Chicken casserole is a classic dish that has been enjoyed by many for years. It is a hearty and satisfying meal, perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Traditionally, chicken casserole is cooked in the oven, but did you know that you can also make it in an air fryer? That’s right! With the help of this versatile kitchen appliance, you can create a delicious and easy chicken casserole that everyone will love. In this article, we will guide you through the steps on how to cook chicken casserole in an air fryer, so let’s get started!
Gather the Ingredients
Before you begin cooking, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients. For this chicken casserole recipe, you will need the following:
1. 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2. 1 onion, diced
3. 2 cloves of garlic, minced
4. 1 cup of mushrooms, sliced
5. 1 cup of carrots, diced
6. 1 cup of frozen peas
7. 1 can of cream of mushroom soup
8. 1 cup of chicken broth
9. 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
10. 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary
11. Salt and pepper to taste
12. 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
13. 1 cup of breadcrumbs
Make sure you have all these ingredients ready before you start cooking to ensure a smooth and efficient process.
Preheat the Air Fryer
The first step in cooking chicken casserole in an air fryer is to preheat the device. Set the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and let it preheat for a few minutes. This will ensure that the air fryer is hot and ready to cook your casserole.
Cook the Chicken and Vegetables
Next, it’s time to cook the chicken and vegetables. In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they are fragrant and translucent. Then, add the chicken pieces and cook until they are browned on all sides.
Once the chicken is cooked, add the sliced mushrooms, diced carrots, and frozen peas to the skillet. Sauté the vegetables for a few minutes until they are slightly softened. Season everything with dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper, according to your taste preferences.
Combine the Ingredients
Now that the chicken and vegetables are cooked, it’s time to combine all the ingredients in the air fryer. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and chicken broth until well combined. Pour this mixture into the air fryer basket. Then, add the cooked chicken and vegetables to the basket as well.
Mix everything together gently, ensuring that all the ingredients are coated with the creamy sauce. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top, followed by the breadcrumbs. These toppings will give your chicken casserole a deliciously crispy and cheesy crust.
Cook the Casserole
Now that everything is ready, it’s time to cook the chicken casserole in the air fryer. Place the air fryer basket in the preheated air fryer and set the cooking time to 25-30 minutes. Make sure to check on the casserole periodically to avoid overcooking.
The air fryer will cook the casserole evenly and provide a nice golden-brown crust. The chicken will become tender and juicy, while the vegetables will retain their vibrant colors and flavors. The aroma that will fill your kitchen as the casserole cooks is simply irresistible!
Serve and Enjoy
Once the chicken casserole is cooked to perfection, carefully remove it from the air fryer. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the casserole to set and make it easier to portion out onto plates.
You can serve the chicken casserole as it is or alongside some freshly cooked rice or a side salad. It makes for a complete and satisfying meal that will please even the pickiest eaters. Your family and friends will be impressed by this delicious and easy recipe, and they won’t believe that it was made in an air fryer!
In conclusion, cooking chicken casserole in an air fryer is a wonderful way to enjoy this classic dish with a modern twist. The air fryer provides a convenient and efficient cooking method, as well as a crispy and delicious result. By following the steps outlined in this article, you will be able to create a delicious and easy chicken casserole that will satisfy your taste buds and impress your loved ones. So go ahead, give it a try and enjoy a home-cooked meal that will leave everyone wanting more!