Air Fryer Mac and Cheese with Bacon

Name: Air Fryer Mac and Cheese with Bacon
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 2.5 cups elbow macaroni; 2 tablespoons bacon grease; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon flour; 1.5 cups milk; 1 tablespoon crumbled cooked bacon; 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs; 0.25 cup grated sharp Cheddar cheese; 0.25 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 0.25 grated Colby-Monterey Jack cheese; 0.25 cup ricotta cheese; salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons Italian-seasoned bread crumbs; olive oil cooking spray

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I made this air fryer mac 'n' cheese to go with my leftover smoked pot roast! It is now the only way I'm making mac 'n' cheese. This makes about 4 servings and it was so good!

Recipe by Ash's In The Kitchen

Published on April 21, 2022

Prep Time:

10 mins

Cook Time:

25 mins

Total Time:

35 mins

Servings:

4

Jump to Nutrition Facts

Ingredients

2 ½ cups elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons bacon grease
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon flour
1 ½ cups milk
1 tablespoon crumbled cooked bacon
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
¼ cup grated sharp Cheddar cheese
¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
¼ grated Colby-Monterey Jack cheese
¼ cup ricotta cheese
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons Italian-seasoned bread crumbs
olive oil cooking spray

Directions

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until almost firm to the bite, about 6 minutes. Drain.
Meanwhile, melt bacon grease in a small cast iron skillet that fits in your air fryer over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir flour into the hot bacon grease until golden brown, making a roux. Slowly whisk in milk and simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in bacon and Italian herbs. Mix in Cheddar, Parmesan, Colby-Monterey Jack, and ricotta cheeses, and season with salt and pepper. Stir until cheese has melted, about 3 minutes.
Preheat an air fryer to 390 degrees F (195 degrees C).
Fold pasta into the cheese sauce and top with bread crumbs. Spritz with olive oil and pat down to minimize fly-away crumbs.
Air-fry until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling up at the edge of the skillet, about 15 minutes.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

465	Calories
17g	Fat
59g	Carbs
19g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 465
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 17g	21%
Saturated Fat 8g	39%
Cholesterol 34mg	11%
Sodium 322mg	14%
Total Carbohydrate 59g	21%
Dietary Fiber 3g	9%
Protein 19g
Potassium 351mg	7%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.