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Air Fryer Ham Casserole

Name: Air Fryer Ham Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 10.5 ounces cream of mushroom soup; 1/2 cup milk; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt; 1 pound small red potatoes (diced in half); 1/2 cup onion (diced); 2 cups cooked ham (diced or 1 pound ham steak); 1 1/2 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)

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Air Fryer Ham Casserole — Get ready to transform your dinner game with our latest recipe: Air Fryer Ham and Potato Casserole!

This dish is a delightful blend of savory ham and tender potatoes, baked to perfection in the air fryer for a quick and hassle-free meal. Ideal for busy weeknights or a comforting weekend dinner, this casserole combines the heartiness of a home-cooked meal with the convenience of modern cooking.

Stay tuned to learn how to make this delicious, cheesy, and satisfying dish that’s sure to become a new family favorite. Don’t miss out on this perfect blend of flavor and simplicity – all in the versatile air fryer!

Easy Air Fryer Ham Casserole Recipe

This Easy Air Fryer Ham and Potato Casserole recipe is the ultimate comfort food that combines convenience with classic flavors. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the delightful harmony of its key ingredients. Start by layering thinly sliced potatoes in the air fryer basket, seasoned with herbs and spices to bring out their natural, earthy flavor. Then, add chunks of savory ham, providing a satisfying depth and heartiness to the casserole. The layers are then generously topped with a blend of creamy cheese, infusing the dish with an irresistibly rich, gooey texture.

As the casserole cooks in the air fryer, the magic happens. The potatoes turn wonderfully tender, absorbing the flavors of the ham and spices, while the cheese melts into a golden, bubbly layer of deliciousness. The air fryer’s efficient hot air circulation ensures that everything cooks evenly, giving the potatoes a slightly crispy edge that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior. Moreover, this cooking method significantly reduces cooking time compared to a traditional oven, making it an ideal choice for a quick and satisfying meal. Serve this casserole as a hearty main course or a substantial side dish – either way, it’s sure to be a hit with its comforting warmth and mouth-watering flavors.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

You’ll love this Air Fryer Ham and Potato Casserole recipe for several fantastic reasons! Firstly, the air fryer technology offers a quicker and more energy-efficient cooking method than a traditional oven, making this dish perfect for busy days or when you’re craving a home-cooked meal without much fuss. The air fryer also ensures that the ingredients cook evenly, resulting in perfectly tender potatoes and succulently cooked ham every time.

Another reason to adore this recipe is its incredible flavor and texture. The ham adds a savory depth, while sliced thin potatoes become delightfully tender inside with a slight crispness on the edges. The cheese melted to golden perfection, combining everything with its rich and creamy goodness.

This casserole is also incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for any meal – a comforting dinner, a satisfying brunch, or a side dish for gatherings. Plus, it’s a great way to use leftover ham, reducing food waste.

Lastly, the simplicity of this recipe can’t be overstated. With minimal preparation and basic ingredients, you get a straightforward dish packed with homestyle flavors. It’s a recipe that both novice cooks and experienced chefs can appreciate for its ease and delicious outcome. This Air Fryer Ham and Potato Casserole is not just a meal; it’s a cozy hug in a dish!

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Ham and Potato Casserole

Dive into the ultimate comfort food with our Air Fryer Ham and Potato Casserole, a dish that’s as easy to make as it is satisfying to eat. Gather these simple ingredients to create a meal with a delightful blend of savory ham, tender potatoes, and melted cheese, perfectly cooked to golden perfection in your air fryer.

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

Cream of Mushroom Soup: This adds a rich, creamy base to the casserole, infusing it with a savory mushroom flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
Milk: A splash of whole milk helps to thin the cream of mushroom soup, ensuring a smooth and velvety texture that evenly coats the potatoes and ham. YOu can also use almond milk, oat milk, or heavy cream for a creamy sauce.
Kosher Salt: A pinch of kosher salt enhances the natural flavors of the casserole, balancing the creaminess of the soup and cheese with just the right amount of seasoning.
Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle heat and piquancy, cutting through the dish’s richness and adding depth to every bite.
Potatoes: Choose starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds for their ability to become tender and flavorful when cooked, forming the hearty base of the casserole.
Onion: Finely chopped onion brings a mild, sweet flavor to the mix, adding a layer of depth and aroma that ties all the ingredients together.
Cooked Ham: Diced cooked ham provides a savory, meaty element to the casserole, offering a delightful contrast in texture and flavor to the creamy components. You can also use a ham steak or leftover Easter ham.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sprinkling shredded cheddar cheese on top creates a gooey, melted layer of cheesy goodness that brings the dish a comforting and indulgent finish.

How To Make Ham and Potato Casserole In Air Fryer

Making Ham and Potato Casserole in an air fryer is a simple and delicious way to enjoy a comforting meal. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Preparation: Begin by peeling and slicing your potatoes into thin, even slices. Chop the onion finely and dice the cooked ham into bite-sized pieces.

Mixing the Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup with milk to create a creamy mixture. Season this with kosher salt and black pepper to taste.

Layering the Casserole: Start by spreading a thin layer of the soup mixture at the bottom of a casserole dish or a compatible air fryer-safe dish. Then, add a layer of potato slices, followed by a layer of chopped onion and diced ham.

Cooking the Casserole: Preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees F (180°C). Once preheated, place the baking dish in the air fryer basket. Set cook time for 20-25 minutes. The cooking time might vary depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of the potato slices. Halfway through the cooking time, you might want to check the casserole and gently stir or rearrange the layers for even cooking, though this step is optional.

Checking for Doneness: The casserole is done when the potatoes are tender, and the cheese is melted and slightly golden. You can check the tenderness of the potatoes with a fork.

