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.
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the noodles 2-3 minutes short of the time indicated in the package. Set aside.
3 cups egg noodles
In a large bowl, combine the noodles, tuna, vegetable soup, milk, frozen peas, salt and pepper, and half of the cheese.
1 cup canned tuna, 1 can vegetable soup, 1 cup milk, 1 cup frozen peas, Salt and pepper, 2 cups Cheddar cheese
Grease a baking pan and transfer the mixture. Top with the rest of the cheese and Panko breadcrumbs.
1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
Bake in the air fryer at 320°F/160ºC for 10 minutes, or until bubbly.
Top with sliced chives.
2 tablespoons chives
Serve and enjoy your air fryer Tuna Casserole!
Notes
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.
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 consume the leftovers within 3-4 days.
Reheat: When you’re ready to eat, you can reheat the casserole in the microwave or back in the air fryer for a few minutes. If using the air fryer, cover the top with foil to prevent it from drying out.
Freeze: If you want to keep the casserole longer, freeze it in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating as above.