Putting a casserole dish in an air fryer is possible, but may not always be the best option. Air fryers are designed for cooking smaller items with lots of surface area rather than large volumes of food. However, for some casserole recipes an air fryer can work well.
Quick Answer
You can put a casserole dish in an air fryer, but it depends on the size of the dish and the capacity of the air fryer. Smaller casserole dishes like ramekins often fit and cook well. Larger casserole dishes may not fit or cook evenly.
Factors to Consider
There are a few factors to consider when deciding if a casserole dish will work in an air fryer:
Air Fryer Capacity
The interior basket of air fryers come in different sizes. Measure your casserole dish and compare it to the capacity of your air fryer. The dish needs to fit comfortably with some space around the edges for air flow.
Dish Size and Shape
The shape and depth of the casserole dish matters. Shallow, wide dishes allow for more efficient air frying than tall, narrow ones. Make sure ingredients are spread out in a single layer and not piled high.
Recipe and Ingredients
Some casserole recipes work better in an air fryer than others. Wet casseroles like mac and cheese may not crisp up well. Dishes with breaded toppings or lots of surface area will cook better. Liquid-y ingredients may need to be reduced.
Benefits of Using a Casserole Dish in an Air Fryer
There are some advantages to using a casserole dish in an air fryer:
- Allows you to make smaller portion casseroles
- Can achieve crispy, golden tops and edges
- Cooks more quickly than oven baking
- No need to preheat like a traditional oven
- Evenly cooks and heats up leftovers
Tips for Cooking Casserole in an Air Fryer
Here are some tips to get the best results when cooking casserole in an air fryer:
- Use an oven-safe ramekin, soufflé dish or small baking dish
- Grease the dish well so ingredients don’t stick
- Choose casseroles with a topping that will crisp up nicely
- Opt for dishes with lower moisture content
- Spread ingredients out evenly and avoid piling too high
- Flip or stir halfway during cooking for even browning
- Brush dishes with oil or butter for browning if needed
- Add a few minutes to the cook time you’d use in the oven
- Watch closely near the end to avoid overcooking
Best Casserole Recipes for an Air Fryer
Here are some delicious casserole recipes that cook up nicely in an air fryer:
| Recipe | Prep Tips |
|---|---|
| Egg bakes or mini frittatas in ramekins | Grease ramekins well, fill 2/3 full |
| Mini cheeseburger pie | Press beef mixture into bottom of dish |
| Skillet lasagna made with no-boil noodles | Layer ingredients evenly, no need to boil noodles |
| Biscuit topped chicken pot pie | Open freeze biscuits on top before cooking |
| Mac and cheese with panko topping | Sprinkle liberally with panko before air frying |
Challenges of Baking Casserole in an Air Fryer
There are a few challenges to keep in mind when making casseroles in an air fryer:
- Large or deep dishes may not fit properly
- Ingredients in center may not cook through evenly
- Crisping of topping may happen more quickly than interior cooking
- Very moist or saucy casseroles won’t work as well
- Have to cook in smaller batches rather than one big casserole
- Risk of spillover if dish is overfilled
Conclusion
Making casserole in the air fryer can produce delicious results, but works best with smaller, shallower dishes and recipes that will crisp up nicely. The right size dish and evenly layered, low moisture ingredients are key. Watch cooking times closely and flip or stir for the most evenly cooked casserole. With the right recipe, an air fryer can make casseroles easy and quick any night of the week.