Air Fryer Casserole: Is It Possible?

Casseroles are a beloved dish for many, but can you achieve that same melt-in-the-mouth experience in an air fryer? The short answer is yes, you can cook a casserole in an air fryer. In fact, the air fryer's design, which ensures consistent heat distribution, is perfect for casseroles as they require even cooking to ensure all the layers meld together.

The key to cooking a casserole in an air fryer is to use a casserole dish that is marked for oven use. These are usually made from materials such as ceramic, glass, earthenware, or stoneware, and can withstand high temperatures. Just be mindful of any handles or knobs that might incorporate rubber or plastic, as these materials cannot withstand high heat.

Additionally, the size of your casserole dish is important. You'll need to ensure it fits inside your air fryer, especially if you have a basket-style model. A shallow pan is best, as it will cook faster, and be sure that no part of the dish touches the heating element.

So, if you're looking for a quicker, crispier way to cook your favourite casserole, give your air fryer a go!

Choosing the right casserole dish

Material

The casserole dish's material is crucial as it needs to withstand high temperatures and be safe for oven use. Common materials include glass, ceramic, earthenware, stoneware, and cast iron. Glass is the most common oven-proof option, but ensure it's made of oven-safe tempered glass marked on the bottom. Stoneware, earthenware, and ceramic dishes are also suitable, but check their temperature ratings, as they vary. Cast iron is a great option for its heat retention and affordability, but it may not be marked as oven-safe due to its specific design for high-temperature cooking.

Size and Shape

The size and shape of the casserole dish should fit your air fryer with enough space for hot air circulation. Traditional basket air fryers typically accommodate dishes between 5-8 inches, while toaster oven air fryers can fit larger sizes, around 8-12 inches. Avoid large handles that may prevent the dish from fitting properly. Additionally, ensure no part of the dish touches the heating element.

Non-Stick Surface

Using a non-stick casserole dish is ideal for preventing ingredients from sticking to the surface and making cleanup easier. This is especially beneficial when cooking dishes with cheese or other sticky ingredients.

Handles and Knobs

Be mindful of any handles or knobs on your casserole dish, as they may incorporate rubber or plastic that cannot withstand the high heat of an air fryer.

Temperature Ratings

Different casserole dishes have varying temperature ratings. Always check the temperature ratings of your dish to ensure it can withstand the required temperatures for your recipes.

Type of Air Fryer

The type of air fryer you have will influence the size and shape of the casserole dish you can use. Oven-style air fryers typically provide more space than basket-style air fryers.

Accessories

If you don't have a suitable casserole dish, consider purchasing an air fryer bucket accessory. These accessories are designed to fit inside your air fryer and often have a top carry handle for easy lifting.

In summary, when choosing a casserole dish for your air fryer, opt for oven-safe materials like glass, ceramic, or cast iron, ensuring it fits properly with space for air circulation. Look for non-stick options and consider the temperature ratings to match your cooking needs. By selecting the right casserole dish, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious and evenly cooked casseroles in your air fryer.

Ensuring your dish is oven-safe

To ensure your dish is oven-safe, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, always read the manufacturer's instructions before using any new dish or material. A good rule of thumb is that if something is safe for regular oven use, it will also be fine in an air fryer.

Secondly, it is important to get a dish that is the right size. A dish that is too large will block the flow of hot air and result in unevenly cooked food. Most oven-safe dishes come in various sizes, so you should be able to find one that fits your air fryer. If you are cooking food that will expand, such as muffins or cupcakes, fill the cup only three-quarters of the way to prevent overflow.

Thirdly, be mindful of the cooking time. Air fryers cook food faster than traditional ovens due to their compact size and powerful fan. Therefore, you should regularly check on your food and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

When it comes to materials, there are a few options that are safe for air frying. These include glass, metal, cast iron, and ceramic. However, not all glass is oven-safe, so look for tempered and oven-safe glass dishes. Pyrex dishes, made of borosilicate glass, are a good option as they can withstand sudden and extreme changes in temperature without breaking or shattering.

