Air-Fried Tuna Casserole: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Tuna casserole is a classic comfort food that's perfect for a weeknight family dinner. It's a creamy, cheesy dish that's easy to make and can be adapted to your personal preferences. In this article, we'll show you how to make a delicious tuna casserole in your air fryer, with step-by-step instructions and tips for customisation. So, get ready to fill your belly with this warm and satisfying meal!

Choosing the right tuna

When making a tuna casserole in an air fryer, it's important to choose the right type of tuna to ensure the best flavour and texture. Here are some factors to consider when selecting your tuna:

Type of Tuna

There are several varieties of tuna available, including albacore, skipjack, yellowfin, and bluefin. For a tuna casserole, you'll want to choose a type that is firm and flaky, with a mild flavour. Albacore tuna, also known as white tuna, is a popular choice for casseroles due to its mild taste and firm texture. It tends to hold up well during cooking, making it ideal for a tuna casserole.

Canned vs. Fresh Tuna

You can use either canned or fresh tuna for your casserole, depending on your preference and availability. Canned tuna is a convenient and affordable option that works well in casseroles. Look for tuna canned in water or olive oil, and avoid those with added seasonings as they can alter the flavour of your dish. Fresh tuna can also be used, but it tends to be more expensive and may require additional preparation. If using fresh tuna, make sure to remove any skin and bones, and cut the fish into small, bite-sized pieces.

Sustainability

When choosing tuna, it's important to consider sustainability practices. Look for tuna that is wild-caught and sourced responsibly. Some organizations, such as the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), provide certifications and labels that indicate sustainable fishing practices. By choosing sustainably sourced tuna, you can help support the preservation of tuna populations and the health of our oceans.

Draining and Flaking

Whether you choose canned or fresh tuna, make sure to drain it well before adding it to your casserole. Excess moisture can affect the texture and consistency of your dish. After draining, use a fork to flake the tuna into small pieces. This will help it mix better with the other ingredients and ensure a more uniform texture in your casserole.

Quantity

The amount of tuna you'll need will depend on the size of your casserole and your desired tuna-to-pasta ratio. Most tuna casserole recipes call for around 5-7 ounces (140-200 grams) of drained tuna per serving. You can adjust this quantity up or down slightly depending on your personal preference.

By considering these factors when choosing your tuna, you can create a delicious and satisfying tuna casserole in your air fryer.

Preparing the pasta

The first step in making a tuna casserole in an air fryer is to prepare the pasta. For this recipe, you will need to cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. It is important not to overcook the pasta at this stage, as it will continue to cook later when it is baked in the casserole.

For the pasta, you can use your favourite dried variety such as ziti, elbow macaroni, or egg noodles. The amount of pasta you will need depends on the size of your casserole dish and the number of servings you want to make. As a guide, a typical box of pasta contains around 450g, which is usually enough for 6-8 servings.

Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and set it aside while you prepare the other ingredients. If you are making the tuna casserole with green peas, you can now preheat your oven to 350 degrees F / 180 degrees C.

While the oven is preheating, you can start preparing the other ingredients for the casserole. This includes the tuna, cheese, vegetables, and any seasonings or spices you want to add.

For the tuna, you can use canned or fresh. If using canned, be sure to drain the oil or water and rinse the tuna before adding it to the casserole. You will need around 280-340g of tuna for this recipe, depending on your preference.

For the cheese, shredded cheddar or mozzarella works well. You will need approximately 1-2 cups of cheese, depending on how cheesy you like your casserole!

As for vegetables, diced onion, celery, and bell pepper are commonly used in tuna casseroles. You can also add frozen peas or carrots if you like. Simply thaw them and add them to the casserole mixture.

To enhance the flavour of your tuna casserole, you can use various seasonings and spices. Some popular options include garlic powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, black pepper, and Greek seasoning or dried oregano.

Now that you have prepared the pasta and gathered all the other ingredients, you are ready to start assembling your tuna casserole!

Making the sauce

To make the sauce for your tuna casserole, you'll need to decide on a base. You can use either a classic cream sauce or a tomato-based sauce.

For a tomato-based sauce, heat some olive oil in a frying pan and add your choice of aromatics—onion, bell pepper, and garlic are great options. Cook these for a few minutes until softened, then stir in some Greek seasoning or dried oregano and diced tomatoes. Let this mixture simmer for 15-20 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in your cooked pasta and tuna before transferring to a casserole dish.

If you prefer a cream sauce, start by heating olive oil in a medium skillet and sautéing diced onion and celery until tender. In a separate bowl, combine your cooked pasta, tuna, shredded cheddar cheese, and seasonings. Then, add in the cooked onion and celery, along with some green peas and cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken/celery soup). Stir everything together until well combined.

Don't forget to season your sauce to taste! You can also add milk to your sauce to make it extra creamy.

Adding toppings

The final stage of your tuna casserole is to add your toppings of choice. This is a great opportunity to add some extra flavour and texture to your dish.

For a crunchy texture, you could try panko breadcrumbs, crushed potato chips, crushed crackers, or crispy fried onions. These toppings will add a crispy bite to your casserole.

If you want to add some extra cheese, you could sprinkle mozzarella, cheddar, or parmesan on top. This will give your casserole a gooey, cheesy finish.

You could also try a combination of these toppings, such as breadcrumbs and cheese, to get a variety of textures and flavours.

For a golden crust, broil the casserole for a few minutes before serving. This will give your toppings a nice, crispy finish.

Remember, the toppings are a great way to make your tuna casserole your own, so feel free to experiment and get creative!

Cooking and serving

Now that you have assembled your ingredients, it is time to cook your tuna casserole in an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Set your air fryer to 190C.
• Place olive oil, onion, and garlic in a heatproof dish and air-fry for 3 minutes.
• Add the tomatoes and chilli flakes, along with some seasoning. Air-fry for another 5 minutes.
• Reduce the temperature to 170C.
• Stir in the cooked pasta, tuna, mozzarella, and parsley.
• Scatter some extra mozzarella over the top.
• Air-fry for 5 minutes until golden, then cover with foil.
• Cook for another 5 minutes until bubbling.

Your tuna casserole is now ready to be served! Serve it warm with a salad or your favourite sides. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions