Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this Air Fryer Chicken Tetrazzini is a game-changer! With tender chicken, a rich sauce, and a crispy, golden topping, this easy dish delivers comfort food perfection in no time.

A plate of creamy Air Fryer Chicken Tetrazzini topped with golden, crispy breadcrumbs and fresh parsley.
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Air Fryer Chicken Tetrazzini is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting pasta dish that’s perfect for an easy yet satisfying meal. Made with tender chicken, a rich and savory sauce, and a crispy golden topping, this dish brings classic comfort food to a whole new level with the convenience of the air fryer.

The air fryer helps achieve a perfectly baked texture in less time, giving you a deliciously creamy inside with a crunchy, flavorful crust. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to be a hit!

Air Fryer Chicken Tetrazzini served with a crispy golden breadcrumb topping and a creamy, cheesy sauce.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

  • Quick & Easy – Ready in less time with minimal effort.
  • Creamy & Cheesy – Rich, comforting sauce with melted cheese.
  • Crispy Topping – Golden, crunchy finish from the air fryer.
  • Family Favorite – Loved by kids and adults alike.
  • Great for Leftovers – Tastes even better the next day.
  • Customizable – Swap proteins, veggies, or pasta types.
  • Perfect Comfort Food – Warm, hearty, and satisfying.
  • Budget-Friendly – Uses simple, affordable pantry staples.

If you love air fryer dinner recipes, try my recipe for Copycat Steak ‘n Shake Chili, Air Fryer Peanut Butter Banana Sandwich, or Air Fryer Patty Melt.

Ingredients Needed

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Chicken Tetrazzini on kitchen table.
  • Cooked Chicken: Tender, flavorful protein for a hearty dish.
  • Spaghetti: Perfectly textured pasta for a satisfying bite.
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup: Adds a rich, creamy, and savory base.
  • Heavy Cream or Milk: Enhances creaminess for a smooth sauce.
  • Chicken Broth: Deepens flavor and keeps the sauce silky.
  • Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully for a gooey, cheesy finish.
  • Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty depth of flavor.
  • Sliced Mushrooms: Earthy, hearty texture for extra richness.
  • Seasonings: Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Dried Thyme, Salt and Black Pepper.
  • Breadcrumbs: Creates a crispy, golden topping.

How To Make Air Fryer Chicken Tetrazzini

Whisking together cream of mushroom soup, heavy cream, chicken broth, and seasonings in a large bowl.

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes.

Whisking cream of mushroom soup, heavy cream, chicken broth, and seasonings in a large bowl.

Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.

Adding cooked chicken, spaghetti, and mushrooms to the sauce, then transferring to a baking dish, topping with cheese and breadcrumbs.

Step 3: Add the cooked chicken, spaghetti, and mushrooms (if using) to the sauce and mix until evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to an air fryer-safe baking dish. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. If using breadcrumbs, sprinkle them over the cheese and lightly spray with olive oil.

Placing the dish in the air fryer basket to cook, then letting it rest and garnishing with fresh parsley before serving.

Step 4: Place the dish in the air fryer basket and set cook time for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling. Check halfway through and rotate the dish if needed for even cooking. Let the tetrazzini rest for 5 minutes before serving, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Air Fryer Chicken Tetrazzini served with a golden, crispy topping and creamy pasta.

Air Fryer Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe Tips

  • Use Cooked Chicken: Leftover or rotisserie chicken works perfectly for this dish and saves time.
  • Cook Pasta Al Dente: Be sure to cook the spaghetti slightly underdone so it holds up well when baking in the sauce.
  • Add Flavor Variations: Try adding other vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
  • Adjust the Cheese: Feel free to swap the mozzarella and Parmesan for your favorite cheeses like cheddar or gouda for a twist.
  • Breadcrumbs for Crunch: If you love a crispy topping, don’t skip the breadcrumbs, and be sure to spray them with olive oil for extra crispiness.
  • Check for Doneness: Air fryer models vary, so check your tetrazzini at the halfway point to ensure it’s cooking evenly.
  • Rest Before Serving: Let the tetrazzini rest for a few minutes after cooking so the sauce sets and makes serving easier.

Storing

  • Storing: Store any leftover Air Fryer Chicken Tetrazzini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to let it cool before storing to preserve freshness.
  • Freezing: To freeze, transfer the cooled tetrazzini to an airtight container or freezer bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
  • Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes, or until heated through and the top is crispy again. You can also reheat it in the microwave, covered, for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Delicious Air Fryer Chicken Tetrazzini with a golden, crispy topping and creamy pasta.

What To Serve With Air Fryer Chicken Tetrazzini

Air Fryer Chicken Tetrazzini pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides to complete your meal. A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a light, crisp contrast to the creamy pasta. Roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts add a savory touch, while garlic bread or crusty baguette slices are perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce. For a heartier meal, serve with mashed potatoes or steamed rice to balance the rich flavors of the dish.

Air Fryer Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe Faqs

Can I use other types of pasta? Yes, you can substitute spaghetti with other pasta like penne, rotini, or fettuccine. Just be sure to cook the pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming too soft when baked.

Can I use frozen chicken? Frozen chicken can be used, but it will need to be cooked thoroughly before adding it to the dish. Pre-cooked chicken or leftover chicken works best for this recipe.

Can I add vegetables to the tetrazzini? Absolutely! Feel free to add veggies like peas, mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to enhance the flavor and nutrition of the dish.

How do I make it creamy without heavy cream? You can substitute heavy cream with milk or a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk or almond milk for a lighter version, though it may slightly alter the richness.

Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dish in advance and store it in the fridge before air frying. Just cover it tightly and bake it when you’re ready to serve.

Can I use a different cheese? Yes, you can experiment with cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or a blend of your favorites to customize the flavor.

How do I know when it’s done? The tetrazzini is done when the top is golden brown and bubbly. If you’re unsure, check the center with a fork to ensure it’s hot throughout.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

Air Fryer Chicken Tetrazzini with a crispy golden topping and creamy, cheesy pasta.

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"A plate of creamy Air Fryer Chicken Tetrazzini topped with golden, crispy breadcrumbs and fresh parsley."

Air Fryer Chicken Tetrazzini

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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings

Description

Air Fryer Chicken Tetrazzini is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting pasta dish featuring tender chicken, rich sauce, and a golden, crispy topping. Easy and quick to make in the air fryer!
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Ingredients 

  • 2 cups chicken, cooked, and shredded
  • 8 ounces spaghetti, cooked al dente
  • 10.5 ounces cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup heavy cream, or milk
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced, optional
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon Salt, to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, to taste
  • ¼ cup breadcrumbs, optional, for topping

Instructions

  • Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  • In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
  • Stir in the cooked chicken, spaghetti, and mushrooms (if using), mixing until well coated in the sauce.
  • Transfer the mixture into an air fryer-safe baking dish.
  • Evenly sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
  • If desired, add breadcrumbs over the cheese and lightly spray with olive oil for a crispy finish.
  • Place the dish in the air fryer basket and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
  • Check halfway through and rotate the dish if necessary to ensure even cooking.
  • Let the tetrazzini rest for 5 minutes before serving, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Equipment

  • Cooking Spray
  • Baking Pan, slightly smaller than the air fryer basket.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 344kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 15gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 62mgSodium: 751mgPotassium: 236mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 603IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 183mgIron: 1mg

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