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Single serving air fryer mac and cheese in a dark bowl with creamy cheese sauce.
Anas Jafir

Single Serving Air Fryer Mac and Cheese

Single serving air fryer mac and cheese makes a creamy, golden solo meal with simple ingredients and no leftover casserole.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 23 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup dry elbow macaroni, about 2 ounces
  • 1 teaspoon unsalted butter, plus a little for greasing
  • 1 tablespoon cream cheese
  • 1/3 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup freshly shredded sharp cheddar, divided
  • 1/8 teaspoon mustard powder
  • Pinch garlic powder
  • Pinch fine salt
  • Pinch black pepper
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon panko breadcrumbs

Equipment

  • air fryer
  • small saucepan
  • colander
  • 2-cup oven-safe ramekin or small metal baking dish
  • mixing spoon
  • oven mitts or heat-resistant tongs

Method
 

  1. Cook the macaroni until about 1 minute short of tender, then drain well.
  2. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes and grease a 2-cup oven-safe ramekin.
  3. Stir the hot macaroni with the butter and cream cheese.
  4. Add the milk, seasonings, and three-quarters of the cheddar, then stir well.
  5. Top with the remaining cheddar and optional panko.
  6. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 8 to 10 minutes.
  7. Rotate the ramekin if one side browns faster; do not shake or stir.
  8. Rest for 3 minutes before serving.

Notes

Air fryer time is estimated and may vary by model and dish shape.
Use only cookware that is explicitly oven-safe.
Nutrition is an estimate for one serving without optional panko.
Times and nutrition are estimates. Follow your appliance instructions and check doneness.
Never preheat with a loose parchment liner. Keep any liner secured beneath food and away from the heating element.