Serving: Once cooked, let the casserole sit for a few minutes to cool down slightly. This rest period allows the layers to set, making serving easier. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives before serving. Serve warm and enjoy your hearty and delicious Air Fryer Ham and Potato Casserole!

This air fryer version of the classic casserole dish is easy to make and provides a quicker cooking option with the same satisfying taste as the oven-baked version.

Recipe Variations

Exploring recipe variations for your Air Fryer Ham and Potato Casserole can add an exciting twist to this classic comfort dish. Here are some creative ideas to try:

Cheesy Broccoli Addition: Add some chopped broccoli to your layers for a pop of color and a boost of nutrition. The broccoli pairs well with the cheese and ham, offering a delicious way to incorporate more vegetables.
Sweet Potato Swap: For a sweeter and more colorful version, swap out some or all of the regular potatoes with sweet potatoes. This not only changes the flavor profile but also adds extra nutrients.
Bacon and Chive Twist: Incorporate crispy, crumbled bacon, and chopped chives into your layers for a smoky flavor and a hint of freshness. This combination works wonderfully with the creamy cheese and savory ham.
Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the layers. This will give your casserole a spicy kick that contrasts nicely with the creamy elements.
Creamy Mushroom Layer: Sauté some sliced mushrooms and add them to the casserole. Their earthy flavor complements the ham and potatoes and adds a lovely creamy texture when cooked.
Italian Style: Infuse an Italian flair by adding layers of sliced tomatoes and mozzarella cheese and seasoning it with Italian herbs like basil and oregano. This variation gives a fresh, Mediterranean twist to the dish.
Greek-Inspired: Incorporate feta cheese and spinach for a Greek-inspired version. The feta’s saltiness and the spinach’s earthiness create a delightful flavor combination.
Caramelized Onion Luxury: Adding a layer of caramelized onions can bring a sweet depth to the casserole, offering a rich flavor that pairs well with the ham and cheese.
Sour Cream and Cheddar: Mix in some sour cream with the potatoes for added creaminess, and use a sharp cheddar for the cheese layers. This combination provides a tangy and rich depth to the dish.
Pepperoni and Mozzarella Twist: For a pizza-like experience, add layers of pepperoni and mozzarella cheese. This especially appeals to kids and adds a fun twist to the meal.

Each variation adds its own unique touch to the classic ham and potato casserole, making it adaptable to different tastes and occasions. Experiment with these ideas or create your own unique twist to keep this dish exciting and new each time you make it!

Pro Tips

Crafting the perfect Air Fryer Ham and Potato Casserole requires some pro tips to ensure the best results. Here are some expert suggestions:

Slice Potatoes Evenly: Make sure your potato slices are of uniform thickness for even cooking. A mandoline slicer can be a great tool for achieving consistently thin slices.
Pre-cook Potatoes: To speed up the cooking process and ensure your potatoes are fully cooked, parboil or microwave the potato slices for a few minutes before layering them in the air fryer.
Choose the Right Cheese: Opt for cheeses that melt well, like cheddar, Colby jack, Monterey jack, mozzarella, or Gruyere. They will create a deliciously gooey, creamy layer that binds the casserole together.
Season Each Layer: To ensure every bite is flavorful, season each layer of potatoes as you build your casserole. This can include salt, pepper, garlic powder, and other desired herbs or spices.
Avoid Overcrowding: Don’t overload your air fryer basket. If needed, cook the casserole in batches. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and a less crispy outcome.
Use Cooked Ham: Ensure the ham is pre-cooked (most store-bought hams are). This ensures that it just needs to be heated through and won’t require extra cooking time, which could overcook the potatoes.
Let it Rest: After cooking, let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. This resting period allows the layers to set, making it easier to serve without falling apart.
Check for Doneness: The cooking time may vary based on the air fryer model and the thickness of your potato slices. Check for doneness by inserting a fork into the potatoes. They should be tender, and the cheese melted and bubbly.
Customize to Your Taste: For extra flavor and nutrition, add other ingredients like onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
Garnish Before Serving: For a fresh touch, garnish your casserole with chopped herbs like parsley or chives before serving. This adds color and a burst of freshness to the dish.

Following these tips, you can create a delicious and satisfying Air Fryer Ham and Potato Casserole that’s perfect for any occasion.

Faq’s

Can I use any type of potato for this ham casserole? While you can use different types of potatoes, starchy varieties like Russet potatoes, yellow potatoes, red potatoes, or Yukon Gold are ideal. They hold their shape well during cooking and have a fluffy texture that works great in casseroles.

How do I prevent the potatoes from turning out undercooked or too crispy? Slice the potatoes evenly to ensure uniform cooking. If your air fryer cooks hot, you might want to check the casserole earlier. Also, pre-cooking the potatoes slightly can help ensure they cook through evenly.

Can I make this casserole with leftover ham? Absolutely! Leftover ham is perfect for this recipe. Dice it into bite-size pieces and layer it as you would with fresh ham.

What kind of cheese is best for this casserole? Cheeses that melt well, like cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix, are great choices. They add creaminess and a nice flavor to the casserole.

Is it necessary to preheat the air fryer before cooking the casserole? Preheating the air fryer is generally a good practice as it helps the casserole start cooking immediately and evenly.

Can I add other vegetables to this casserole? You can easily add other vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or broccoli for extra flavor and nutrition. Just ensure they are cut into small, even pieces.

How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the air fryer or microwave until heated through.

Can this recipe be made ahead of time? You can assemble the casserole and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook it. Add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if you’re starting from cold.

Is it possible to make this casserole dairy-free? You can use dairy-free cheese alternatives and a splash of plant-based milk to make a dairy-free version.

How can I tell when the casserole is done? The casserole is done when the potatoes are tender, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can test the doneness of the potatoes with a fork.

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