Emilie Meyer
Chicken casserole is a hearty, classic dish that is a family favourite. It is usually cooked in the oven, but it can also be made in an air fryer. The air fryer reduces cooking time and adds a crispy texture to the casserole. The cooking time depends on the ingredients used and the size of the air fryer, but on average, it takes around 20 minutes to cook chicken casserole in an air fryer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time | 20 minutes |
| Temperature | 350°F |
| Dish | Deep-dish casserole |
| Ingredients | Chicken, egg noodles, cheese, vegetables, salt, pepper, butter, chicken soup, milk, etc. |
| Notes | The recipe can be adapted to use different types of cheese, vegetables, and noodles. |
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What You'll Learn
Air Fryer Chicken Casserole recipe
Air Fryer Chicken Casserole is a quick, easy, and hearty meal that can be made in just 20 minutes. It is a perfect comfort food dinner that can be made ahead of time and thrown into the air fryer during a busy weeknight dinner. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you nail this recipe every time:
Ingredients:
- 8-ounce package of egg noodles
- Shredded chicken breast
- Chicken soup
- 1 cup of milk
- 1 ½ cups of cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Butter
- Broccoli florets or other vegetables of your choice
- Sour cream (optional)
- Additional toppings of your choice (e.g. chopped chives, parsley, cracker crumbs)
Instructions:
- Boil water in a medium saucepan and cook the egg noodles as directed on the package, but stop about 2-3 minutes earlier as they will continue cooking in the air fryer.
- Drain the noodles through a colander and pour them back into the saucepan.
- Add the chicken and broccoli florets or other vegetables of your choice to the noodles and toss until well mixed.
- In a large bowl, combine the noodle mixture with shredded chicken, chicken soup, milk, cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix all the ingredients together evenly.
- Grease a baking dish that fits into your air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray.
- Use a spatula to transfer the chicken mixture to the casserole dish, filling it evenly.
- Air fry at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 4-6 minutes, until the cheese is melted.
- Serve hot with optional additional toppings such as chopped chives, parsley, or cracker crumbs.
Tips:
- Don't overcook the noodles: Boil them slightly al dente to prevent them from turning mushy in the air fryer.
- No time to cook chicken? Grab a rotisserie chicken from the store and shred it for a quick and easy option.
- Experiment with different types of cheese and noodles to add variety to your casserole.
- Add extra vegetables for a nutritional boost and a pop of color.
- For an extra crispy top, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole before baking.
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How to prepare the ingredients
Preparing the ingredients for an air fryer chicken casserole is simple and easy. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Prepare the Noodles or Tortillas:
First, decide on the base for your casserole. You can choose between egg noodles, penne, fusilli, or gluten-free options. If you go with the classic egg noodles, boil them in salted water for 2-3 minutes less than the package instructions, as they will continue cooking in the air fryer. This ensures they don't become overcooked and mushy. Drain the noodles and set them aside. Alternatively, if you're making a Mexican-style chicken casserole, you can use corn tortillas or tortilla chips as a base.
Cook the Chicken:
For the chicken, you can use cooked rotisserie chicken, leftover chicken, or cook fresh chicken breasts specifically for the casserole. If cooking fresh chicken breasts, you can air fry, bake, or sauté them separately before shredding and adding them to the casserole.
Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles or tortillas with the shredded chicken. Add in your desired vegetables, such as broccoli florets, peas, carrots, potatoes, or onions. You can also include melted butter, shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix), chicken soup, sour cream or Greek yogurt, and seasonings like salt and pepper, rosemary, and thyme. Mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined and evenly distributed.
Choose a Baking Dish:
Select a baking dish that fits into your air fryer, such as a stoneware baking dish or a casserole dish. Spray the dish with a non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Assemble the Casserole:
Transfer the mixed ingredients to the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to smooth and level the mixture. Make sure to fill the dish completely for a nice presentation. You can also sprinkle some breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter on top for an extra crispy topping.
