Air Fryer Chicken Casserole

Air Fryer Chicken Casserole is the epitome of comfort food, transformed into a quick and easy dish thanks to the air fryer. Packed with tender chicken, creamy sauce, and a cheesy topping, it’s a delicious meal, perfect for any day of the week. Great for when you want to make a cozy dinner without spending all night in the kitchen.

Why you will love making Air Fryer Chicken Casserole

This casserole has become a regular in my meal rotation because it’s fast, easy, and always hits the spot. With just 20 minutes in the air fryer, it’s on the table in no time, and the prep is mostly mix, set, and forget—totally foolproof, even on busy nights. I love that it’s classic comfort food without the long wait. The kids are all over the cheesy goodness, and if we have leftovers, they’re even better the next day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll need all the ingredients in the photograph below.

How to make Air Fryer Chicken Casserole with Step-By-Step Instructions

A complete printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.

Getting this casserole ready is a breeze. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a tasty dish in no time.

Cook the noodles

Start by boiling your egg noodles in salted water, but stop about 2-3 minutes earlier than the package suggests since they’ll continue cooking in the air fryer.

Mix it up

In a large bowl, toss together the slightly undercooked noodles, shredded chicken breast, chicken soup, a cup of milk, and about 1 ½ cups of cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Prepare for baking

Grease a baking dish and pour your noodle mixture into it. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top.

Bake to perfection

Set your air fryer to 355°F (180ºC) and bake the casserole for 10 minutes or until it’s bubbly and golden on top.

Add the final touches

Once baked, top the casserole with crumbled bacon, fried shallots, and chopped green onions for that extra flavor and crunch.

Serve and enjoy

Dig in while it’s warm and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!

Recipe Notes and Expert Tips

Here are some insider tips to help you nail this Air Fryer Chicken Casserole every time:

• Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Remember to boil your noodles slightly al dente since they’ll continue to cook in the air fryer. This keeps them from turning mushy.
• Shredded Chicken: No time to cook chicken? Grab a rotisserie chicken from the store and shred it. It’s quick, easy, and flavorful.
• Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese for various flavors. A mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella can add a nice depth.
• Noodles: While egg noodles are classic, you can easily swap them for penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free options if you’re catering to specific dietary needs.
• Add Veggies: Toss in some peas, carrots, new potatoes, or even broccoli for an extra nutritional punch and a pop of color.
• Crispy Topping: For an extra crispy top, mix some breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle it over the casserole before baking.
• Spice It Up: Add a dash of garlic powder, onion powder, or even some smoked paprika to the mix to elevate the flavors.
• Making Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time, keep it in the fridge, and just pop it in the air fryer when you’re ready to eat.

How to Store Leftovers

Got leftovers? Keeping them fresh and tasty is easy. Let your casserole cool to room temperature before storing, then transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the fridge. This helps maintain both texture and flavor.

Make sure to eat the leftovers within 3–4 days for the best quality. When you’re ready to reheat, use the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes to bring back that crispy top, or microwave it if you’re short on time.

Our Top 3 Money-Saving Tips for This Recipe

Saving a bit of cash while cooking can make all the difference. Here’s how to keep your wallet happy when making this Air Fryer Chicken Casserole:

1. Store Brand is Fine: Opt for store brand or generic versions of ingredients like chicken soup and noodles—they taste the same in a casserole!
2. Shop Sales: Keep an eye on sales for dairy products and stock up when the prices drop.
3. Batch Cooking: Cook casseroles like this in batches and freeze them for later. It saves on both time and energy costs.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Chicken Casserole

Here are a few ideas that pair perfectly:

Garlic Bread

Who can resist a slice of warm garlic bread? Its crispy exterior and buttery, garlicky flavor make it a hit alongside any casserole. Plus, it’s perfect for scooping up any leftover sauce.

Simple Rice or Mashed Potatoes

If you’re in the mood for something heartier, serve your casserole with a side of fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes. These starchy sides will soak up the delicious flavors of the casserole beautifully.

Or what not try it with a serving of Air Fried Cauliflower, it’s a delicious accompaniement?

A Tangy Coleslaw

Coleslaw can add a refreshing crunch and tanginess to your meal, cutting through the richness of the casserole. Mix cabbage with carrots and toss with a vinegar-based dressing for a quick and easy side.

More Dinner Recipes You Will Love

• Slow Cooker Pot Roast
• Easy Chicken Casserole Recipe
• Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
• Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
• Best Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe