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Crispy Air Fryer Loaded Tater Tot Casserole

crispy air fryer loaded tater tot casserole - featured image

A quick and easy comfort food recipe featuring crispy air-fried tater tots layered over a creamy, cheesy ground beef filling. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 bag frozen tater tots (classic or seasoned)
  • 1 pound ground beef (can substitute ground turkey or plant-based crumbles)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 150 g)
  • 1 cup shredded Colby jack cheese (about 100 g)
  • ½ cup sour cream (120 ml) (can substitute Greek yogurt)
  • 1 can (10.5 oz / 298 g) cream of mushroom soup (can substitute cream of chicken or celery)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: sliced green onions, cooked bacon bits, chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C), about 3-5 minutes depending on model.
  2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture with cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, and shredded Colby jack cheese. Stir well and adjust seasoning.
  5. Spread the beef mixture evenly into an air fryer-safe casserole dish (approx. 7×5 inches). Layer frozen tater tots on top in a single even layer.
  6. Place the casserole dish into the preheated air fryer. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes. Check halfway and cover loosely with foil if tots brown too quickly.
  7. About 5 minutes before the end, sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots. Continue cooking uncovered until cheese melts and bubbles.
  8. Remove from air fryer and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with optional toppings if desired.

Notes

Preheat the air fryer for best crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the casserole dish to ensure even cooking. Drain excess fat from ground beef to prevent greasiness. Add cheese topping near the end to avoid burning. If air fryer basket is small, cook in batches or use a smaller dish. Leftovers reheat well in air fryer or oven to maintain crispness.

Nutrition

Keywords: tater tot casserole, air fryer recipe, comfort food, quick dinner, cheesy casserole, ground beef casserole