Air Fryer Mac and Cheese with Panko Crust
Creamy, one-dish mac and cheese cooked entirely in the air fryer with minimal hands-on time. Mild cheddar and Parmesan create a rich, smooth sauce while chicken broth keeps the pasta tender and prevents drying. A panko-Parmesan topping adds textural contrast and golden finish. Perfect weeknight comfort food for families seeking quick, foolproof pasta dishes without stovetop monitoring.
Ingredients
- 2 cup dry macaroni
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 ½ cup mild cheddar cheese, gratedsharp cheddar1:1dairyflavor
stronger cheese taste
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- 1
Combine macaroni, chicken broth, cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup Parmesan, salt, heavy cream, and butter in an ovenproof dish and mix well.
- 2
Transfer dish to air fryer and cook at 350F.
- 3
Stir after 10 minutes of cooking.
- 4
Mix panko breadcrumbs with remaining 1 tablespoon Parmesan in a small bowl.
- 5
Remove dish from air fryer after 20 minutes, top with panko mixture.
- 6
Return to air fryer and cook at 400F for 5 minutes until golden.
- 7
Remove and serve.
Tips
Air fryer sizes vary; if dish doesn't fit, use smaller ovenproof vessel or split recipe between two dishes.
Stir at 10-minute mark ensures even cooking and prevents edges from drying before pasta fully softens.
Reserve panko topping until final 5 minutes so breadcrumbs stay crisp rather than absorbing moisture.
Good to Know
Transfer cooled mac and cheese to airtight container; refrigerate up to 3 days.
Prepare mixture in ovenproof dish up to 4 hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Add 2-3 minutes to initial cook time if starting cold. Prepare panko topping separately and add just before final cooking.
Serve immediately while panko crust is hot and crispy. Pairs with simple green salad or steamed vegetables.
Common Mistakes
Skip stirring at 10 minutes to avoid edges drying while center remains undercooked.
Don't add panko topping too early to avoid soggy breadcrumbs.
Don't overcrowd air fryer basket; use appropriately sized ovenproof dish to allow heat circulation.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Gluten-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I make this ahead?
Yes. Mix all ingredients except panko topping in the ovenproof dish, cover, and refrigerate up to 4 hours. Add 2-3 minutes to the initial cook time. Prepare panko mixture separately and add just before the final 5-minute crisping stage.
What if my air fryer is smaller and the dish doesn't fit?
Divide the recipe between two smaller ovenproof dishes or use a narrower vessel. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on air fryer model; check at 18 minutes for doneness.
How long does it keep, and can I freeze it?
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freezing is not recommended as the creamy sauce and pasta texture degrade significantly upon thawing.