Quick Air Fryer Tuna Casserole Recipe
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Not only do I love that this tuna casserole tastes great, and my whole family gobbles it up as soon as it hits the table, but I love that it only takes 20 minutes to make – that’s all! You don’t need any fancy ingredients, you’ve probably already got them in your pantry, which means you’ve got a delicious dinner for when the panic of ‘what am I going to cook?‘ strikes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients in the photograph below.
How to Make Quick Air Fryer Tuna Casserole with Step-By-Step Instructions
Scroll down for the full recipe card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.
This recipe is a dream to make, just follow my easy instructions and you’ll soon be enjoying it.
Cook the Noodles
Start by boiling a pot of salted water and cooking your egg noodles just shy of the package instructions—around 2-3 minutes less. This keeps them firm so they don’t turn into mush when they’re baked. Drain and set them aside.
Mix Everything Together
In a big bowl, toss your noodles with the drained tuna, vegetable soup, milk, frozen peas, a pinch of salt, pepper, and half of the cheddar cheese. Stir it all up until it’s well combined. Trust me, the mix is already looking good.
Get it Ready for the Air Fryer
Grab a baking dish that fits your air fryer and give it a quick grease. Pour the mixture into the dish, smoothing it out so it’s nice and even.
Now, sprinkle the rest of the cheddar and top it off with Panko breadcrumbs for that crispy, golden finish.
Air Fry It to Perfection
Set your air fryer to 355°F (180°C) and pop the dish in. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, just until the cheese gets all bubbly and the breadcrumbs are perfectly crisp.
Garnish and Serve
Once it’s done, carefully remove it from the air fryer and sprinkle some freshly sliced chives on top. Now, it’s time to dig into that cheesy, crispy goodness! Enjoy!
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
I’ve gathered some of my top tips to ensure that your air fried tuna casserole turns out perfect each time.
- Noodles Matter: Undercook your noodles a bit so they hold up better during the bake. Nobody likes a mushy casserole.
- Cheese Choice: Freshly grated cheddar melts better than the pre-shredded stuff, giving you that smooth, gooey layer we all love.
- Switch It Up: Not a fan of peas? Try swapping in some frozen mixed veggies or diced carrots for extra flavor and texture.
- Crispy Breadcrumbs: Want extra crunch? Quickly toast your Panko breadcrumbs in a dry skillet before adding them on top.
- Size It Right: Make sure your baking dish fits in your air fryer without overcrowding so everything cooks evenly.
- Watch for Bubbling: Keep an eye on it while it cooks. You want the cheese to be bubbly and the breadcrumbs golden brown, not burned.
How to Store Leftover Air Fryer Tuna Casserole
Got leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready for round two, pop it back in the air fryer or oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
This casserole freezes well too—just portion it into freezer-safe containers, and when you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Tuna Casserole
This casserole is rich and hearty, so it pairs great with something light. A crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette can bring a refreshing contrast to the cheesy, savory casserole.
For a heartier side, roasted vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts add both texture and flavor. The caramelization of the veggies brings out a natural sweetness that works well alongside the tuna casserole.
If you’re feeling indulgent, serve it with some garlic bread. Soft, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any cheesy sauce left on your plate. Plus, the crunchy crust adds a nice contrast to the creamy casserole.
You can also use warm dinner rolls to soak up all that cheesy goodness!
More Quick Air Fryer Recipes You Will Love
- Air Fryer Crack Chicken Casserole
- Air Fryer Turkey Chili
- Air Fryer French Onion Soup
- Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- Air Fryer Shrimp
Ingredients
- 3 cups egg noodles
- 1 cup canned tuna drained
- 1 can vegetable soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Salt and pepper
- 2 cups Cheddar cheese
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons chives thinly sliced
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles 2-3 minutes less than the package instructions suggest. Drain the noodles and set them aside.3 cups egg noodles
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked noodles, drained tuna, vegetable soup, milk, frozen peas, salt, pepper, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the mixture is fully combined.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 dish that fits inside your air fryer. Pour the noodle mixture into the dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and Panko breadcrumbs on top.1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- Place the dish in the air fryer and cook at 355°F (180°C) for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
- Carefully remove the dish from the air fryer and garnish with sliced chives. Serve hot and enjoy!2 tablespoons chives
Notes
- Noodles Matter: Undercook your noodles a bit so they hold up better during the bake. Nobody likes a mushy casserole.
- Cheese Choice: Freshly grated cheddar melts better than the pre-shredded stuff, giving you that smooth, gooey layer we all love.
- Switch It Up: Not a fan of peas? Try swapping in some frozen mixed veggies or diced carrots for extra flavor and texture.
- Crispy Breadcrumbs: Want extra crunch? Quickly toast your Panko breadcrumbs in a dry skillet before adding them on top.
- Size It Right: Make sure your baking dish fits in your air fryer without overcrowding so everything cooks evenly.
- Watch for Bubbling: Keep an eye on it while it cooks. You want the cheese to be bubbly and the breadcrumbs golden brown, not burned.
Nutrition
About the Author
Hey there! I’m Mandy
Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.
She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.
She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.
So amazing for the children’s tea! It’s one of their fav dishes. The flavors are wonderful
I’m so happy to hear that your kids love it, Melissa!