For metal dishes, avoid using anything with plastic lids or handles as these will melt and release harmful fumes. Cast iron skillets and pans are a versatile and durable option, but they require oil or butter to prevent food from sticking and take longer to heat up and cool down. Stainless steel bowls and pans are also a good choice, but avoid those with loops that may get in the way in the limited space of an air fryer.

Ceramic cookware, including casserole dishes and baking pans, is made of metal coated with heat and corrosion-resistant clay. They can easily be used for making stews, casseroles, and desserts in your air fryer. Ceramic bowls and plates, on the other hand, do not contain any metal and are easier to break, but they can withstand high temperatures. Ramekins are perfect for baking small dishes in your air fryer.

Types of casserole dishes to use

You can use your favourite casserole dish in an air fryer as long as it's marked for oven use. Here are some types of casserole dishes that are suitable for your air fryer:

Glass Casserole Dishes

The most common oven-proof dish is glass. If your glassware is made from oven-safe glass, then it is suitable for the air fryer. Glassware is a good option as it won't leach chemicals into your food. However, some people worry about the high heat of the air fryer causing glass dishes to break. To avoid this, make sure your glassware is oven-safe, preheat your air fryer before inserting the glassware, and avoid drastic temperature fluctuations.

Stoneware, Earthenware, and Ceramic

If your stoneware, earthenware, or ceramic baking dish is oven-safe, then it can be used in your air fryer. These types of dishes are typically durable enough to sustain high heat. However, it's a good idea to double-check their temperature ratings, as they can vary. These types of dishes are readily available in smaller sizes, making them easier to fit in your air fryer.

Polymer and Teflon

Littonware, Teflon, and other heavy-duty polymer cookware are generally made for traditional ovens and can therefore be used in your air fryer. Teflon is a popular choice, but some people are concerned about possible health effects. However, since many air fryer baskets are made with Teflon, this is not something to be too alarmed about.

Aluminum

Both aluminium baking dishes and disposable aluminium baking tins can be used in your air fryer. However, avoid cooking overly acidic foods with aluminium, as this can cause a chemical reaction and give your food a metallic taste.

Silicone

Silicone became a popular choice for baking dishes in the 1990s due to its ability to withstand high temperatures. Silicone bakeware is easy to use and clean, and it doesn't absorb cooking odours. It is a convenient option for your air fryer recipes.

Stainless Steel, Carbon Steel, and Cast Iron

Stainless steel, carbon steel, and cast iron are some of the best bakeware for air fryers as they can easily withstand high temperatures and are non-toxic. However, they are more challenging to clean. Cast iron is a good option as it is inexpensive and easy to find in smaller sizes. It also retains heat well, reducing cooking time.

Air fryer cooking times and temperatures

When converting an oven-cooked recipe to an air fryer, it is recommended to reduce the temperature by 25°F and cut the cooking time by about 20%. For example, a recipe that requires baking at 350°F for 1 hour in an oven can be converted to 325°F for 48 minutes in an air fryer.

It is important to note that air fryers cook faster than conventional ovens due to their smaller size and concentrated airflow. Therefore, adjustments may be needed depending on the dish being cooked.

• Meat and seafood: Cooking meat and seafood in an air fryer is relatively easy. Foods with fat produce the best results. Chicken thighs, skin-on chicken wings, and steak are good options. For example, cooking chicken wings at 390°F for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through and spraying with vegetable oil, will give you crispy wings.
• Vegetables: Air-frying vegetables is super easy and delicious. Remember to flip the vegetables halfway through and don't overfill the basket. Butternut squash and sweet potato cubes can be cooked at 400°F for 4-5 minutes per side. Broccoli can be steamed in the microwave and then air-fried at 350°F for 10 minutes, followed by 5 minutes uncovered to get a golden brown topping.
• Eggs and rice: You can make soft-boiled, scrambled, poached, or fried eggs in an air fryer. For poached eggs, set the temperature to 380°F for 3-5 minutes. To make crispy rice, first steam the rice and then air fry it to perfection.
• Frozen foods: Air fryers are great for cooking frozen foods like mozzarella sticks, tater tots, and chicken wings. Preheat the air fryer, and then cook the food in batches, arranging them in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Frozen broccoli can be cooked at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, and frozen chicken wings can be cooked at 380°F for 15-20 minutes.

