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A hand lifts a serving of Air Fryer Leek Christmas Casserole from a white bowl, surrounded by small Christmas trees and festive holiday decorations.

Air Fryer Leek Christmas Casserole

I always make this Air Fryer Leek Christmas Casserole for Christmas dinner because it saves me precious oven space without sacrificing any of that rich, creamy flavor. The leeks cook down until they're silky and sweet, soaking up butter and melted Gouda, while the Parmesan crisps into a golden top that cracks under your spoon. I make it for holiday potlucks and family gatherings because it's comforting, feeds a crowd, and can be prepped ahead so you're not scrambling at the last minute.
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Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 33 minutes
Course: Casserole, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Air Fryer Leek Christmas Casserole
Servings: 6
Calories: 417kcal
Author: Mandy Applegate

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 6 leek
  • ¼ cup butter
  • 4 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 ½ cup milk
  • 1 cup gouda cheese shredded
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1 ½ cup parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley to serve
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Thinly slice the leek. Mix the cornstarch with ¼ cup of milk.
    4 tablespoons cornstarch, 1 ½ cup milk
  • Heat a big pot to medium-high and add the butter. Cook until it melts.
    ¼ cup butter
  • Add the leek and cook - stirring constantly - for about 15 minutes, the leek should be soft and creamy.
    6 leek
  • Add the cornstarch and milk mixture, the rest of the milk, gouda cheese, salt and pepper.
    1 cup gouda cheese, Salt and pepper
  • Mix well and cook for 5 more minutes.
  • Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and top with the parmesan cheese. Bake in the air fryer at 325°F (160ºC) for 15 minutes, or until bubbly.
    1 ½ cup parmesan cheese
  • Serve with fresh parsley.
    Fresh parsley

Notes

I’ve put together tips to help your Air Fryer Leek Christmas Casserole come out just right every time.
 
  • Clean the leeks thoroughly: Slice them lengthwise before cutting and rinse under cold water to remove any hidden dirt between the layers.
  • Don't skip mixing the cornstarch with cold milk first: Always mix the cornstarch with ¼ cup of cold milk before adding it to the hot liquid to prevent lumps and create a smooth, creamy sauce.
  • Stir constantly during the 15-minute cook: Keep the leeks moving while cooking to prevent sticking and help them cook evenly into a silky texture.
  • Use a casserole dish that fits your air fryer: Measure your air fryer basket and choose a dish with enough space around the sides to allow air circulation for an evenly browned top.
  • Let it rest for 5 minutes after air frying: The casserole comes out bubbling hot, so let it rest briefly to let the sauce set and keep it from running on your plate.
  • Flash freeze before storing: If freezing, let the casserole cool completely, then freeze uncovered for 1 hour before wrapping tightly to prevent condensation and ice crystals.

Nutrition

Calories: 417kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 90mg | Sodium: 826mg | Potassium: 325mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 2236IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 702mg | Iron: 2mg
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