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Hand holding a a bowl of buffalo Mac and cheese
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Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

Looking for easy comfort food recipes? This buffalo mac and cheese made in the air fryer is rich, creamy, crispy, and packed with flavor.
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 669kcal
Author Mirlene

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 8 oz rotini pasta
  • 1 large chicken breast cut into small pieces
  • 1 cup buffalo sauce divided
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning divided
  • Heaping amount shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Heaping amount shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1½ cups heavy cream
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh chopped parsley
  • 2 tablespoons oil

Instructions

  • Cook the rotini pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
    While the pasta cooks, season the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Mix well to combine. Set aside.
    Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook in small portions until fully cooked through and lightly golden. Remove from heat and repeat the process with the remaining chicken. 
    step by step guide to make air fryer buffalo Mac and cheese
  • Once the second batch is cooked, add the first batch back into the saucepan, then add the creamer and ½ of the buffalo sauce. Next, add about 1 cup of the cheese. Mix well until combined. If it’s too thick, add about ½ cup of pasta water to the mixture. 
    In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the remaining Cajun seasoning, and the other half of the buffalo sauce, and the chicken mixture. Mix well.
    Lightly grease an air fryer-safe baking dish or pan.
    Add the first layer of pasta mixture to the dish.
    step by step guide to make air fryer buffalo Mac and cheese
  • Top with mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese (if using), parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Repeat the layers as needed or about 3 times until everything has been used.
    Finish the top layer with extra mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan cheese. 
    Place the dish into the air fryer and cook at 265°F for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the top is golden brown.
    Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional parsley if desired.
    step by step guide to make air fryer buffalo Mac and cheese

Notes

Optional Add-Ins

Want to make it even better? Try adding:
  • crispy bacon
  • ranch drizzle
  • blue cheese crumbles
  • green onions
  • extra buffalo sauce on top
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Calories are estimated per serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 6servings | Calories: 669kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 49g | Saturated Fat: 22g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 129mg | Sodium: 1828mg | Potassium: 1146mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 301IU | Vitamin C: 370mg | Calcium: 68mg | Iron: 61mg