Air Fryer Ham and Potato Casserole is my go-to when I need to use up holiday ham but want something that feels special, not just reheated. The potatoes turn perfectly tender while soaking up creamy sauce, and the cheese on top gets golden and crispy. The air fryer makes everything faster with less cleanup. You’ll wonder why you ever heated up ham any other way.
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I make this after Easter, Christmas, and Thanksgiving to use up leftover ham, and it’s perfect for Sunday brunch, weeknight dinners, and potlucks. Kids and adults love the cheesy potatoes, and it’s much faster than baking in the oven. It stays fresh in the fridge for 2 to 4 days or freezes for up to 3 months.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.
How to Make Air Fryer Ham and 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.
You’ll love how quickly this flavorful dish comes together, and the air fryer makes cleanup easier than baking in the oven.
Make the Creamy Sauce
Grab a nonstick skillet and melt your butter with olive oil over medium heat. I always use a good nonstick skillet for this step because it melts the butter evenly and cooks the onions without anything sticking, which saves me lots of hassle. Toss in the diced onions and let them cook until they’re soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir everything together so the flour coats them evenly. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. I always grab this sturdy balloon whisk for this step, as it blends the milk evenly and prevents any lumps.
Add the chicken broth, garlic powder, salt, and pepper (add a little cream of mushroom soup if you want extra richness), then continue whisking until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 3-4 minutes.
Layer the Casserole
Take a baking dish that fits inside your air fryer basket and lightly grease it. I always reach for this casserole dish since it holds the layers neatly and helps the sauce bubble evenly in the air fryer.
Start with half of the diced potatoes (or use red potatoes for a slightly waxy texture) on the bottom, then scatter half of the ham over them. For added color and nutrients, you can also add some diced bell peppers or a handful of spinach, and if you want extra smokiness, mix in a little cooked bacon.
DO MORE WITH YOUR
AIR FRYER
This eBook is a collection of 86 recipes I make again and again in my own kitchen. If you love good food and easy instructions, this book was made for you.
Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.
Includes ad-free recipes like:
∙ Cheesy Egg Bites
∙ Broccoli Cheddar Soup
∙ Asparagus Casserole
∙ Crack Chicken Casserole
∙ Coffee Cake
...and much more!
Pour half of the creamy sauce you just made over everything, making sure it reaches all the corners. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, ham, and sauce. Then, gently press everything down with this silicone spatula to help the sauce settle into the corners so everything gets coated, and let the casserole cook evenly.
Air Fry Until Tender
Cover your dish tightly with foil, making sure it’s sealed around the edges. I use this heavy-duty aluminum foil because it locks in steam and guarantees the potatoes turn out perfectly tender every time.
Place the dish in your preheated air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for 20-25 minutes; the foil helps the potatoes become fork-tender and absorb all the sauce. I rely on these heat-resistant oven gloves because they give me a secure grip and keep my hands protected every time I check a hot dish in the air fryer.
Add the Cheese and Finish
Carefully peel back the foil (watch out for the steam) and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top. Pop it back in the air fryer without the foil for another 5 minutes so the cheese melts fully, gets crisp instead of soggy, and turns bubbly and golden brown.
Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving so the sauce can thicken up slightly and everything sets. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a fresh pop of color. Serve and enjoy!
If you’re bringing this to a potluck gathering, make sure to pack it in a sturdy container so it stays put and doesn’t spill in the car. I like using this hard-sided sheet pan carrier with lid and handle because it’s solid, easy to grip, and roomy enough to hold a full 9×13-inch casserole without any awkward shifting.
After securing the dish, I tuck the whole thing into my insulated carrier to keep it warm, which is a huge help for long drives or when I need to drop it off early.
Air Fryer Ham and Potato Casserole
Add Preferred SourceIngredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 yellow onion diced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1¼ cups whole milk
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 pounds russet potatoes peeled and diced
- 2½ cups cooked ham diced
- 2 cups shredded cheese cheddar or cheese blend
- ¼ cup chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a skillet, melt butter with olive oil. Sauté onions until soft. Stir in flour, then slowly whisk in milk, broth, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer until thickened.2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 yellow onion, 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1¼ cups whole milk, ½ cup chicken broth, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper
- In a baking dish that fits your air fryer basket, layer half of the potatoes and ham, then pour over half the sauce. Repeat with remaining ingredients.2 pounds russet potatoes, 2½ cups cooked ham
- Cover tightly with foil and place in the air fryer. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes. Carefully remove foil, top with shredded cheese, and air fry for 5 more minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.2 cups shredded cheese
- Let sit for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.¼ cup chopped parsley
Notes
- Use russet potatoes: They break down just enough to absorb the sauce while still holding their shape, unlike waxy potatoes that can turn gummy.
- Dice everything evenly: Cut your potatoes and ham into similar-sized pieces (about ½-inch) so they cook at the same rate, and you get a bit of everything in each bite.
- Check your dish size: Make sure your baking dish fits comfortably in your air fryer basket with at least an inch of space around it for air circulation, or the top won’t brown properly.
- Customize your cheese: Cheddar melts beautifully, but you can mix in Gruyère for nuttiness, Monterey Jack for extra creaminess, or pepper jack if you want a little kick.
- Don’t skip the resting time: Letting the casserole sit for 5 minutes after cooking helps the sauce thicken and makes it way easier to scoop out clean portions instead of a saucy mess.
- Flash freeze for meal prep: Cool the casserole completely, cut into portions, and freeze on a baking sheet for 1 hour before transferring to freezer bags so the pieces don’t stick together.
Nutrition
DO MORE WITH YOUR
AIR FRYER
This eBook is a collection of 86 recipes I make again and again in my own kitchen. If you love good food and easy instructions, this book was made for you.
Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.
Includes ad-free recipes like:
∙ Cheesy Egg Bites
∙ Broccoli Cheddar Soup
∙ Asparagus Casserole
∙ Crack Chicken Casserole
∙ Coffee Cake
...and much more!
How to Store Leftovers
Let the casserole cool completely before storing it. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil if it doesn’t have a lid; I use this BPA-free plastic wrap because it clings tightly and seals out air well.
You can also transfer portions to an airtight glass food container to keep the leftovers fresh, lock in moisture, and stack neatly in the fridge without taking up much space, so they’ll keep for about 2 to 4 days.
Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, or warm the whole dish in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes. The sauce may look separated when cold, but it comes back together once heated.
For longer storage, portion the casserole into these freezer-safe plastic food containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The potatoes may be a bit softer after freezing, but the flavor stays just as delicious. I like to add a sprinkle of fresh cheese on top when reheating to brighten everything up.
What to Serve With Air Fryer Ham and Potato Casserole
This casserole is hearty on its own, but I like serving it with a simple green salad or steamed green beans to add freshness. Roasted broccoli, glazed carrots, or asparagus work great too, and any green vegetable helps balance the richness.
For a complete comfort meal, dinner rolls or crusty bread are perfect for soaking up extra sauce. Cheddar Bay biscuits are always a crowd-pleaser, and air fryer cornbread fits right in if you want to keep everything in the air fryer. The combination makes weeknight dinners feel special without much extra effort.
More Easy Recipes for You to Try at Home
I’ve got more air fryer casseroles that are just as hearty and comforting.
