Air Fryer Casserole: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Making a casserole in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a hearty, tasty meal on the table. You can adapt your favourite casserole recipes to be cooked in an air fryer, and there are plenty of recipes online to choose from. Casseroles are a great way to get a balanced meal with minimal prep time, and they can be made ahead of time and frozen for later.

Choosing the right pan for your air fryer

Material

The material of the pan is important as it affects heat conduction and distribution. Stainless steel or aluminium pans are popular choices as they conduct heat evenly, allowing for even cooking. Non-stick pans are also great as they make cleaning easy and prevent food from sticking to the surface.

Size and Shape

The size and shape of the pan should allow for proper air circulation around the food. Rectangular or square pans are great for roasting vegetables or making lasagnas, while round pans are perfect for baking cakes or pies. The biggest obstacle in choosing a pan is finding the correct shape and size that fits your air fryer. The pan should be tall enough to contain the food without blocking the heating element and leave enough room for air circulation.

Depth and Durability

Deeper pans are ideal for dishes that require more liquid, such as casseroles or stews. Opt for a pan that is durable and can withstand high temperatures to ensure it lasts for a long time.

Type of Food

The type of food you plan to cook in your air fryer will also determine the best pan to use. For example, if you're cooking wet foods or dishes with sauces, you'll need a deeper pan to prevent drips and spills. If you're baking muffins or cupcakes, you'll need a muffin pan. For delicate foods like fish, a dark baking sheet with short sides will help achieve the desired crispiness without burning.

Special Pans for Air Fryers

There are special pans designed specifically for air fryers, such as non-stick air fryer trays and ceramic stones for baking pizza. These pans are shaped to fit perfectly in the cooking chamber and enhance your cooking experience.

Safety

Always use oven-safe dishware in your air fryer. Avoid using paper or plastic products as they can catch on fire or melt. Also, be cautious with handles made of wood or plastic, as these materials can melt at high temperatures.

Preparing the ingredients

The ingredients you will need for your casserole will depend on the type of casserole you want to make. Here are some ideas for different casseroles you can make in your air fryer, along with the ingredients you will need for each:

Broccoli and Cheese Casserole

• Broccoli Florets
• Cream Cheese
• Sour Cream
• Cheddar Cheese
• Ritz Crackers
• Butter
• Pepper

Harvest Casserole

• Sausages
• Bacon
• Brussel Sprouts
• Sweet Potatoes
• Onion
• Apples
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Thyme
• Salt
• Pepper

Cowboy Casserole

• Ground Beef
• Corn
• Cream of Chicken Soup
• Cheddar Cheese
• Milk
• Sour Cream
• Onion Powder
• Black Pepper
• Tater Tots

Chicken Casserole

• Egg Noodles
• Rotisserie Chicken
• Broccoli Florets
• Butter
• Cheddar Cheese
• Cream of Chicken Soup
• Sour Cream
• Salt
• Pepper

Beef Stew Casserole

• Ribeye Steak
• Balsamic Vinegar
• Soy Sauce
• Garlic
• Onion Powder
• Carrot
• Potato
• Celery
• Cooking Oil
• Tomato Paste
• Red Wine
• Beef Stock
• Xanthan Gum
• Buttermilk Biscuits (optional)
• Parmesan Cheese (optional)

Mexican Chicken Casserole

• Black Beans
• Cream of Chicken Soup
• Fire-Roasted Tomatoes
• Green Chiles
• Ground Cumin
• Cooked Chicken
• Corn Tortillas
• Colby-Jack Cheese
• Tortilla Chips
• Tomatoes
• Cilantro
• Sour Cream

Layering the ingredients

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Before you start layering, ensure you have all your ingredients ready. Chop, slice, or dice any vegetables, meats, or other ingredients as needed. This will make the layering process more efficient.

Step 2: Choose the Right Casserole Dish

Select a deep-dish casserole dish that fits into your air fryer. It's important to choose a dish with a thin base to ensure even cooking throughout the casserole. Spray the dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 3: Create the First Layer

Start by layering the bottom of your casserole dish with your chosen ingredients. This could be a variety of ingredients, depending on the recipe you are following. For example, you might start with a layer of vegetables, meat, or even crushed tortilla chips or crackers to create a crispy base.

Step 4: Add the Filling

On top of your first layer, add your filling mixture. This is typically a combination of your main ingredients, such as cooked meat, vegetables, beans, or other fillings. You can also add sauces, spices, or herbs to this layer for extra flavour.

Step 5: Repeat and Layer

If you are making a multi-layered casserole, repeat the layering process by adding another layer of your base ingredients on top of the filling. You can get creative here and experiment with different combinations of ingredients for each layer.

Step 6: Top it Off

Finish your casserole by sprinkling or layering the top with ingredients that will add flavour and texture. This could include cheese, crushed crackers or tortilla chips, breadcrumbs, or herbs. This final layer adds a golden, crispy topping to your casserole.

Remember, you can customise your casserole to your taste preferences and get creative with your ingredient combinations. Enjoy experimenting with different layering techniques to find what works best for your taste buds!

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for casseroles in an air fryer vary depending on the ingredients used and the type of air fryer. However, here are some general guidelines and tips to help you get started:

• For a broccoli and cheese casserole, cook at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes. Then, remove the foil and cook for an additional 5 minutes to make the cracker topping golden brown and crunchy.
• When cooking a chicken casserole, air fry at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 4-6 minutes, until the cheese is melted.
• If you're making an air fryer harvest casserole with vegetables and sausages, cook at 180 degrees Celsius or 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 minutes. Then, add the sausages and bacon, and cook for 10 minutes at the same temperature. Finally, cook for an additional 2 minutes at 200 degrees Celsius or 400 degrees Fahrenheit. For crispier results, add 7 minutes of cook time.
• The cooking time for an air fryer beef stew will depend on the type of air fryer you have. In general, air fry the steak at 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius for 10 minutes. Then, flip the steak and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes. Cut the steak into cubes and set aside. Air fry the vegetables at 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius for about 10 minutes, or until softened. Finally, assemble the stew in an oven-safe dish and cook at 325 degrees Fahrenheit or 163 degrees Celsius for 3-5 minutes.
• When making a Mexican chicken casserole, bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit in the air fryer until hot and bubbly, which should take about 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and cook for a few more minutes until the cheese is melted and the tortilla chips are golden.

Reheating and storing

Allow your casserole to cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator. You can store it in an airtight container for up to four days. If you want to freeze it, place it in an airtight container and freeze for up to four months.

To reheat your casserole, place it in a silicone dish and put it back in the air fryer at 350°Fahrenheit/177°Celsius for two to three minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave (in a microwave-safe bowl) on high for one and a half to two minutes. If you're reheating from frozen, allow the casserole to thaw overnight in the refrigerator first.

Frequently asked questions