Name: Air Fryer Tuna Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 3 cups egg noodles; 1 cup canned tuna (drained); 1 can vegetable soup; 1 cup milk; 1 cup frozen peas; Salt and pepper; 2 cups Cheddar cheese; 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons chives (thinly sliced)

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Air Fryer Tuna Casserole transforms a classic comfort dish into a quicker, air fryer-friendly version without sacrificing any of the creamy, savory flavors you crave. It’s the perfect recipe for a busy weeknight or when you just want something comforting and tasty without the fuss.

A close-up of a baked casserole dish with a crispy golden breadcrumb topping, garnished with finely chopped green herbs, placed inside an air fryer basket. — Air Fryer Tuna Casserole. Photo Credits: Pocket Friendly Recipes

Why You Will Love Making Air Fryer Tuna Casserole

I make this cozy casserole on repeat because it’s just so simple and reliable. It only takes 10 minutes in the air fryer—no oven required—and cleanup is easy with just one bowl and a casserole dish. I like that I can use it as a main or a filling side, and it’s easy to switch up with whatever veggies or spices I’ve got around. It’s always a hit in my house—cheesy, creamy, and something everyone actually eats.

Ingredients You’ll Need

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

A list of ingredients for a tuna casserole recipe. — Air Fryer Tuna Casserole Ingredients. Photo Credits: Pocket Friendly Recipes

How to Make Air Fryer Tuna 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 classic comfort food on the table is super easy. Here’s how to do it:

Cook the Noodles

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the noodles for about 2-3 minutes less than the package directions. This ensures they don’t get too mushy when air frying. Drain them and set aside.

pasta in a strainer — Cook the pasta according to the package’s instructions.

Mix the Casserole

In a large bowl, mix the slightly undercooked noodles with the drained tuna, vegetable soup, milk, frozen peas, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Stir in half of the cheddar cheese to get everything nicely coated.

Someone pouring milk into the bowl with pasta. — Add the noodles, tuna, vegetable soup, milk in a mixing bowl.

tuna casserole ingredients mixed in a bowl — Stir in the peas, cheese, salt, and pepper.

pasta and other ingredients mixed in a bowl for a tuna casserole. — Give a gentle stir to get everything nicely coated.

Prep the Air Fryer

Grease a casserole dish (that fits in your air fryer) to prevent sticking. Then transfer the noodle mixture into the baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Oval ceramic dish filled with shredded cheese and breadcrumbs inside an air fryer basket. — Transfer the noodle mixture into the greased baking dish and top with cheese and breadcrumbs.

A casserole with a crispy top is cooking inside an air fryer basket. It is sprinkled with chopped chives. A bowl of extra chives is in the corner, and utensils are placed beside the air fryer. — Bake for 10 minutes in the air fryer until golden and bubbly.

Add Toppings and Bake

Sprinkle the rest of the cheddar cheese over the top, followed by panko breadcrumbs for a nice crunch. Set your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Garnish and Serve

Finish by sprinkling sliced chives on top for a fresh, herby touch. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness of your homemade air fryer tuna casserole!

Tuna casserole in a white baking dish with spoon and fork on the side. — Garnish with chives and serve warm.

Recipe Notes and Expert Tips

Here are a few pointers to make sure your air fryer tuna casserole turns out perfectly every time:

Check the Consistency: If the mixture seems too dry before cooking, add a little more milk. The noodles absorb quite a bit of moisture.
No Air Fryer: You can bake this casserole in a conventional oven. Just follow our oven-baked tuna casserole recipe.
Veggies: Feel free to throw in other vegetables like corn, diced carrots, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese for a new flavor. A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack is particularly cheesy and tasty. Mozzarella and Swiss are also great options.
Fresh Tuna: You can use fresh tuna instead of canned. Just cook it first and flake it into chunks before adding it to the casserole.
Gluten-Free: Swap the regular noodles for your favorite gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping.
Add More Protein: You could add cooked chicken, shrimp, or even hard-boiled eggs to increase the protein.

How to Store Leftover Air Fryer Tuna Casserole

Got leftovers? Storing your air fryer tuna casserole is simple, and it reheats really well. Just let the casserole cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can refrigerate it for up to 3–4 days, keeping it fresh and ready to enjoy later.

When it’s time to reheat, you can use the microwave or pop it back in the air fryer for a few minutes. If you’re using the air fryer, cover the top with foil to keep it from drying out. For longer storage, freeze the casserole in portions for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Tuna casserole in a white baking dish. — Air Fryer Tuna Casserole. Photo Credits: Pocket Friendly Recipes

Our Top 3 Money-Saving Tips for This Recipe

Making air fryer tuna casserole doesn’t just save time; it can also save you money. Here are our top 3 tips to keep your wallet happy while you cook:

Buy Tuna in Bulk: Stock up on canned tuna when it’s on sale. It has a long shelf life, so it’s perfect for storing.
Use Generic Brands: Opt for store-brand noodles, soup, and frozen peas—they taste the same as name brands but cost less.
Reusable Containers: Invest in good quality containers for storing leftovers efficiently.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Tuna Casserole

Here are a few options to serve with your air fryer tuna casserole, each adding its own unique touch to the meal:

Sautéed Spinach

Quickly sauté some spinach with garlic and a sprinkle of lemon juice. This adds a burst of freshness and helps balance the richness of the casserole.

Cornbread

Serve a warm, buttery cornbread as a sweet and savory side. It’s perfect for those who love a touch of sweetness with their meal.

Apple Slaw

Combine shredded apples, cabbage, carrots, and a light mayo or yogurt dressing for a crunchy, sweet slaw that contrasts beautifully with the savory casserole.

A baked pasta dish with a golden breadcrumb topping and finely chopped green herbs is placed in an air fryer. — Air Fryer Tuna Casserole. Photo Credits: Pocket Friendly Recipes

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