Name: Quick Air Fryer Thanksgiving Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 17 min
Total time: 27 min
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

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This 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.

White dish filled with golden-brown stuffing, reminiscent of a classic Thanksgiving casserole, garnished with chopped parsley. It's set on a beige surface adorned with scattered autumn leaves, perfectly capturing the cozy holiday spirit. Consider using an air fryer for an extra crispy finish. — Air Fryer Thanksgiving Casserole. Photo Credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes

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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.

Ingredients for a Thanksgiving casserole are laid out, including chicken broth, white wine, olive oil, celery stalks, sandwich bread, onions, turkey, French bread, butter, garlic, thyme, and parsley. — Air Fryer Thanksgiving Casserole Ingredients. Photo Credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes

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.

Cubed bread pieces nestled in an air fryer basket rest on a beige surface adorned with autumn leaves, evoking the cozy spirit of a Thanksgiving casserole in the making. — Season the cubed bread on an the air fryer tray.

Crispy bread cubes in an air fryer basket rest on a light brown surface, surrounded by autumn leaves, ready to elevate your Thanksgiving casserole. — Air fry it for 5-7 minutes.

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.

Let them cook for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re nice and soft. This will be the flavor base for your casserole.

A skillet with chopped red onions, green bell peppers, and minced garlic being sautéed in oil, creating the savory base for a Thanksgiving casserole, accompanied by fallen autumn leaves and a glass container nearby. — Sauté the celery, onion, and garlic with melted butter.

A pan with chopped green vegetables and diced onions being sautéed in oil, nestled among autumn leaves, evokes the heartwarming aroma of a Thanksgiving casserole. — Cook for 7 minutes.

A skillet containing shredded chicken, green bell peppers, and chopped onions being cooked, reminiscent of a Thanksgiving casserole, with autumn leaves scattered around. — Add the shredded turkey and season with salt and pepper.

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.

A bowl of shredded chicken, green herbs, chopped celery, and croutons sits on a light-colored surface, evoking the flavors of a Thanksgiving casserole with dried leaves nearby. — Mix the toasted bread, turkey mixture, white wine, chicken broth, parsley, and thyme in a bowl.

A bowl of soup with shredded chicken, croutons, and green herbs is placed on a light surface adorned with dried autumn leaves, reminiscent of a Thanksgiving casserole setting. — Stir until everything is well combined.

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.

An Air Fryer Thanksgiving casserole featuring bread stuffing with turkey, celery, and herbs in a white baking dish. — Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.

An air fryer Thanksgiving casserole features a delightful baked stuffing nestled in a classic oval dish, bringing warmth and flavor to your holiday feast. — Cook for 17 minutes.

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.

A dish of Thanksgiving casserole topped with chopped herbs, surrounded by autumn leaves and a small bowl of herbs, set on a beige surface. Perfectly made in an air fryer for that crispy finish. — Garnish with parsley before serving.

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.

A Thanksgiving casserole with crispy bread stuffing, garnished with chopped herbs in a white ceramic baking dish on a textured surface, reminiscent of an air fryer’s perfect touch, surrounded by fallen leaves. — Air Fryer Thanksgiving Casserole. Photo Credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes

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.

Oval dish of golden-brown stuffing, reminiscent of an air fryer Thanksgiving casserole, topped with chopped herbs. Set on a light fabric with a small bowl of herbs and autumn leaves nearby, it captures the essence of a cozy fall gathering. — Air Fryer Thanksgiving Casserole. Photo Credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes

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