Air fryer mac and cheese recipe is the 'ultimate comfort food dish' with a crisp topping

Air fryer mac and cheese is one of the quickest and easiest ways to enjoy this deliciously cheesy and indulgent dish. It has everything you want from a classic mac and cheese: a rich, cheesy sauce and a crisp, golden topping. And using the air fryer is not just about convenience, as it helps develop that golden brown exterior even better.

Sharing this recipe, Good Food said: "Use your air fryer to make a classic mac and cheese - the ultimate comfort food dish. Cooking it in an air fryer creates a lovely crisp topping." When prepared as per the instructions, this dish serves two to three and cooks in just 30 to 40 minutes.

How to make mac and cheese in the air fryer

Ingredients

• 250g macaroni
• 300ml whole milk
• 30g butter
• 30g plain flour
• 65g mature cheddar, grated
• One tsp English mustard
• 30g panko breadcrumbs

Method

Boil the macaroni according to the package directions, then drain thoroughly and leave it to one side.

Gently heat the milk in a microwave-safe jug or a small pan until it begins to steam. In a separate small pan set over low heat, melt the butter.

Once melted, add the plain flour, stirring until fully blended, and cook for one minute. Slowly add the warm milk while whisking constantly, ensuring a smooth and glossy mixture forms.

Allow the sauce to come to a gentle boil, then continue cooking for one more minute before removing it from the heat.

Mix in the mustard and all but a small portion of the grated cheddar, stirring until the cheese is completely melted.

Transfer the cooked pasta into an ovenproof dish suitable for use in an air fryer. Pour over the cheese sauce and stir lightly so the pasta is evenly coated.

Mix the remaining cheddar with the breadcrumbs and sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top. Cook in the air fryer at 180C for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and the sauce is visibly bubbling.