Air Fryer Casserole: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Making casseroles in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to prepare a hearty meal. The cooking time is significantly reduced compared to traditional baking methods, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you're feeding a crowd. You can make a variety of casseroles in your air fryer, from the classic chicken and broccoli to more adventurous options like a harvest casserole or Mexican chicken casserole. The key to a successful air fryer casserole is choosing the right dish that fits your air fryer and assembling the ingredients correctly for even cooking.

Choosing the right ingredients

Select a Protein Source:

Choose a protein that suits your taste and dietary preferences. Chicken, beef, or turkey are popular choices, but you can also use lamb, shrimp, or a plant-based alternative. For example, Air Fryer Chicken Casserole uses chicken, while Air Fryer Beef Stew uses ribeye steak.

Choose a Variety of Vegetables:

Include an assortment of vegetables to boost the nutritional value and add texture and flavour to your casserole. Broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, asparagus, and mushrooms are excellent options. You can also use frozen or fresh vegetables, but note that fresh veggies may provide a better texture, as seen in the Broccoli and Cheese Casserole recipe.

Decide on a Starch:

Starches like potatoes, sweet potatoes, or egg noodles can add substance to your casserole. For instance, the Air Fryer Chicken Casserole recipe includes egg noodles, while the Air Fryer Harvest Casserole features sweet potatoes.

Select a Sauce or Soup Base:

A sauce or soup can help bind your ingredients together and add moisture to your casserole. Cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and Greek yogurt are common choices, but you can also use cream of mushroom soup or cream cheese for a richer flavour.

Choose Your Cheese:

Cheese adds a gooey, creamy texture and extra flavour to your casserole. Cheddar, Colby-Jack, or Mexican cheese are popular options, but feel free to experiment with other varieties like Kraft cheese or cream cheese.

Include Seasonings and Spices:

Don't forget to season your casserole! Salt and pepper are standard choices, but you can also add spices like cumin for a Mexican twist or chilli powder for some heat.

Optional Extras:

You can also include extras like crackers, tortilla chips, or biscuits for added texture and flavour. Ritz crackers, Doritos, or Pillsbury buttermilk biscuits are fun additions that can elevate your casserole.

Preparing the filling

The filling is the star of the casserole, so it's important to take your time and get it just right. Here's a step-by-step guide to preparing a delicious and hearty filling for your air fryer casserole.

Step 1: Choose your ingredients

The great thing about casseroles is that you can get creative and use whatever ingredients you have on hand. However, a few key components will make your filling truly delicious. Here are some options to consider:

• Proteins: Chicken, beef, or sausages are great options for a hearty casserole. You can also use ground beef or turkey for a more budget-friendly option.
• Vegetables: Go for seasonal veggies like broccoli, carrots, sweet potatoes, onions, or sprouts. You can also add some spice with green chiles or jalapeños.
• Carbohydrates: Potatoes, egg noodles, or tortillas can add some bulk to your filling.
• Dairy: Cheese, sour cream, and cream cheese can add a creamy texture and a tangy flavour to your casserole.
• Seasonings: Don't skimp on the seasonings! Salt, pepper, thyme, and onion powder can enhance the flavour of your filling.

Step 2: Prep your ingredients

Once you've gathered your ingredients, it's time to prepare them for the filling. Here are some general guidelines:

• Proteins: If you're using chicken, consider boiling and shredding it beforehand. For beef, you can cut it into small cubes. If you're using sausages, slice them into bite-sized pieces.
• Vegetables: Chop your veggies into small, evenly sized pieces to ensure even cooking. You may also want to steam or microwave harder vegetables like broccoli before adding them to your filling.
• Carbohydrates: If you're using potatoes, give them a quick boil to soften them before adding them to your filling. If you're using noodles, cook them according to the package instructions.
• Dairy: If you're using cheese, shred it yourself for the best melting results. If your recipe calls for cream cheese or sour cream, make sure they are at room temperature before adding them to the filling.

Step 3: Combine your ingredients

Now it's time to bring your filling together! Here are some tips:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine your proteins, vegetables, and carbohydrates.
• Add your dairy products and seasonings to the mixture and stir well to combine.
• If your filling looks a little dry, you can add a can of cream of chicken or mushroom soup to add some extra moisture.
• Taste your filling and adjust the seasonings as needed.

