Still Baking Casseroles In The Oven? We Know A Much Better Way

Pulling a bubbling casserole from the oven is one of the coziest experiences of home cooking, but that Hallmark moment somewhat glosses over all the effort that goes into it. If you're short on time, energy, or you have a large family to feed, there is another option: making casseroles in the air fryer. The internet is full of tips and tricks for how to use your air fryer in unusual ways, but trust us — this one makes sense. 

An air fryer is, essentially, a small oven. But it has the advantages of being quicker to preheat and cook, using less energy, and not heating up your kitchen — which is a big bonus if you're cooking in warmer weather. It's also a much more sensible option if you want to cook a casserole for one or two people. A half-size deluxe tuna casserole will have all the comforting tastes of the original, without the need to heat the whole oven or worry about what to do with leftovers.

Before you dive in to making air fryer versions of your favorite casserole recipes, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure they turn out well. One of the biggest mistakes people make with the air fryer is overcrowding, and that's still relevant here. Although the casserole ingredients are confined by the baking dish, using a dish that's too large can block the air flow and prevent food from cooking evenly.

Cooking a casserole in the air fryer is quicker, but what does this mean if you're working with a recipe meant for a standard oven? The general rule of thumb is to reduce the time by 25% and the temperature by 25 degrees Fahrenheit, but it's worth triple checking that any meat has had time to reach safe temperatures. Alternatively, look for a casserole recipe that's specifically created for the air fryer.

Finally, think about crisping. It's the feature of the air fryer that allows you to make "fried" chicken without much oil, but it can have its drawbacks for other food. While some casseroles like Jessica Morone's cheesy jalapeño popper tater tot casserole recipe are better with a crispy topping, you need to be more careful not to dry out. If your casserole is getting too brown too quickly, cover it with foil until it's nearly done.