It is important to note that some adjustments may be needed depending on the specific air fryer model and the type of food being cooked. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines for your air fryer, and use a meat thermometer to ensure that meat is cooked to the recommended temperature.

Casserole recipes for the air fryer

Yes, you can bake a casserole in your air fryer! You can use a variety of oven-safe dishes, such as ceramic, glass, earthenware, silicone, stainless steel, carbon steel, and cast iron. Just make sure that the dish fits in your air fryer with no part of it touching the heating element. Also, be mindful of any handles or knobs that might incorporate rubber or plastic, as these materials cannot withstand high temperatures.

Broccoli and Cheese Casserole

This recipe is perfect for getting your kids to eat their veggies! It's rich, cheesy, and loaded with nutritious broccoli, topped with buttery Ritz crackers.

Ingredients:

• Broccoli Florets
• Cream Cheese (at room temperature)
• Sour Cream
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• Crushed Ritz Crackers
• Melted Butter

Directions:

• Add broccoli to a microwave-safe bowl with water and microwave for 5 minutes. Keep covered for 3 minutes after cooking.
• Remove the plastic wrap and drain the water.
• Add cream cheese, sour cream, and cheddar cheese to the bowl with broccoli and stir to combine.
• Spray a 7-inch baking dish with vegetable oil or non-stick spray.
• Pour the broccoli mixture into the pan and spread evenly. Cover with foil.
• Place in the air fryer and cook for 10 minutes.
• While the broccoli is cooking, stir together the cracker crumbs and melted butter.
• After 10 minutes, remove the foil and top the casserole with the cracker crumbs.
• Cook for another 5 minutes to get a golden brown and crunchy topping.

Air Fryer Taco Casserole

This taco casserole is a delicious, family-friendly meal that is also keto-friendly. It's made with ground beef, taco seasoning, bell peppers, tomatoes, cheese, and more.

Ingredients:

• Lean Ground Beef
• Taco Seasoning
• Bell Pepper (chopped)
• Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• Green Onions (optional)
• Eggs
• Sour Cream
• Heavy Cream

Directions:

• Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes or until no longer pink. Drain the fat.
• Add bell pepper, diced tomatoes with green chilies, water, and taco seasoning to the ground beef. Simmer for 3 minutes.
• Preheat the air fryer to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare an air fryer-safe casserole dish.
• In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, sour cream, and heavy cream.
• Pour the meat mixture into the casserole dish. Add the egg mixture on top of the meat.
• Place the casserole dish in the air fryer basket and cook at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 18 minutes.
• Add shredded cheddar cheese and cook for an additional 2 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
• Top with green onion tops and serve.

Cowboy Casserole

This hearty casserole is made with ground beef, corn, cheese, and Tater Tots. It's a comforting and customisable meal, perfect for a cold day.

Ingredients:

• Ground Beef (lean beef or ground turkey)
• Corn (canned, fresh, or frozen)
• Cream of Chicken Soup (condensed)
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• Milk
• Sour Cream
• Onion Powder
• Black Pepper
• Tater Tots

Directions:

• Preheat the oven to 375°F. In a large skillet, cook the beef over medium heat until no longer pink.
• Stir in the corn, condensed cream of chicken soup, 1/4 cup cheddar cheese, milk, sour cream, onion powder, and pepper.
• Grease a 3-cup baking dish. Arrange 1 cup of Tater Tots in the dish.
• Layer with the beef mixture, then add the remaining 1 cup of Tater Tots.
• Sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup of cheese.
• Bake the casserole, uncovered, until bubbly, for 20 to 25 minutes.

Frequently asked questions