If you thought mac and cheese couldn’t get any better, wait until you try it baked in an air fryer! My Air Fryer Mac and Cheese comes out creamy, cheesy, and golden on top with just the right amount of crispy edges. Using the Blackstone Pizza Oven/Air Fryer gives this comfort food classic an extra layer of convenience and flavor you’ll love.
If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food, this Baked Air Fryer Mac and Cheese delivers creamy, cheesy goodness with a golden top and crispy brown edges. Made in the Blackstone Pizza Oven/Air Fryer, this dish is quick, easy, and packed with nostalgic flavor.
This recipe is extra special to me—it’s a recreation of my mom’s famous macaroni and cheese. When she passed away, many of her recipes were lost because she never wrote them down.
I’ve worked hard to bring this one back to life, and I’m so excited to share it with you. Every bite takes me right back to her kitchen, and I hope it will bring warmth to your family table too.
This recipe uses a blend of three cheeses plus Velveeta and American slices to create the creamiest, richest mac and cheese ever. The air fryer bakes it to perfection without heating up the whole kitchen.
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Mac and Cheese Ingredients
- Elbow Macaroni Noodles (dry)
- Colby Jack cheese, freshly shredded
- Gouda cheese, shredded
- Sharp Yellow Cheddar, freshly shredded
- Velveeta cheese, cubed
- Evaporated Canned Milk
- Butter, cut into pats
- American Cheese, slices
- Salt
- Pepper
How to Make Air Fryer Mac and Cheese
Cook the Pasta: Cook elbow macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
Prepare the Baking Dish: Spray a baking dish (that fits inside your air fryer) with cooking spray. If you can’t find a pan that fits, you can use a paper liner instead.
Prep the Cheeses: Grate the Colby Jack, Gouda, and sharp cheddar. Cube the Velveeta into small pieces.
Start the Base Layer: Pour ½ cup of evaporated milk into the bottom of the baking dish and add a couple pats of butter.
Mix the Mac and Cheese: In a large bowl, combine the cooked noodles, shredded cheeses, cubed Velveeta, the remaining evaporated milk, salt, and pepper. Mix well until evenly coated.
Assemble the Layers: Spread half of the noodle mixture into the baking dish. Lay 4 slices of American cheese over the top. Add the remaining noodle mixture in an even layer.
Finish the Topping: Dot the top with the rest of the butter pats and finish with the last 4 slices of American cheese.
How to Bake Mac and Cheese in an Air Fryer
Preheat your Blackstone Pizza Oven/Air Fryer to 350°F on the Bake/Oven setting. Once preheated, place your pan of mac and cheese inside and bake for 20 minutes.
Carefully stir the mixture, scraping the sides of the dish. Continue baking for another 25 minutes, or until the mac and cheese is bubbling around the edges and lightly golden on top.
How Long to Cook Mac and Cheese in Air Fryer
At 350°F, this dish takes about 45 minutes total. Look for bubbling edges and bits of golden brown on top—that’s when you know it’s done. The center won’t be bubbling like soup, but the creamy interior will be hot and cheesy. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Reheat Leftover Mac and Cheese in Air Fryer
Got leftovers? No problem. To reheat mac and cheese in your air fryer, preheat to 300°F. Place a portion in an oven-safe dish and cover lightly with foil to prevent drying. Heat for about 5–7 minutes (longer if reheating a large pan) until hot and creamy again.
What to Serve with Baked Mac and Cheese in Air Fryer
This cheesy comfort dish is so versatile—it pairs perfectly with:
- Grilled chicken, pork chops, or steak from the griddle
- A crisp green salad
- Smokeded or griddled vegetables like asparagus or broccoli
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls
Whether served as a side dish or the star of the meal, this Air Fryer Mac and Cheese is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! The air fryer is basically a mini convection oven, which makes it perfect for baking casseroles like macaroni and cheese. The circulating heat cooks the pasta evenly while giving the top layer a slightly crispy, golden finish without drying it out.
Yes! You can swap out or mix in different cheeses depending on your taste. Creamy, meltable cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Havarti, or Fontina work beautifully. These give your mac and cheese a smooth, gooey texture. Avoid cheeses that don’t melt well (like feta, queso fresco, or hard-aged cheeses such as Parmesan alone). You can, however, sprinkle Parmesan or Romano on top for extra flavor.
You can prepare the noodle and cheese mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to cook, just place the dish into your preheated Air Fryer. Keep in mind it may take an extra 5–10 minutes to heat through if starting cold.
Absolutely. Once baked, allow the mac and cheese to cool completely. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then warm in the Air Fryer at 325°F until hot and bubbly.
Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Recipe
This baked air fryer mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and loaded with layers of melty cheese! Made in the Blackstone Pizza Oven/Air Fryer, this dish recreates my mom’s famous mac and cheese recipe that was sadly lost when she passed away. With a perfect blend of Colby Jack, Gouda, sharp cheddar, Velveeta, and American cheese, every bite is gooey and flavorful.
Ingredients
- Elbow Macaroni Noodles (dry) 1 pound
- Colby Jack cheese, freshly shredded 8 ounces
- Gouda cheese, shredded 8 ounces
- Extra Sharp Yellow Cheddar, freshly shredded 8 ounces
- Velveeta cheese, cubed 4 ounces
- Evaporated Canned Milk 12 ounces
- Butter, cut into pats 1/4 cup
- American cheese 8 slices
- Salt 1 teaspoon
- Pepper 1 teaspoon
Instructions
How to Make Air Fryer Mac and Cheese
- Cook the Pasta – Prepare elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Prepare the Dish – Spray a baking pan (small enough to fit inside your air fryer) with cooking spray. If you don’t have one that fits, a paper liner can be used instead.
- Prep the Cheeses – Grate the Colby Jack, Gouda, and sharp cheddar. Cut the Velveeta into small cubes.
- Start the Base Layer – Pour ½ cup evaporated milk into the bottom of the baking dish and add a few pats of butter.
- Mix the Mac and Cheese – In a large bowl, combine the cooked noodles, shredded cheeses, cubed Velveeta, the rest of the evaporated milk, salt, and pepper. Stir until the pasta is well coated.
- Assemble the Layers – Spread half the noodle mixture into the prepared dish. Top with 4 slices of American cheese. Add the remaining noodle mixture in an even layer.
- Finish the Topping – Dot the top with the remaining butter and place the last 4 slices of American cheese on top.
How to Bake Mac and Cheese in an Air Fryer
- Preheat the Air Fryer – Set your Blackstone Pizza Oven/Air Fryer to 350°F on the Bake/Oven setting. Allow it to preheat fully.
- Start Baking – Place the prepared pan of mac and cheese into the air fryer and bake for 20 minutes.
- Stir and Continue Cooking – Carefully stir the mixture, scraping down the sides of the dish. Return to the air fryer and bake for another 25 minutes.
- Check for Doneness – The mac and cheese is ready when it’s bubbling around the edges and lightly golden on top.
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 607Total Fat 43gSaturated Fat 25gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 13gCholesterol 128mgSodium 1345mgCarbohydrates 25gFiber 1gSugar 5gProtein 30g
Note: For exact nutritional information, consult your dietitian. All nutritional information is simply a guideline.
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