Air Fryer Mashed Potato Casserole

Making this Air Fryer Mashed Potato Casserole changed the way I think about comfort food sides. That creamy, cheesy inside with a golden, crispy top makes it feel like the ultimate upgrade to classic mashed potatoes, and trust me, once you try it this way, there’s no going back.

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I make this for holiday spreads, Sunday family dinners, and potlucks because it’s hearty enough to stand on its own and impressive enough to serve at any gathering. The air fryer gets the top perfectly golden in less time than the oven, which makes it even more practical on a busy cooking day. Leftovers keep in the fridge for 3 to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months, and they reheat beautifully in the air fryer or microwave.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.

How to Make Air Fryer Mashed Potato 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.

Here’s exactly how I make it without the oven, from boiling the potatoes to pulling that golden, cheesy casserole out of the air fryer.

Boil the Potatoes

Place the peeled potato chunks in a large pot of generously salted water. Bring it to a boil and cook for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. You want them soft enough to mash completely smooth, so don’t rush this step.

Drain them well before moving on, letting them sit in a stainless steel colander for a minute or two so the excess water can evaporate before returning them to the pot and mashing. Too much water in the potatoes makes the filling runny.

Mash Until Smooth

Once drained, mash the boiled potatoes until smooth and lump-free using a potato ricer, a potato masher, or an electric mixer. A hand mixer makes this really fast and gives you that ultra-creamy texture throughout.

Mix in the Good Stuff

Stir in the butter, milk, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese, then add salt and black pepper. Mix everything together with a wooden spoon until fluffy, creamy, and well blended.

The sour cream is what makes the filling taste rich and tangy, and combined with the butter and cheese, the flavor is incredible.

Assemble and Top

Spread the mashed potato mixture into a ceramic baking dish that fits your basket or tray. Top with the remaining shredded cheese and breadcrumbs. The breadcrumbs are what give the top that satisfying crunch once it comes out of the air fryer.

Air Fry Until Golden

Place the dish in the air fryer basket and bake at 350°F (180°C) for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbling. Keep an eye on it toward the end so the top gets golden without going too dark.

Rest and Garnish

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with crispy fried onions and chopped green onions (or chives) before serving. That rest time helps everything set slightly, so it scoops cleanly and holds together on the plate.

Serve warm and enjoy!

If you’re bringing this to a potluck or a holiday dinner, it travels really well. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil right after it comes out of the air fryer, and hold off on adding any toppings until you arrive, so they stay fresh and crunchy.

Wrap the dish in a thick kitchen towel or place it in an insulated casserole carrier to keep it warm during the drive. It holds its heat well and still tastes amazing when served within an hour of cooking.

How to Store Leftovers

Once fully cooled, cover the whole dish with plastic wrap or a silicone casserole lid, or transfer any leftover mashed potato casserole to an airtight container and refrigerate for 3 to 4 days.

To reheat, scoop a portion into a microwave-safe dish and warm in 30-second intervals, stirring between each one, until heated through. You can also reheat the whole dish in the oven or air fryer at 325°F for a few minutes to bring back the crispness.

For longer storage, portion the casserole into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and the texture stays creamy, and the top crisps up just as well the second time around.

What to Serve With Air Fryer Mashed Potato Casserole

It’s delicious, rich, and hearty on its own, but it also works really well with roasted or grilled proteins and simple veggie sides that balance out all that creaminess. of the cheesy potatoes.

Try it alongside roasted chicken, pan-seared pork chops, meatloaf, bacon, or a simple herb-roasted turkey breast for a full, satisfying meal.

For vegetables, roasted green beans, glazed carrots, steamed broccoli, or a bowl of crisp garden salad all work beautifully. The freshness from a salad or lightly seasoned greens cuts through the richness and rounds out the plate really nicely.

More Easy Recipes for You to Try at Home

Here are more easy and flavorful air fryer casserole recipes I think you’ll love.

• Air Fryer Million Dollar Casserole
• Air Fryer Tuna Casserole
• Air Fryer Crack Chicken Casserole
• Air Fryer Cornbread Casserole
• Air Fryer Green Bean and Bacon Casserole