Air Fryer Casserole: Is It Possible?

Casseroles are a great way to make a quick, easy, and healthy meal for the whole family. You can make a delicious casserole in your air fryer with just a few simple steps. First, gather your ingredients, which can include chicken, vegetables, and a variety of seasonings and sauces. Chop the vegetables and chicken into bite-sized pieces and combine them in a baking dish or pan that fits your air fryer. Add your chosen seasonings and sauces, then cover the dish with foil and place it in the air fryer. Cook at 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

The air fryer is a great alternative to traditional oven-baked casseroles as it uses hot air to cook food, reducing the amount of oil needed and creating a crispy texture. It also cooks food faster, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights. So, if you're looking for a new way to make a delicious and healthy casserole, give your air fryer a try!

Customising your casserole

Choose your protein

You can opt for chicken, beef, or turkey for your casserole. If you're making a chicken casserole, you can use leftover rotisserie chicken or cook chicken breasts or boneless thighs in the air fryer and shred them. For a vegetarian option, you can increase the amount of beans or other plant-based proteins like quinoa or tofu.

Veggie varieties

Dairy delights

Cheese is a classic casserole ingredient, and you can customise your dish by choosing different varieties. Cheddar, Colby-Jack, and Mexican cheese blends all work well. You can also add some cream cheese or sour cream for extra creaminess and tang. If you want to reduce the fat content, try using Greek yoghurt instead of sour cream.

Starch selections

While Tater Tots are a popular choice for casseroles, you can also use shredded hash browns, diced potatoes, or even tortilla chips for a crunchy texture. If you're looking for a gluten-free or lower-carb option, you can omit the starch altogether or use a small amount of crushed crackers or breadcrumbs on top.

Spice it up

Cooking customisations

When customising your casserole, you can also experiment with the cooking process. You can choose to cook the ingredients separately and layer them in the air fryer, or cook everything together in a skillet before assembling the casserole. Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How to make a chicken casserole in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts or boneless chicken thighs
• Oil or butter
• Chopped onions
• Chicken stock
• Vegetables (e.g. carrots, new potatoes, celery, peas, broccoli, cabbage)
• Cornflour or chicken gravy granules
• Salt and pepper
• Optional: egg noodles, broccoli florets, cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cream, crusty bread, tortilla chips, black beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, green chillies, cumin, corn tortillas, Colby-Jack cheese, tomatoes, cilantro, etc.

Method

• Chop the vegetables into equal-sized pieces.
• Add oil or butter to the air fryer and turn it on.
• Add the vegetables to the air fryer and set the timer for 15 minutes.
• While the vegetables are cooking, chop the onion, crush the garlic, and season the chicken with salt and pepper.
• After 15 minutes, add the chicken, onion, and garlic to the air fryer and set the timer for 10 minutes.
• Boil 600ml of water and add a chicken stock cube, 1 teaspoon of rosemary, and 1 teaspoon of thyme.
• Once the timer goes off, pour the chicken stock into the air fryer and set the timer for 25 minutes.
• After 25 minutes, check if the chicken and vegetables are cooked to your liking.
• If so, add cream and set the timer for another 2 minutes.
• Serve with crusty bread or other sides of your choice.

Tips

• You can also add other ingredients such as egg noodles, cheese, or tortilla chips to make the casserole even more filling and delicious.
• If you want to speed up the cooking process, heat the filling mixture before assembling the casserole.
• If you're short on time, use pre-cooked chicken such as rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken.
• For extra flavour, use the 'Sauté' function to brown the chicken pieces before pressure cooking.
• Don't overfill the air fryer—make sure it's no more than two-thirds full.
• Always set the valve to 'seal' when pressure cooking.
• Ensure there is enough liquid in the casserole for the pressure cooker to work effectively.
• Account for natural pressure release time when planning your meal, as it can take up to 10 minutes.

The benefits of cooking chicken in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great alternative to deep frying or pan-frying chicken, offering a range of benefits that make cooking chicken a breeze. Here are some advantages of using an air fryer for your chicken dishes:

Health Benefits

One of the main benefits of using an air fryer is the health aspect. Air frying chicken is a healthier option compared to deep frying or pan frying. When you submerge chicken in oil, it absorbs a lot of it during the cooking process. With air frying, you only need to lightly spray the chicken with oil, resulting in a dish that is lower in fat and calories. This makes it a healthier choice for you and your family.

Time Savings

Air fryers are incredibly convenient and save you time in the kitchen. They take just seconds to turn on, and the cleanup is a breeze compared to dealing with greasy pots and pans. Chicken strips, for example, cook faster in an air fryer than in a traditional frying method, reducing your overall cooking time.

