Can you put mac and cheese in an air fryer?

Absolutely! You can put mac and cheese in an air fryer, and it’s a game-changer. Whether you're working with freshly made macaroni or leftovers, the air fryer gives your cheesy pasta a crispy topping and reheats it evenly without drying it out. It's one of the easiest mac and cheese hacks to upgrade a classic dish into something TikTok-worthy.

How do you reheat mac and cheese in an air fryer?

To reheat mac and cheese in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Place the mac and cheese in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil to prevent drying, and heat it for 6–8 minutes. For a crispy cheese topping, uncover it during the last 2 minutes. This method retains the creamy texture while giving it that viral crispy air fried mac crunch.

What cheese works best for air fryer mac and cheese?

The best cheeses for air fryer mac and cheese are cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, and parmesan. Sharp cheddar brings bold flavor, mozzarella adds stretchiness, and parmesan gives a crispy crust when air-fried. For a rich, creamy consistency with a crunchy cheese topping , try mixing a few cheeses together for that creamy macaroni TikTok style

Can you make frozen mac and cheese in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen mac and cheese in an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 370°F, place the frozen mac in a heatproof dish or foil container, and cook for 15–20 minutes. Stir halfway through for even cooking. You’ll be surprised how a frozen dish can become a cheesy viral air fryer recipe with minimal effort.

How long do you cook mac and cheese in an air fryer?

It typically takes about 10–15 minutes to cook mac and cheese in an air fryer at 350°F, depending on your recipe and the container used. For air fryer pasta recipes using homemade or leftover mac and cheese, the timing varies between 6 and 12 minutes. Add a few more minutes for a golden, crunchy finish.

Is air fryer mac and cheese better than baked?

That depends on your taste, but many prefer air fryer mac and cheese for its quick cooking time and crispy top. Compared to baked mac and cheese, the air fryer version is faster and often yields a crunchier cheese topping . It’s also great for small batches and quick reheating, making it ideal for following TikTok food trends and mac and cheese hacks .

Viral TikTok Air Fryer Mac And Cheese : The Ultimate Guide -2025

Name: Viral TikTok Air Fryer Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked elbow pasta; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; ¼ cup milk; 1 tbsp butter; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional: breadcrumbs, paprika, or herbs for topping

Description

This TikTok-inspired air fryer mac and cheese is crispy on the outside, creamy inside, and totally addictive. Quick to make, endlessly customizable, and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups elbow macaroni (cooked al dente)
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
½ cup mozzarella cheese
½ cup heavy cream
¼ cup milk
2 tbsp butter
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika
Salt & pepper to taste
½ cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
¼ cup grated parmesan (for crispy finish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with cheddar, mozzarella, butter, cream, milk, and seasoning. Stir until well-coated.
Transfer the mix into a greased, oven-safe dish that fits your air fryer.
Top with breadcrumbs and parmesan for that viral TikTok crunch.
Air fry at 350°F for 10–12 minutes until the top is golden and crispy.
Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with optional toppings.

Notes

Use freshly shredded cheese for better melt quality.
For a crispier crust, drizzle melted butter over the breadcrumb topping.
Adjust milk/cream ratio for creamier or thicker texture.
Add protein like shredded chicken or ground beef to make it a full meal.
Make it vegan by using dairy-free cheese, butter, and plant milk.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Main Dish / Comfort Food
Method: Air Fryer
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1 cup)
Calories: 460 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 620 mg
Fat: 28 g
Saturated Fat: 14 g
Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 15 g
Cholesterol: 70 mg