Air Fryer Casserole: Is It Possible?

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance for their convenience and speed. They can be used to cook a variety of dishes, including casseroles. While there is some debate about the best materials for cookware in an air fryer, it is generally agreed that you can cook casseroles in an air fryer. This allows for a quick and easy way to prepare a hearty meal, such as a chicken or beef casserole, without the long cooking times associated with traditional ovens.

Chicken and vegetable casserole

Yes, you can cook a casserole in an air fryer! Chicken and vegetable casserole is a tasty, nutritious, and healthy meal that can be made in an air fryer. Here is a detailed recipe for you:

Ingredients:

• Chicken (boneless, skinless thighs or breasts)
• Vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, zucchini, onion, asparagus, string beans, etc.)
• Olive oil
• Seasonings (garlic powder, chili powder/paprika, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, lemon-pepper, or cajun)
• Fresh herbs (chopped parsley or basil)

Instructions:

Chop the chicken and vegetables into bite-sized pieces, around 1-inch in length. Place the chicken and veggies in a large mixing bowl. Add a drizzle of olive oil—you won't need much—and toss to coat the ingredients evenly. Sprinkle your choice of seasonings over the mixture and toss again to ensure everything is coated.

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F. Working in batches if needed, place half of the chicken and veggies into the air fryer in a single layer. Cook for about 5 minutes, then shake the basket or toss the ingredients to ensure even cooking. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes or so, until the chicken is cooked through and everything has a nice char. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165 degrees F.

Serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs. Enjoy!

Tips:

• If using root vegetables, air fry them for 10 minutes before adding the other veggies and chicken.
• If your air fryer is small, work in batches.
• You can use an air fryer-safe casserole dish or baking pan if you prefer not to cook directly in the air fryer basket.
• Silicone, stainless steel, carbon steel, and cast iron cookware are great options for air fryers and can withstand high temperatures.
• Glass ovenware is usually safe for air fryers, but check for an 'oven-safe' label or symbol to be sure.

Broccoli and cheese casserole

Yes, you can cook a casserole in an air fryer! This includes the family favourite, broccoli and cheese casserole. This is a simple, quick, and nutritious dish that can be served as a side or a main.

To make broccoli and cheese casserole, you will need:

• Broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces, with stems removed.
• Cream cheese, at room temperature.
• Freshly shredded cheddar cheese, which melts better than pre-shredded cheese.
• Sour cream.
• Butter.
• Pepper.
• Ritz crackers or another similar cracker with a rich butter flavour.

You can also add garlic powder and salt for seasoning.

First, add a 1/4 cup of water to a microwave-safe bowl with the broccoli and cover with plastic wrap. Microwave for 5 minutes, then let it sit for 3 minutes before removing the plastic wrap and draining the water. Next, add the cream cheese, sour cream, and cheddar to the bowl of broccoli and stir to combine. Spray a 7-inch baking dish with vegetable oil or non-stick spray and pour the broccoli mixture into the pan, spreading it evenly. Cover with foil and place in the air fryer, cooking 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 until the topping is golden brown and crunchy.

You can serve this casserole as a main dish with garlic bread or a potato as a side. If serving as a side, consider pairing it with meatloaf or grilled chicken as the main.

Some tips to keep in mind:

• If you are using frozen broccoli, add about 1 minute to the cooking time.
• If you like your broccoli more crispy, add an additional 1-2 minutes of air frying time.
• You can also make a cheese sauce by adding heavy cream to a saucepan on medium-low heat and then gradually adding the grated cheddar, stirring until combined.
• To reheat any leftovers, use the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to get the same quality as when it was first cooked.

When preparing casseroles in an air fryer, it is important to use the right cookware. Silicone, stainless steel, carbon steel, and cast iron are all great options that can withstand high temperatures. If using glassware, check that it is oven-safe and suitable for the high heat of an air fryer.

Mexican chicken casserole

Yes, you can cook casseroles in an air fryer! This includes the Mexican chicken casserole, a delicious, easy recipe that will be the perfect addition to your meal rotation. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have this dish on the table in 45 minutes. It's a one-pot meal perfect for potlucks or weeknight dinners.

To make the Air Fryer Mexican Chicken Casserole, you will need the following ingredients:

• Black beans
• Cream of chicken soup
• Fire-roasted tomatoes
• Green chiles
• Cumin
• Chicken
• Tortilla pieces
• Cheese
• Tortilla chips or corn tortilla pieces

• In a large mixing bowl, stir together the black beans, cream of chicken soup, fire-roasted tomatoes, green chiles, cumin, and chicken.
• Choose a deep-dish casserole dish that fits in your air fryer. Spray it with non-stick cooking spray.
• Layer half of the tortilla pieces in the bottom of the casserole dish.
• Top the tortilla layer with half of the bean and chicken mixture.
• Sprinkle 1 cup of cheese over the chicken mixture.
• Layer with the other half of the tortilla pieces, then add the remaining bean and chicken mixture.
• Bake, covered with aluminium foil, at 350°F in the air fryer until hot and bubbly all the way through (about 45 minutes).
• Remove the aluminium foil and top with the remaining cheese and crushed tortilla chips or corn tortilla pieces. Place the dish back into the air fryer and continue cooking until the cheese is melted and the chips turn golden.

