Oh my gosh, you have GOT to try this air fryer smoky maple bourbon pulled pork mac & cheese casserole—it’s the kind of dish that makes everyone at the table go quiet because they’re too busy shoveling forkfuls into their mouths! I stumbled onto this combo last summer when I had leftover pulled pork and a serious craving for comfort food. The magic happens when that sweet-and-smoky maple bourbon sauce mingles with gooey cheese and tender pasta, all topped with a crispy golden crust thanks to the air fryer. My kids now request it weekly (and honestly, I don’t mind one bit).
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Smoky Maple Bourbon Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese Casserole
Trust me, this dish is a game-changer for so many reasons:
- Quick prep: It comes together in under 30 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights when you’re craving something special
- That crispy top: The air fryer gives you that perfect golden crust you can’t get from regular baking
- Flavor bomb: The smoky maple bourbon sauce makes every bite sing with sweet, savory, and smoky notes
- Leftover magic: It’s the best way to use up leftover pulled pork – transforms it into something completely new
- Crowd-pleaser: Kids and adults alike go crazy for this comforting combo
The air fryer isn’t just convenient here – it’s what makes the texture absolutely irresistible!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Smoky Maple Bourbon Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese Casserole
Here’s everything you’ll need for this flavor-packed casserole – and yes, measurements matter for that perfect balance!
- 1 lb pre-cooked pulled pork (trust me, this saves so much time)
- 2 cups cooked elbow macaroni (al dente is best – about 1 1/4 cups dry)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (freshly grated melts better!)
- 1/2 cup maple bourbon sauce (see notes below for homemade option)
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (for that extra crispy crunch)
- 1/4 cup whole milk (2% works in a pinch)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (the smokier, the better here)
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
That maple bourbon sauce is the star here – you can use store-bought (I like Stubb’s or Jack Daniel’s versions) or make your own by simmering 1/2 cup maple syrup, 2 tbsp bourbon, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of cayenne. Watch out for overly sweet sauces – you want that tangy balance!
Other easy swaps: gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs work great, and for my lactose-sensitive friends, lactose-free cheddar melts beautifully. If you’re out of panko, crushed pork rinds add amazing texture (and keep it low-carb). Just promise me you won’t skip the smoked paprika – it’s what gives this dish that incredible depth!
Equipment Needed
You’ll be shocked how little you need for this knockout dish! Grab your air fryer (any size works, but I use a 6-quart), a medium mixing bowl, and an air fryer-safe baking dish (mine’s 7×5 inches – crucial for that perfect crispy edges). That’s it! No fancy gadgets required.
How to Make Air Fryer Smoky Maple Bourbon Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese Casserole
Okay, let’s get cooking! Follow these steps, and you’ll have the most insanely delicious casserole ready in no time:
- Preheat that air fryer to 375°F – this is key for that perfect crispy top right from the start!
- In a big bowl, mix your cooked macaroni with the milk, melted butter, and half the cheddar. Stir until every noodle is coated in cheesy goodness.
- Add your pulled pork and maple bourbon sauce – don’t be shy here! Mix it all up so the sauce gets into every nook and cranny.
- Scoop the mixture into your air fryer-safe dish, pressing it down lightly so it’s even.
- Sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top, then shower it with those crispy breadcrumbs – this is where the magic happens!
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes, but here’s the pro move: check at 10 minutes. You’re looking for bubbly cheese and a golden brown crust that makes your mouth water.
- Let it rest for 2 minutes (I know, torture!) so it sets up nicely. Then dig in!
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese
A few tricks I’ve learned the hard way so you don’t have to:
- Stir that sauce well – uneven mixing means some bites are saucier than others (not necessarily a bad thing, but balance is key!).
- Don’t overfill your dish – leave about 1/2 inch at the top so everything cooks evenly.
- Rest time matters – those 2 minutes let the cheese settle so it doesn’t ooze everywhere when you scoop.
- If your breadcrumbs aren’t browning enough, spritz the top lightly with oil or butter spray.
- And please, for the love of crispy cheese, don’t skip the preheat – it makes all the difference!
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Smoky Maple Bourbon Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese Casserole
Oh, you’re gonna love how this dish shines with simple sides! I always serve mine with tangy vinegar-based coleslaw – that crunch and acidity cut right through the richness. Pickled jalapeños or bread-and-butter pickles add fantastic zing too. For heartier appetites, add cornbread or roasted Brussels sprouts. One batch makes 4 generous portions (or 6 smaller ones if you’re adding sides). Just watch how fast it disappears – I usually make extra!
Storage & Reheating
This casserole keeps like a dream! Let it cool completely, then store it airtight in the fridge for up to 3 days – though honestly, mine never lasts that long. For longer storage, freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in foil (up to 1 month). The magic trick? Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until piping hot and crispy again. Microwave works in a pinch, but you’ll miss that glorious crust revival!
Nutritional Information
Just so you know what you’re diving into (not that you’ll care once you taste it!):
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 24g
- Carbs: 38g
- Sugar: 8g
- Fat: 22g
Nutritional values are estimates and vary based on ingredients. The smoked paprika and maple bourbon sauce add flavor without packing on extra calories, while that pulled pork gives you a solid protein punch. It’s comfort food with some nutritional perks!
FAQ
Can I use fresh pork instead of pre-cooked pulled pork?
Oh honey, I wouldn’t! The beauty of this air fryer casserole is how quick it comes together – pre-cooked pork saves you hours. If you absolutely must, cook pork shoulder low and slow first (8 hours in a slow cooker with your favorite rub), then use it here. But that leftover pulled pork from last night’s BBQ? That’s gold for this recipe!
How spicy is this smoky maple bourbon version?
It’s got a gentle kick – the smoked paprika adds depth more than heat. But here’s the fun part: you’re the boss! Want more heat? Add a pinch of cayenne to the sauce. Prefer it mild? Use sweet paprika instead. The maple bourbon sauce balances everything beautifully.
Can I bake this in a regular oven instead?
You bet, but the texture won’t be quite the same. Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes in an oven-safe dish. You’ll still get deliciousness, but that air fryer magic gives you extra crispy edges and faster cooking. If you do bake it, broil for the last 2 minutes to mimic that perfect crust!
Air Fryer Smoky Maple Bourbon Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese in 30 Min
- Total Time: 22 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A delicious casserole combining smoky maple bourbon pulled pork with creamy mac and cheese, cooked in an air fryer for a crispy top.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pulled pork (pre-cooked)
- 2 cups macaroni (cooked)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1/2 cup maple bourbon sauce
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
- Mix cooked macaroni, milk, butter, and half the cheese in a bowl.
- Add pulled pork and maple bourbon sauce. Stir well.
- Transfer mixture to an air fryer-safe dish.
- Sprinkle remaining cheese and breadcrumbs on top.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool for 2 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked pulled pork for faster prep.
- Adjust maple bourbon sauce to taste.
- Check doneness at 10 minutes to avoid burning.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 12 mins
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American