Optional Add-ons:
Feel free to experiment with additional toppings or substitutions. You can add chopped chives, parsley, green onions, or cracker crumbs for texture and flavor. If you want a milder dish, use regular diced tomatoes instead of fire-roasted ones, and adjust the amount of green chiles to your taste.
Now that your ingredients are prepared and assembled, you're ready to pop your chicken casserole into the air fryer!
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for chicken casserole in an air fryer depend on the ingredients used and the specific air fryer model. Most recipes recommend cooking chicken casserole in an air fryer for 20 minutes at 350°F (177°C). However, some recipes suggest cooking at 400°F (204°C) for a similar duration.
For an Air Fryer Chicken Casserole with egg noodles, shredded chicken, chicken soup, milk, and cheddar cheese, it is recommended to cook at 350°F (177°C) for 4-6 minutes, or until the cheese is melted. This recipe also includes boiling the noodles for 2-3 minutes less than the package instructions, as they will continue cooking in the air fryer.
The Air Fryer Mexican Chicken Casserole, which includes corn tortillas, Colby-Jack cheese, tortilla chips, tomatoes, cilantro, and sour cream, is cooked at 350°F (177°C) for about 45 minutes. This recipe involves covering the casserole with aluminum foil for the first 45 minutes and then removing the foil to add the remaining cheese and tortilla chips for the final few minutes of cooking until the cheese is melted and the chips are golden.
Another recipe for Air Fryer Loaded Chicken and Potatoes, which includes potatoes, onions, chicken, cheese, and bacon, suggests cooking at 400°F (204°C) for about 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. After this, sprinkle cheese on top and add the bacon, then cook for an additional 5 minutes at the same temperature until the cheese is melted.
It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the specific air fryer model and the ingredients used. Some recipes recommend checking the doneness of the chicken and vegetables halfway through the cooking process and adjusting the cooking time as needed.
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Tips for a crispy topping
For a crispy topping on your chicken casserole, there are several options you can try. If you want to use breadcrumbs, mix them with melted butter and sprinkle this mixture over the casserole before baking. This will give your dish a golden, crispy finish.
If you are making a Mexican chicken casserole, you can use crushed tortilla chips or corn tortilla pieces to add a delightful contrast to the soft textures of the casserole. For an extra cheesy finish, top the tortilla layer with cheese before baking.
If you are making a more traditional chicken casserole, you can use a crusty layer of cheese as a topping. For a smooth, even layer, make sure the cheese is distributed evenly over the casserole. You can also add cracker crumbs, such as Ritz crackers, for an extra crunchy texture.
For a healthier option, you could try using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and Mexican cheese, Colby-Jack cheese, or any other creamy cheese instead of cheddar.
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Storing and reheating leftovers
If you want to freeze your chicken casserole, use an airtight container and it will last for up to four months. To reheat your casserole, simply pop it back into the air fryer for a few minutes until heated through. If you're reheating from frozen, you may need to adjust the time accordingly, adding a few extra minutes.
For a quick weeknight meal, this chicken casserole is a perfect make-ahead option. With just a few minutes of air-frying, you can have a delicious and hearty dinner on the table in no time. It's a great way to enjoy a classic comfort food with minimal effort. Whether you're serving it fresh or reheated, this chicken casserole is sure to be a hit!
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Frequently asked questions
It takes 20 minutes to cook chicken casserole in an air fryer.
You should cook chicken casserole at 350°F in an air fryer.
First, boil your egg noodles in salted water for 2-3 minutes less than the package instructions. In a large bowl, mix the undercooked noodles, shredded chicken breast, chicken soup, a cup of milk, and 1 ½ cups of cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Grease a baking dish and pour the mixture into it. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top and cook in the air fryer for 20 minutes.
Yes, you can add vegetables to your chicken casserole. Broccoli, peas, carrots, new potatoes, and green peppers all work well.
Yes, you can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken in your chicken casserole.