Step 4: Layer your filling

Once your filling is ready, it's time to assemble your casserole. Here's how:

• Choose a deep-dish casserole dish that fits in your air fryer. Spray it with non-stick cooking spray.
• Start by layering the bottom of the dish with your carbohydrate of choice (noodles, potatoes, or tortillas).
• Add a layer of your filling on top, spreading it evenly.
• If you're using cheese, sprinkle a layer on top of your filling.
• Repeat these layers until you've used up all your filling, ending with a layer of cheese on top.

Your filling is now ready to be cooked in your air fryer! Simply follow the cooking instructions for your chosen casserole recipe, and enjoy your delicious, homemade meal.

Layering the casserole

Layering a casserole is an important step in the cooking process. Here are some detailed instructions on how to layer a casserole in an air fryer:

Firstly, choose a deep-dish casserole dish that fits into your air fryer. It is recommended to use a thin pan to ensure even cooking throughout the casserole. Spray the dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

For the first layer, spread a single layer of your chosen base ingredient. This could be Tater Tots, tortilla pieces, or even crushed tortilla chips for a crunchier texture.

The next layer will be your filling. This is typically a mixture of your main ingredients, such as cooked meat, vegetables, beans, and spices. For example, if you're making a chicken casserole, this layer could include cooked chicken, black beans, corn, and spices.

After the filling layer, it's time for the cheese! Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over the filling. Cheddar, Colby-Jack, or any other type of melting cheese will work well.

Now, it's time to repeat the layers. Add another layer of your base ingredient, followed by the remaining filling mixture.

Finally, top off the casserole with more shredded cheese and any additional toppings you desire. This could include crushed tortilla chips, cracker crumbs, or even some extra vegetables.

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the air fryer. Cook at a temperature of around 350°F until the casserole is hot and bubbly, which usually takes about 45 minutes.

Once the casserole is cooked through, remove the foil and continue cooking for a few minutes to allow the topping to brown and crisp up.

And that's it! You now have a delicious, layered casserole cooked to perfection in your air fryer.

Cooking the casserole

The cooking time for your casserole will depend on the ingredients you are using and the type of air fryer you have. For example, if you are making a chicken casserole, you will need to cook it for 4-6 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are making a beef stew, you will need to cook it for 3-5 minutes at 325 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Prepare all your ingredients. This includes boiling and draining any pasta, chopping up any meat or vegetables, and mixing together your ingredients in a bowl.
• Spray your casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray. You can use a stoneware baking dish, a 2-quart ramekin, or a casserole dish that fits into your air fryer basket.
• Transfer your mixed ingredients to the casserole dish, making sure it is filled evenly.
• Place the casserole dish into the air fryer and cook at the appropriate temperature and time, as mentioned above.
• If you are adding any toppings, such as cheese or crackers, remove the dish from the air fryer after a few minutes, add your toppings, and then place it back into the air fryer to finish cooking.

Your casserole is now ready to be served!

Tips for Cooking Casserole in an Air Fryer:

• Use a thin pan to make sure the middle of your casserole is fully cooked.
• You can assemble your casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook it.
• If you want to add more ingredients, such as extra vegetables or different types of cheese, feel free to do so! Casseroles are very customizable.
• If you are cooking with meat, make sure it is fully cooked before adding it to your casserole.
• You can also freeze your casserole before or after cooking.

Serving and storing the casserole

The great thing about casseroles is that they are a complete meal in themselves. You can serve them as they are, or add a side of Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes or Air Fryer Dinner Rolls.

If you're serving a beef stew casserole, a side of Air Fryer Frozen Vegetables, Smoked Portobello Mushrooms, Air Fryer Garlic Bread, or Costco Cauliflower Rice can go well with it.

If you have any leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely before storing. You can keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days or freeze it for up to four months.

To reheat, pop it in the air fryer at 350°Fahrenheit or 163°Celsius until heated through. You can also use a microwave for reheating, but this may affect the texture of the casserole, especially if it has crispy toppings like tater tots.

If you're reheating from frozen, it's best to let the casserole thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating it in the air fryer or oven.

Some casseroles, like the Broccoli and Cheese Casserole, can also be frozen. Make sure to store them in an airtight container and consume within a month.

You can also make casseroles ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to two days before baking them.

So, whether you're serving a family meal or planning ahead, casseroles cooked in an air fryer are a convenient and tasty option!

Frequently asked questions