Cheeto Mac and Cheese Air Fryer Recipe Goes Viral

Air Fryer Mac and Cheese with a Cheeto Twist: A Surprisingly Delicious Recipe In a recent viral video, home cook Katewilltryanything (@katewilltryanything on Instagram) shared a unique twist on a classic comfort food: mac and cheese. Instead of the traditional oven or stovetop method, Kate uses an air fryer, adding crushed Cheetos for a surprising crunch and cheesy flavor. The result is a dish that's both visually appealing and easy to make. The recipe, which was uploaded on May 19th, 2025, has quickly gained popularity, accumulating over 200,000 views in less than 24 hours. "I wanted to try something different," Kate explained, "and this air fryer method made the Cheetos perfectly crispy while keeping the pasta creamy." The video shows the step-by-step process, starting with combining cooked pasta and crushed Cheetos, then adding milk, butter, and parmesan cheese. The mixture is air-fried until golden brown and stirred to ensure even cooking. The unexpected combination has generated considerable online interest. Many commenters have expressed their intention to try the recipe. The video's success highlights the growing popularity of air fryer cooking and the creative adaptations of classic recipes.