You know those Sundays when you want something hearty and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen? That’s exactly why I fell in love with this Air Fryer Amish Sunday Savior Casserole. Picture this: golden, cheesy goodness with tender chicken and veggies, all tucked under a buttery cracker crust—ready in under 30 minutes. It’s the kind of dish that makes my family gather around the table before I’ve even called them.
I stumbled on this recipe when my sister brought it to a potluck, and let me tell you, it disappeared faster than the kids chasing fireflies at dusk. The air fryer works magic here, crisping up the topping while keeping the inside creamy and rich. No fuss, no endless stirring—just layer, air fry, and voilà ! Sundays are sacred in our house, whether it’s a lazy brunch or a cozy supper, and this casserole? It’s become our go-to. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why we call it the “Sunday Savior.”
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Amish Sunday Savior Casserole
This casserole is my secret weapon for busy Sundays (or any day, really!). Here’s why it’s a total game-changer:
- Faster than takeout: From fridge to table in 30 minutes—no oven preheating, no babysitting. Just toss everything in the air fryer and let it work its magic while you set the table.
- Comfort in every bite: That creamy, cheesy filling with crisp buttery crumbs? It’s like a hug from Grandma, minus the hours of simmering.
- One-dish wonder: Mix, dump, sprinkle—that’s it! Even the “cleanup crew” (aka my kids) can handle rinsing the single bowl afterward.
- Kid-approved and adaptable: Picky eaters? Swap veggies or protein. My nephew gobbles it up with extra cheese, while my sister adds a dash of hot sauce for kick.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Amish Sunday Savior Casserole
Gather these simple ingredients—most are probably already in your fridge or pantry! The magic happens when humble things come together:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (leftover rotisserie works wonders here, or poach 2 breasts while prepping other ingredients)
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas and carrots are my favorite, but use whatever’s lurking in your freezer)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (the sharper the better—it stands up to the creamy sauce)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (don’t skimp—this is what makes it luxuriously rich)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (full-fat for maximum creaminess, though Greek yogurt works in a pinch)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (trust me, powder blends better than fresh here)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (the unsung hero of cozy flavors)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste if your chicken or crackers are salty)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly cracked if you’re feeling fancy)
- 1 cup crushed crackers (Ritz or saltines—I use whatever’s left in the box from soup season)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for that golden, crispy crown)
How to Make Air Fryer Amish Sunday Savior Casserole
This casserole comes together so easily, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with complicated Sunday dinners. Here’s how to make it perfect every time:
Step 1: Preheat and Mix
First, crank your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) – it’ll be ready by the time you finish mixing! In a big bowl, dump the chicken, veggies, cheese, mayo, sour cream, and all those lovely spices. Stir gently but thoroughly – you want every bite to be coated in that creamy goodness. Don’t overmix though, or the chicken might get stringy.
Step 2: Assemble and Top
Grab a baking dish that fits in your air fryer basket (I use a 7-inch round one) and give it a quick spritz of oil. Spoon in your creamy mixture, smoothing it out evenly. Now the best part – mix those crushed crackers with melted butter until they’re all happy and coated, then sprinkle them over the top like a golden blanket.
Step 3: Cook and Serve
Slide that dish into your preheated air fryer and let it work its magic for 15-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the topping is gorgeously golden and you see little bubbles peeking around the edges. Let it rest for 5 minutes (hardest part!) so it sets perfectly. Then dive in – Sunday dinner just got a whole lot easier!
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Amish Sunday Savior Casserole
After making this casserole more times than I can count (my family won’t let me stop!), I’ve picked up some tricks to make it foolproof:
- Grease that dish like you mean it: A quick spritz of oil isn’t enough – really get in the corners with a buttered paper towel. Nothing’s sadder than crispy topping stuck to the pan!
- Check early, check often: Air fryers vary wildly. Start checking at 12 minutes – you want bubbly edges and golden crumbs, not a dark brown hockey puck.
- Let it rest! I know it’s tempting, but those 5 minutes make all the difference. The filling sets up perfectly instead of oozing everywhere.
- Crush crackers unevenly: Leave some bigger pieces mixed with fine crumbs for maximum texture contrast. My kids fight over the extra-buttery clumps!
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about this casserole? It’s endlessly adaptable! Here are my favorite twists for different tastes and pantries:
- Protein swaps: Leftover turkey after Thanksgiving? Perfect. Diced ham from Sunday brunch? Even better. My vegetarian friends love it with chickpeas or white beans too.
- Veggie adventures: Fresh veggies work if that’s what you’ve got—just sauté them briefly first. I’ve used everything from zucchini to bell peppers when the freezer was empty.
- Cracker alternatives: Gluten-free? Use your favorite GF crackers or even crushed cornflakes. For extra crunch, try panko breadcrumbs mixed with parmesan.
- Dairy tweaks: Swap in Greek yogurt for sour cream or use a dairy-free mayo—it still comes out creamy and delicious. Just don’t skip the cheese if you can help it!
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Amish Sunday Savior Casserole
This casserole shines all on its own, but I love rounding out the meal with simple sides that let it stay the star. A crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly—my go-to is baby spinach with apple slices and walnuts. For heartier appetites, warm crusty bread or buttery cornbread makes every last bit of that creamy sauce disappear. And on lazy Sundays? Just grab a fork and dig right in—no sides needed!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
This casserole keeps beautifully! Store leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have any) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop individual portions back in the air fryer at 325°F for 5-7 minutes until piping hot. For freezer meals, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The cracker topping might lose some crispness, but a quick 2-minute air fryer blast fixes that right up!
Air Fryer Amish Sunday Savior Casserole FAQs
I get asked these questions all the time—here are the answers straight from my messy recipe notebook (complete with sauce stains!):
Can I use frozen chicken?
Absolutely! Just thaw it completely first—I pop frozen breasts in the fridge overnight or use the defrost setting on my microwave. Never put frozen chicken straight in; it’ll make the casserole watery.
What if my air fryer basket is small?
No worries! Use individual ramekins instead of one big dish. They cook faster too—start checking at 10 minutes. Bonus: everyone gets their own crispy edges!
Can I make this ahead?
You bet! Assemble everything (without cooking) up to a day in advance. Keep it covered in the fridge, then add 2-3 extra minutes to the cooking time since it’ll be cold.
Why is my topping burning?
Every air fryer runs hot differently. If crumbs darken too fast, tent loosely with foil after the first 10 minutes. And always put the dish in the middle of the basket—no touching the heating element!
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but cook in batches unless your air fryer has a huge basket. Overcrowding leads to uneven cooking. I prefer making two separate casseroles—one for now, one to freeze for later!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on what’s in each hearty serving—but keep in mind, these are just estimates! Your exact numbers will dance a bit depending on your ingredient brands and tweaks (extra cheese, anyone?). One serving packs about 450 calories with 25g protein—perfect for keeping everyone full through Sunday afternoon naps or evening board games. The values below are based on using full-fat dairy and regular crackers, but hey, life’s too short not to enjoy that melty cheese!
Rate and Share
Did this casserole save your Sunday too? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a star rating below or tag me in your crispy, cheesy masterpiece photos—nothing makes me happier than seeing your family gathered around this dish!
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Easy Christmas Air Fryer Amish Sunday Savior Casserole: 30-Minute Comfort Magic
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A hearty and comforting casserole made in the air fryer, perfect for a Sunday meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup crushed crackers
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix chicken, vegetables, cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish that fits in your air fryer.
- In a small bowl, combine crushed crackers and melted butter.
- Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Place the dish in the air fryer and cook for 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken with turkey or ham.
- Use fresh vegetables if preferred.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American