Ease of Use

Air fryers are simple to use and perfect for busy weeknights. You can cook chicken in an air fryer with minimal preparation, and it requires less monitoring than other cooking methods. This gives you more time to focus on sides or other components of your meal.

Versatility

Air fryers offer a versatile cooking option. You can use them to make healthy versions of fried foods, such as chicken wings or tenders, or to roast vegetables. They are also excellent for cooking juicier proteins like chicken, ensuring your meal is tender and flavourful.

Customisability

Air fryers allow you to easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences. You can experiment with different seasonings, marinades, and spices to create a variety of flavours. Whether you prefer extra veggies, different types of cheese, or a kick of spice, you can customise your chicken dishes to your liking.

One-Dish Wonder

Cooking chicken in an air fryer often means using just one dish, making cleanup a breeze. You can cook everything in a single casserole dish or basket, reducing the number of pots and pans you need to wash. This gives you more time to enjoy with your family and less time spent at the sink.

How long to cook a chicken casserole in an air fryer

Yes, you can make a chicken casserole in an air fryer. The cooking time will depend on the amount of food being cooked and the type of air fryer being used.

For example, a recipe for Air Fryer Mexican Chicken Casserole that serves six people and includes chicken, tortilla chips, and Colby-Jack cheese, cooks in an air fryer at 350°F for 45 minutes. Another recipe for Air Fryer Chicken Casserole, which includes egg noodles, chicken, and cheddar cheese, cooks in an air fryer at 350°F for 4-6 minutes.

It's important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the size and wattage of your air fryer, so adjustments may be necessary.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces egg noodles
• 2 cups rotisserie chicken
• 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or thawed from frozen)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Method:

• Boil the egg noodles in a medium saucepan according to the package instructions. Drain the noodles through a colander.
• Pour the noodles back into the saucepan and add the chicken and broccoli florets. Toss until well mixed.
• Add the melted butter, shredded cheese, chicken soup, sour cream, salt, and pepper to the mixture. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
• Spray a nonstick cooking spray into a stoneware baking dish, 2-quart ramekin, or casserole dish that fits into your air fryer basket.
• Use a spatula to transfer the chicken mixture to the casserole dish, filling it evenly.
• Air fry at 350°F for 4-6 minutes, until the cheese is melted. Serve hot.

Optional toppings and substitutions:

• Chopped chives, parsley, or green onions
• Cracker crumbs (Ritz crackers, tortilla chips, or crispy tater tots)
• Greek yogurt instead of sour cream
• Mexican cheese, Colby-Jack cheese, or any other creamy cheese instead of cheddar
• Cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken

Air frying vs traditional oven baking

Size and Capacity

Air fryers are typically designed as compact countertop appliances, while traditional ovens are full-sized and can handle multiple dishes or larger portions. Air fryers are ideal for preparing a single batch of food, whereas traditional ovens offer more capacity and can accommodate multiple dishes or larger portions.

Cooking Method

The main difference in cooking methods between air fryers and traditional ovens lies in the circulation of heated air. Air fryers rapidly circulate hot air around the food, creating a crispy exterior. In contrast, traditional ovens use heating elements on the top and bottom, resulting in relatively static air. This makes traditional ovens better suited for baking delicate items and recipes that involve liquid batters.

Versatility

Air fryers offer incredible versatility and can cook a wide range of foods, from chicken nuggets and fries to vegetables, pizza, and even cookies. On the other hand, traditional ovens provide extended functionality, including toasting, roasting, and broiling, making them versatile for a broader range of cooking techniques.

Health Considerations

Air fryers use minimal oil, typically just a tablespoon, compared to the large amounts required for deep frying. This reduction in oil leads to healthier food options with lower fat and calorie content. However, it's important to note that air fryers are still susceptible to the formation of certain harmful compounds, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and heterocyclic amines, when cooking at high temperatures.

Traditional ovens, on the other hand, don't require any additional oil unless specified in the recipe. This absence of oil reduces the chances of harmful contaminants and lowers the risk of certain diet-related diseases. Additionally, baking is known to retain more nutrients compared to frying, resulting in healthier meals.

Convenience and Accessibility

Air fryers are designed to be convenient and easy to use, with many preset functions and a compact size that fits on countertops. They are ideal for quick weeknight meals and require minimal prep time. Traditional ovens, on the other hand, are more commonly found in kitchens and offer the convenience of baking, broiling, and roasting all in one appliance.

Frequently asked questions