Some important things to keep in mind when cooking casseroles in an air fryer:

• Ensure your cookware is air fryer-safe. Materials like stainless steel, carbon steel, and cast iron are suitable for high temperatures and perform well in air fryers.
• If your cookware has handles or knobs made of rubber or plastic, they may not withstand the high heat of an air fryer.
• Oven-safe glass is generally safe for air fryers, but always check the bottom of your glass cookware for the oven-safe symbol or wording.
• If you don't have suitable cookware, you can purchase an air fryer bucket accessory that fits right into your air fryer and makes baking more accessible.

Cowboy casserole

Yes, you can cook a casserole in an air fryer! It is a great way to make a quick, easy, and delicious meal without having to heat up your oven.

Now, let's talk about a delicious cowboy casserole recipe that you can make in your air fryer. This recipe typically serves 2-4 people, depending on how hungry they are. Here is a list of ingredients you will need:

• Ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken for a leaner option)
• Sour cream
• Tomato sauce
• Cheese (Cheddar or Mexican blend)
• Vegetables (onions, corn, and any other vegetables of your choice)
• Tater tots
• Seasonings (minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and any other spices you like)

• Brown the ground beef: You can do this in a skillet on the stovetop or directly in your air fryer. Cook the beef over medium heat until it is no longer pink, crumbling it in the pan but avoiding stirring too much to ensure even cooking.
• Prepare the vegetable mixture: In a large skillet, add your ground beef, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and diced onion. You can also add any other vegetables you like, such as bell peppers or different types of beans.
• Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the vegetable mixture with sour cream, tomato sauce, and cheese.
• Assemble the casserole: Grease a 3-cup baking dish or a 1-quart/7x7-inch square baking dish. Arrange 1 cup of Tater Tots in the bottom of the dish. Pour the vegetable and cheese mixture on top, spreading it evenly.
• Cook in the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 330 degrees Fahrenheit (165 degrees Celsius). Place the casserole dish in the air fryer and cook for 15-17 minutes, or until the Tater Tots are golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Rest and serve: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after cooking to let the layers set. Then, serve and enjoy!

Some additional tips to keep in mind:

• If your casserole dish has handles or knobs made of rubber or plastic, they may not be suitable for the high heat of an air fryer.
• Oven-safe glass dishes are generally safe to use in an air fryer, but always check the bottom of your dish for an "oven-safe" mark or symbol.
• Silicone, stainless steel, carbon steel, and cast iron bakeware are also great options for air fryer-safe casserole dishes.

Choosing the right cookware

When choosing the right cookware for your air fryer, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, ensure that your cookware is safe for high temperatures. Some materials, like silicone, stainless steel, carbon steel, and cast iron, are well-suited for air fryers as they can withstand high temperatures and are non-toxic. Cast iron, in particular, is a great option as it is affordable, performs well at high temperatures, and retains heat efficiently, reducing cooking time.

Another option is to use oven-safe glass cookware in your air fryer. Most casserole dishes are made from tempered glass, but not all glass dishes are safe for oven use. Look for the "oven-safe" mark or symbol on the bottom of your glass cookware. If you're unsure, it's best to err on the side of caution and choose a different material. Additionally, be cautious of any handles or knobs on your baking dish, as they may incorporate rubber or plastic that cannot withstand high temperatures.

If you don't have cookware that fits in your air fryer, consider investing in an air fryer bucket accessory. These buckets slip right into your air fryer and have a top carry handle for convenient lifting. They are a great option to ensure your cookware is safe and the right size for your air fryer.

When preparing casseroles, it is essential to use a deep-dish casserole dish that fits in your air fryer. A 2-quart ramekin or casserole dish is a good option, and you can spray it with a non-stick cooking spray before adding your ingredients. For dishes like the Air Fryer Mexican Chicken Casserole, a deep-dish casserole is necessary to accommodate the layers of ingredients.

Lastly, consider the size and shape of your air fryer when choosing cookware. Ensure that your cookware fits comfortably inside the air fryer with enough space for proper air circulation. If you have a smaller air fryer, consider using smaller-sized cookware or opting for the air fryer bucket accessory mentioned earlier.

Frequently asked questions