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A baking dish filled with golden-brown tater tots topped with melted cheese and garnished with chopped herbs, this air fryer tater tot casserole is a delicious twist on a classic favorite.

Air Fryer Tater Tot Casserole

This Air Fryer Tater Tot Casserole is a tasty mix of crispy tater tots, savory ground beef, melty cheese, and just the right touch of onions and garlic. It’s super easy to throw together, making it the perfect pick for a no-fuss dinner that everyone at the table will dig into. Ready in 20 minutes!
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: air fryer tater tot casserole
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 462kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 cups ground beef
  • ½ onion chopped
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 can mushroom soup
  • 2 cups Cheddar cheese grated
  • 1 packaged tater tots 2 cups, or enough to cover the casserole dish
  • Fresh parsley to serve

Instructions

  • In a non-stick skillet, brown the beef along with the onion and garlic. After browning it, stir in the Worcestershire sauce, mushroom soup, and cheddar cheese. Then set it aside.
    2 cups ground beef, ½ onion, 1 garlic clove, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 can mushroom soup, 2 cups Cheddar cheese
  • Grease a casserole dish and transfer the beef mixture. Arrange the tater tots on top and top with the rest of the cheese.
    1 packaged tater tots
  • Bake in the air fryer at 350°F/180ºC for 10 minutes, or until golden brown.
  • Serve with fresh parsley.
    Fresh parsley to serve

Notes

  • Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese for different flavors. Mozzarella can give you a nice stretch, while a sharp cheddar adds a deeper taste.
  • Meat: Not a fan of ground beef? Swap it out for ground chicken, turkey, or half beef and half pork.
  • Spice It Up: Add a dash of chili powder, cayenne pepper, or even some diced jalapeños to the mix if you like things a little spicy.
  • Sweet Potato Tots: Sweet potato tots can be used instead if desired. They are delicious and a slightly healthier alternative to regular tater tots. They’ll add a nice sweetness to the dish too.
  • Vegetarian Option: You can easily make this vegetarian by substituting ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative, beans, or even lentils for a whole-food option.
  • Don't Overcrowd: When arranging the tater tots, make sure they're in a single layer so they cook evenly and get that perfect crispiness.
  • Prep Ahead: You can brown the beef and assemble the casserole ahead of time. Just keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
  • Garnishes: Feel free to get creative with your garnishes. Try chopped green onions, sour cream, bacon bits, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for extra flavor.
  • Keep an Eye on It: Air fryers can vary in how they cook, so start checking your casserole a few minutes early to make sure it doesn’t overcook.
  • Can I cook this casserole in a regular oven? Yes, check out our oven-baked Tater Tot Casserole recipe for all of our tips and tricks.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

  • Cool and Airtight: Let the casserole cool to room temperature and use an airtight container to store it.
  • Refrigerate: Pop it in the fridge and it will keep well for 3-4 days.
  • Reheat: To get those tater tots crispy again, reheat the casserole in the oven or back in the air fryer instead of the microwave.
  • Freeze: If you've got more than you can eat in a few days, freeze the casserole in a suitable container. It’ll last for up to a month. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Nutrition

Calories: 462kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 93mg | Sodium: 887mg | Potassium: 445mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 382IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 294mg | Iron: 2mg
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