This easy Air Fryer Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting, all-in-one meal the whole family will love. Made with seasoned ground sausage, melty cheese, and topped with crispy golden tater tots, it cooks up perfectly in the air fryer for a quick and satisfying dinner with minimal cleanup.
Looking for a cozy, family-friendly dinner that’s quick to make and full of flavor? This Air Fryer Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting classic made even easier!
With layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy soup, melty cheese, and a crispy tater tot topping, it’s the perfect all-in-one meal for busy weeknights. Plus, it cooks up fast in the air fryer with minimal cleanup—what’s not to love?
If you love easy breakfast recipes, try my recipe for Air Fryer Jammy Eggs, Fried Egg in Air Fryer, or Air Fryer Baked Avocado Eggs.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Quick and Easy: Made with simple ingredients and ready fast in the air fryer—perfect for busy nights.
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults both love the cheesy, crispy goodness in every bite.
- Minimal Cleanup: One dish and no oven required—less mess, more convenience.
- Comfort Food Classic: Warm, hearty, and packed with flavor, just like mom used to make.
- Customizable: Easily swap in your favorite veggies, cheeses, or protein to make it your own.
Ingredients Needed
- Ground Sausage: You can also use lean ground beef, Italian sausage (hot or mild), and Chorizo Sausage.
- Eggs: You can also use an egg substitute if you have an egg allergy.
- Half and Half: Use almond or oat milk if you have a dairy allergy.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Shredded Mexican cheese or Colby Jack is another excellent option.
- Frozen Tater Tots: For best results, keep the tater tot frozen.
- Seasonings: Garlic Powder, Salt, and Black Pepper
How To Make Air Fryer Tater Tot Casserole
Step One: In a small skillet, cook ground sausage over medium heat while breaking it into small pieces until no longer pink.
Step Two: Remove the skillet from heat, drain grease from the sausage, and set aside. Spray a baking dish with cooking oil spray. Spread the crumbled sausage in an even layer over the bottom of the baking dish.
Step Three: In a medium bowl, whisk eggs, half and half, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined. Pour the egg mixture over the sausage in the baking dish. Top with shredded cheese.
Step Four: Place frozen tater tots evenly over the sausage, egg, and cheese mixture. Do not submerge tater tots. Set the air fryer temperature to 360 degrees F, air fryer setting, set cook time for 10-15 minutes or until a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Air Fryer Tater Tot Casserole Recipe Tips
- Meat: You can use ground beef, sausage, chicken, or turkey.
- Baking Pan: For best results, use a thinner baking pan than you would use if you made this in the oven. This way, the entire casserole is cooked. There is nothing worse than having only half of your casserole cooked.
- Mixing: If you use a thick baking pan, mix about halfway through the cooking process so the outside and inside get fully cooked.
- If making Air Fryer Tater Tot Casserole in an Air Fryer Oven, Place the casserole on the bottom shelf or rack so the inside and outside are thoroughly cooked.
Storing, Freezing & Reheating Instructions
- Storing: Let the casserole cool completely, then store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezing: To freeze, assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish (uncooked or cooked), cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. If already cooked, let it cool before freezing.
- Reheating: From the fridge: Reheat individual portions in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes, or microwave for 1–2 minutes until warmed through. From frozen: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then air fry at 350°F for 10–15 minutes or until hot and crispy. For a whole frozen casserole, bake at 375°F in the oven (covered for the first 20 minutes, then uncovered) until heated through.
What To Serve With Tater Tot Casserole In Air Fryer
Tater Tot Casserole in the air fryer is rich, cheesy, and satisfying on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can make it a complete meal.
A fresh garden salad or steamed veggies like green beans or broccoli help balance the hearty flavors, while buttery dinner rolls or garlic bread add a cozy, comforting touch. For something cool and crunchy, try serving it with coleslaw or a cucumber tomato salad. And if you’re looking for a little sweetness, a side of fruit salad or a glass of iced tea rounds it all out perfectly!
Air Fryer Tater Tot Casserole Recipe Faqs
How long should I cook Tater Tot Casserole in the air fryer? Cook the casserole for about 10-15 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy. The exact time may vary depending on your air fryer model.
Can I use frozen tater tots for this recipe? Yes, frozen tater tots work perfectly. There’s no need to thaw them before cooking.
Can I use other vegetables or proteins in the casserole? Absolutely! You can customize your casserole by adding vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms, and proteins such as cooked chicken, beef, or sausage.
How can I tell when the casserole is done? The casserole is done when the tater tots are crispy and golden brown, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Can I prepare the casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it. When ready to cook, let it come to room temperature before placing it in the air fryer.
How do I reheat leftovers? Reheat leftover casserole in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes or until heated through and crispy.
Can I cook the casserole in a different air fryer model or size? If you’re using a different air fryer model or size, you may need to adjust the cooking time and temperature. Check for doneness periodically and adjust as needed.
What can I serve with Tater Tot Casserole? Tater Tot Casserole pairs well with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or a fresh fruit salad for a complete meal.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
- AIR FRYER TERIYAKI PORK CHOPS
- AIR FRYER CRAB LEGS
- EASY AIR FRYER AIR FRYER SESAME CHICKEN
- AIR FRYER SESAME CHICKEN
- AIR FRYER SKIRT STEAK
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Air Fryer Tater Tot Casserole
Description
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground sausage
- 8 large eggs
- 3/4 cup half and half
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 pound tater tots, frozen
Instructions
- In a small skillet, cook ground sausage over medium heat while breaking it into small pieces until no longer pink.
- Remove skillet from heat, drain grease from sausage and set aside. Spray a baking dish with cooking oil spray. Spread the crumbled sausage in an even layer over the bottom of the baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, whisk eggs, half and half, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined. Pour the egg mixture over the sausage in the baking dish. Top with shredded cheese.
- Place frozen tater tots evenly over the top of the sausage, egg, and cheese mixture. Do not submerge tater tots. Set the temperature to 360 degrees F, air fryer setting, for approx. 10 to 15 minutes or until a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Equipment
- Baking Pan
- Cooking Spray
Nutrition
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