Easy Air Fryer Ham and Potato Casserole: Your Ultimate Leftover Ham Recipe

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this incredibly easy Air Fryer Ham and Potato Casserole. Perfect for transforming holiday leftovers into a delightful new meal or for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner, this recipe combines your favorite creamy potatoes with savory ham, melted cheese, and aromatic onions. The air fryer works its magic, ensuring a perfectly cooked casserole with minimal fuss, delivering unbelievably creamy potatoes hugged by a rich, cheesy sauce. Say goodbye to dry, bland casseroles and hello to a golden-brown, bubbling dish that will quickly become a family favorite!

One of the best parts about holiday dinners, like Easter or Thanksgiving, is undoubtedly the delicious leftovers! While traditional ham and potato casseroles can be time-consuming, the air fryer makes this beloved dish incredibly straightforward. By combining just a few simple ingredients with your leftover ham, you can create a hearty and comforting meal that tastes like it took hours, but truly comes together in minutes. This cozy casserole isn’t just for repurposing holiday ham; it’s also a perfect solution for a quick and satisfying dinner any night of the week.

This recipe is an excellent addition to your collection of Air Fryer Easter Recipes, providing a delicious way to enjoy your Easter ham long after the main feast is over. If you find yourself with an abundance of potatoes, don’t stop here! Your air fryer is a versatile tool for many potato-centric dishes. We highly recommend exploring other family favorites such as our Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes for a hearty start to your day, sweet and savory Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes, or perfectly tender Air Fryer Roasted Baby Potatoes. Each offers a unique way to enjoy this humble yet versatile vegetable.

If you appreciate the savory depth of this ham and potato casserole, you might also enjoy our comforting homemade Air Fryer Chili Pot Pie. It’s another fantastic way to utilize your air fryer for wholesome, flavorful meals.

Looking for more festive ideas? Find this recipe along with over 35 others in our ULTIMATE list of Air Fryer Thanksgiving Recipes.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Ham and Potato Casserole

• Effortlessly Delicious: The air fryer does most of the work, cooking the casserole evenly and to perfection with minimal hands-on time.
• Perfect for Leftovers: A brilliant way to transform leftover ham from holiday meals into an exciting new dish, reducing food waste and saving money.
• Creamy & Cheesy Comfort: With a rich mushroom soup base and plenty of melted cheese, every bite is a delightful combination of savory and creamy textures.
• Quick Weeknight Meal: From prep to plate, this casserole is ready in under 35 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
• Family-Friendly: A hearty and satisfying dish that appeals to all ages, even picky eaters will love the cheesy goodness!
• Versatile Ingredients: Easily customize with different types of potatoes, cheeses, or even a few extra vegetables.

Key Ingredients for Your Perfect Ham and Potato Casserole

Crafting this mouthwatering casserole requires a handful of simple, readily available ingredients. You’ll need an air fryer-safe dish, such as a Corningware dish that fits comfortably in your Cosori 5.8-quart air fryer basket or similar model. Beyond your essential air fryer and baking dish, gather these components to bring your casserole to life:

• Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: A staple for creamy casseroles, such as Campbell’s Soup, this provides a rich, savory base. You can also use cream of chicken soup for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Milk or Chicken Broth: Used to thin the condensed soup into a pourable, creamy sauce. Milk will yield a richer, thicker consistency, while chicken broth offers a lighter, more savory option.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance the flavors. Remember that ham and condensed soups can be quite salty already, so taste and adjust as needed.
• Small Red Potatoes: These waxy potatoes hold their shape well and don’t require peeling, saving you time. For larger potatoes like Russets, ensure they are peeled and cut into small, uniform cubes for even cooking.
• Onion: Diced onion adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth to the casserole, complementing the savory ham and potatoes.
• Cooked Ham: This is where your leftover holiday ham shines! Diced into small pieces, it adds a delicious, salty bite. Any pre-cooked ham will work perfectly.
• Cheddar Cheese or Swiss Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts beautifully and provides that irresistible gooey, cheesy layer. A combination of both can offer a more complex flavor. You’ll use some in the mixture and some for a final topping.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Air Fryer Ham & Potato Casserole

Making this cheesy ham and potato casserole in your air fryer is surprisingly simple. Follow these steps for a perfectly cooked, creamy dish:

Preparation: Begin by dicing your cooked ham and onions into small, even pieces. For the potatoes, if using small red potatoes, simply slice them in half. If you’re using larger potatoes, cut them into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure they cook thoroughly and evenly in the air fryer. This uniformity is key for a perfectly textured casserole.

Create the Creamy Sauce: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk (or chicken broth), a quarter teaspoon of salt, and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly until you have a smooth, creamy, and lump-free sauce. This forms the flavorful base for your casserole.

Combine Ingredients: To the creamy sauce, add your prepared potatoes, diced ham, and chopped onion. Now, stir in one full cup of shredded cheddar or Swiss cheese. Gently toss all the ingredients together, making sure every potato piece and ham chunk is generously coated with the cheesy soup mixture. This ensures every bite is bursting with flavor and creaminess.

Transfer to Baking Dish: Once everything is well combined, carefully pour the mixture into an oven-safe baking dish that fits snugly inside your air fryer basket. For an extra layer of cheesy goodness and a beautiful golden crust, sprinkle a small amount of additional shredded cheese (about ¼ cup) over the top before cooking. This will create a delicious melted topping.

