Quick Air Fryer Thanksgiving Casserole Recipe
Add Preferred SourceThis Air Fryer Thanksgiving Casserole is the perfect way to bring together all the classic holiday flavors you love—without spending hours in the kitchen. With tender turkey, savory vegetables, crispy bread cubes, and fragrant herbs, this dish gives you the satisfaction of a traditional Thanksgiving meal in a fraction of the time.
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I love this casserole because it has so many uses. It gives all the Thanksgiving flavor without the huge effort, it’s perfect for those inevitable turkey leftovers, and it’s a good, solid, hearty crowd-pleaser for a cold day. I’ve served it on a Sunday, game day, and taken it along to a potluck – I think you’re going to love it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.
How to Make Air Fryer Thanksgiving Casserole with Step-By-Step Instructions
Scroll down for the full recipe card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.
If you follow these steps, you’ll have a delicious and easy Thanksgiving casserole ready in no time.
Toast the Bread
Place the cubed bread on a tray, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
Pop it in the air fryer at 375°F (190ºC) for 5-7 minutes until it’s golden and crunchy. This will add some great texture to your casserole.
Sauté the Veggies
In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped celery, diced red onion, and minced garlic.
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Let them cook for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re nice and soft. This will be the flavor base for your casserole.
Add the Turkey
Stir in your shredded turkey and mix it all together. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the turkey soak up all the delicious flavors from the vegetables.
Combine Everything
In a large bowl, toss together the toasted bread, turkey mixture, white wine, chicken broth, parsley, and thyme.
Give it all a good stir so the bread absorbs the broth, but don’t let it get soggy.
Air Fry the Casserole
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish that fits in your air fryer.
Cook at 375°F (190ºC) for 17 minutes, or until the top is crispy and golden brown. This is where the air fryer really shines—getting that perfect crunch on top.
Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle some fresh parsley over the top before serving. It adds a pop of color and a fresh finish to your casserole.
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
Here are a few tips that I hope you find helpful to make this casserole extra special:
- Bread Matters: The combination of sandwich bread and French bread gives a nice contrast of soft and crispy textures. Make sure the cubes are evenly sized for consistent toasting.
- Air Fryer Size: Make sure your air fryer can fit the baking dish. If it’s a bit tight, consider splitting the mixture into two smaller batches.
- Veggie Prep: Cut the celery and onion small enough so they blend well with the other ingredients. You want every bite to be balanced.
- Substitute for Wine: No white wine on hand? No problem—just use extra chicken broth. It still adds great flavor.
- Broth Control: Depending on your bread, you may need to adjust the amount of broth. The bread should soak it up but not turn mushy.
- Let it Rest: After cooking, let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps it firm up and allows the flavors to meld together better.
How to Store Leftover Air Fryer Thanksgiving Casserole
To store leftovers, transfer the casserole to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
When you’re ready to reheat, place it back in the air fryer for 5-7 minutes at 350°F (175ºC) to restore its crispiness. You can also reheat it in the oven, but the air fryer will give you the best results for that crunchy top.
To freeze the casserole, let it cool completely after cooking. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight, freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw the casserole in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in the air fryer at 350°F (175ºC) for about 10-12 minutes or until heated through and crispy on top.
If reheating in the oven, you may need to bake it for a bit longer, but covering it with foil for the first half of the time will help retain moisture without losing the crispiness.
Keep in mind that freezing may slightly affect the texture of the bread, so it’s best to add a bit of fresh bread or topping if you want that extra crunch after reheating.
Our Top 3 Money-Saving Tips for This Recipe
If you’re looking to save a bit of money while making this casserole, here are a few ways to do it:
- Use Leftover Turkey: If you have leftover turkey from another meal (or from Thanksgiving), this is the perfect way to use it up.
- Homemade Broth: Instead of buying pre-made broth, make your own using leftover chicken or turkey bones and vegetable scraps.
- Old Bread Works: If you have stale bread lying around, this recipe is a great way to bring it back to life. No need to buy fresh bread for toasting!
What to Serve With Air Fryer Thanksgiving Casserole
This casserole pairs perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes, which add richness and balance out the savory flavors.
Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes bring a caramelized sweetness that complements the dish. A spoonful of tangy cranberry sauce offers a nice contrast, cutting through the richness.
For extra indulgence, drizzle some warm gravy over the casserole to enhance its flavor. Soft, buttery dinner rolls are a great addition, perfect for soaking up the gravy and juices.
If you want a classic side, green bean casserole adds creaminess and a bit of crunch to round out the meal.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes for You to Try at Home
I’ve got some more simple and delicious air fryer recipes for you to try!
- Air Fryer Tater Tot Casserole
- Air Fryer Cheeseburger Casserole
- Air Fryer Lasagna
- Air Fryer Pigs in Blankets
- Air Fryer Swedish Meatballs
Ingredients
- 2 cups sandwich bread slices cubed
- 2 cups French bread cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- ½ cup butter
- 5 celery stalks chopped
- ½ red onion diced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 pound cooked turkey shredded
- ½ cup white wine
- 3 cups chicken broth
- ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- Arrange the cubed bread on a tray, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Place the tray in the air fryer and cook at 375°F (190ºC) for 5-7 minutes until the bread is golden and crispy.2 cups sandwich bread slices, 1 tablespoon olive oil, Salt and pepper, 2 cups French bread
- In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped celery, diced onion, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened.½ cup butter, 5 celery stalks, ½ red onion, 2 garlic cloves
- Stir in the shredded turkey, seasoning with salt and pepper. Mix well to ensure the turkey is coated with the flavors from the vegetables.1 pound cooked turkey
- In a large bowl, combine the toasted bread, turkey mixture, white wine, chicken broth, parsley, and thyme. Mix everything together until the bread absorbs some of the liquid but stays firm.3 cups chicken broth, ¼ cup fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, ½ cup white wine
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish that fits into your air fryer. Cook at 375°F (190ºC) for 17 minutes or until the top is crunchy and golden brown.
- Before serving, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
Notes
- Bread Matters: The combination of sandwich bread and French bread gives a nice contrast of soft and crispy textures. Make sure the cubes are evenly sized for consistent toasting.
- Air Fryer Size: Make sure your air fryer can fit the baking dish. If it’s a bit tight, consider splitting the mixture into two smaller batches.
- Veggie Prep: Cut the celery and onion small enough so they blend well with the other ingredients. You want every bite to be balanced.
- Substitute for Wine: No white wine on hand? No problem—just use extra chicken broth. It still adds great flavor.
- Broth Control: Depending on your bread, you may need to adjust the amount of broth. The bread should soak it up but not turn mushy.
- Let it Rest: After cooking, let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps it firm up and allows the flavors to meld together better.
Nutrition
DO MORE WITH YOUR
AIR FRYER
This eBook is a collection of 86 recipes I make again and again in my own kitchen. If you love good food and easy instructions, this book was made for you.
Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.
∙ Cheesy Egg Bites
∙ Broccoli Cheddar Soup
∙ Asparagus Casserole
∙ Crack Chicken Casserole
∙ Coffee Cake
...and much more!
Includes ad-free recipes like:
