🧀🍝🌱 Creamy Macaroni & Cheese with Peas (Air Fryer)
A cozy, creamy mac and cheese with pops of sweet peas—finished in the air fryer for a lightly golden, bubbly top.
🛒 Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked macaroni (slightly undercooked works best)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¾ cup green peas (fresh or frozen, thawed)
🧀 Optional topping:
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan
- 1 tbsp melted butter
👩🍳 Instructions:
1. Make cheese sauce
In a saucepan:
- Melt butter
- Stir in flour and cook 1 minute
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth
Cook until slightly thickened, then add:
- Cheddar + mozzarella
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder
Stir until creamy.
2. Combine
Mix cooked macaroni and peas into the cheese sauce.
3. Prepare for air fryer
Transfer mixture into a small air fryer-safe dish.
Mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and melted butter.
Sprinkle on top.
4. Air fry
Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Cook for 8–12 minutes, until:
- Top is golden and crispy
- Edges are bubbling
5. Rest
Let sit 3–5 minutes before serving (thickens as it cools).
🍽️ Serve with:
- Grilled chicken or BBQ
- Side salad
- Garlic bread
🔥 Flavor profile:
- 🧀 Rich, creamy cheese sauce
- 🍝 Soft, comforting pasta
- 🌱 Sweet bursts of peas
- 🔥 Lightly crispy golden topping
🔄 Variations:
- 🥓 Bacon mac & peas
- 🌶️ Spicy mac with chili flakes
- 🧄 Garlic parmesan version
- 🍗 Add shredded chicken
- 🧀 Extra cheesy 3–cheese blend
💡 Tips:
- Slightly undercook pasta so it doesn’t get mushy
- Don’t overfill dish—prevents uneven cooking
- Use freshly shredded cheese for smoother sauce
- Add a splash of milk if reheating