Air Fry and Stir: Preheat your air fryer to 400° Fahrenheit (200°C). Carefully place the baking dish into the air fryer basket. Air fry for 20-25 minutes. During this cooking time, it’s crucial to stir the casserole at least two or three times. This ensures all the potatoes cook evenly, prevents the bottom from sticking, and helps the sauce thicken uniformly. Continue cooking until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.

Melt the Cheese Topping: Once the potatoes are soft and the casserole is bubbling, remove the dish from the air fryer. Sprinkle your remaining shredded cheddar or Swiss cheese generously over the top of the casserole. Return the dish to the air fryer and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly, and has a slight golden hue. Watch it closely to prevent over-browning.

Serve and Enjoy: Carefully remove the hot casserole from the air fryer. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving, as this allows the sauce to set slightly. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting, cheesy, and delicious meal!

Remember that air fryers vary in wattage and efficiency. Your cooking time may need to be adjusted by a few minutes, so always use the potato tenderness as your guide.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Ham and Potato Casserole

• Uniform Potato Size: Ensuring all potato pieces are roughly the same size (about 1-inch cubes or halves for small potatoes) is crucial for even cooking. This prevents some pieces from being undercooked while others are perfectly tender.
• Don’t Overcrowd: While the air fryer is efficient, avoid overfilling your baking dish. Leaving a little space allows for better air circulation, which helps cook the casserole evenly and achieve a slightly crisper top. You might need to adjust quantities or use a slightly larger dish for larger servings.
• Stirring is Key: The recommended stirring during cooking isn’t just a suggestion—it’s essential! It prevents the bottom from burning or sticking, ensures all potatoes get exposed to the heat, and helps distribute the creamy sauce and melting cheese throughout the dish.
• Check for Tenderness: The best indicator of doneness is the potatoes. Pierce a few pieces with a fork; if they are tender, your casserole is ready. Cooking times can vary based on potato type, size, and your specific air fryer model.
• Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can affect how they melt. Freshly shredded cheddar or Swiss cheese will melt more smoothly and create a richer, creamier topping.
• Meal Prep Ahead: You can prepare the ham, potatoes, and onions, and mix them with the sauce and initial cup of cheese a day in advance. Store the mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator, then transfer to your baking dish and air fry when ready to eat.
• Prevent Dryness: If your casserole seems to be drying out during cooking, you can add a tablespoon or two of milk or chicken broth to maintain its creamy consistency.

Serving Suggestions for Your Casserole

This Air Fryer Ham and Potato Casserole is a satisfying meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes to create a complete and balanced dinner. Here are some ideas to complement its rich flavors:

• Fresh Green Salad: A crisp, light green salad with a vinaigrette dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the creamy casserole.
• Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, asparagus, or carrots provide essential nutrients and a pop of color. Roasting them in the air fryer is also a quick option!
• Crusty Bread or Dinner Rolls: Perfect for soaking up any extra creamy sauce.
• Cornbread: A classic Southern side that offers a delightful texture and slight sweetness.
• Apple Sauce: The sweetness of applesauce can beautifully cut through the richness of the ham and cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Can I use other potatoes besides red potatoes?

Absolutely! While we love small red potatoes for their convenience (no peeling needed!), you can certainly use other types. Gold potatoes will also work well and offer a buttery flavor; they can often be left unpeeled if desired. If using russet potatoes, it’s best to peel them as their skins can be thicker and less palatable in a creamy casserole. Regardless of the type, ensure all potatoes are cut into uniform, smaller pieces (about 1-inch cubes) to guarantee even cooking in the air fryer. Smaller potatoes generally mean faster cooking and help achieve that desirable creamy texture.

What other seasonings can I add for flavor?

This recipe is intentionally simple, relying on the inherent flavors of ham, cheese, and mushroom soup, needing only a touch of salt and black pepper. It’s often best to season lightly initially, as both ham and condensed soups can be quite salty. You can always adjust the seasoning to your preference after the meal is cooked. For those who enjoy a little extra kick, a sprinkle of garlic powder or garlic salt can be a great addition. You could also try a pinch of paprika for a subtle smoky flavor and a hint of color.

Can I add other toppings?

Yes, customizing your casserole with different toppings is a fantastic idea! While extra shredded cheddar or Swiss cheese is always a family favorite for that gooey, golden finish, you can get creative. For a delightful textural contrast and a crispy topping, consider adding cooked leftover stuffing (especially if you’re using holiday ham), or a layer of crispy fried onions during the last few minutes of cooking. Breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter also make a wonderful crunchy topping. Just be sure to watch them closely to prevent burning, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if necessary.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, this casserole is great for meal prepping! You can prepare the entire mixture (ham, potatoes, onion, soup, and initial cheese) up to 24 hours in advance. Store it covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, transfer it to your air fryer-safe baking dish and proceed with the air frying instructions, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time as the mixture will be chilled.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store any leftover Air Fryer Ham and Potato Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can either warm individual portions in the microwave until heated through, or for a crispier result, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until thoroughly hot and bubbly.

MORE AIR FRYER RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE:

• Air Fryer Grilled Ham and Cheese
• How to Cook Ham in the Air Fryer
• Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Sliders
• Crispy Air Fryer Potato Wedges
• Homemade Air Fryer Seasoned French Fries