinkle this buttery panko mixture evenly over the layer of melted cheese.

Step 6: Air Fry to Golden Perfection

1. Carefully place the baking dish (or prepared basket) into your preheated air fryer.
2. Cook at 360°F (180°C) for 12 to 15 minutes .
3. Check around the 10-minute mark: you are looking for the cheese sauce to be actively bubbling around the edges and the panko topping to turn a deep, golden-brown and extra crispy.
4. Carefully remove the dish from the air fryer using heat-resistant mitts.

Nutrition

Calories: 620 kcal · Protein: 26g · Fat: 38g Saturated Fat: 22g · Carbohydrates: 45g Dietary · Saturated Fat: 22g Cholesterol: 115mg · Fiber: 2g · Sugar: 6g · Sodium: 740mg