Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my new favorite way to whip up comfort food in a flash – this Air Fryer Christmas Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole! I stumbled upon this gem last holiday season when I was drowning in cookie tins and needed something easy yet cozy for dinner. The air fryer works absolute magic here – that golden, crispy topping? The way the cheese gets all melty and bubbly in half the time of a conventional oven? Pure Christmas miracle. What I love most is how the creamy sauce clings to every noodle, making each bite richer than the last. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or holiday potluck, this recipe’s been my go-to for stress-free deliciousness that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Christmas Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole
Let me count the ways this casserole will steal your heart (and become your new holiday tradition):
- Faster than Santa’s sleigh: Ready in under 30 minutes – perfect when you’re juggling presents and guests
- Creamy dreaminess: That luscious sauce hugging every noodle will have everyone reaching for seconds
- Golden crunch magic: The air fryer gives the topping an irresistible crispy-but-tender texture
- Holiday hero: Feeds a crowd with minimal effort – more time for eggnog and mistletoe
- Leftovers taste BETTER: The flavors deepen overnight (if there’s any left!)
Trust me, one bite and you’ll understand why this became my signature holiday dish!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Christmas Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this cozy, creamy wonder – I promise you probably have most of it in your pantry already! The beauty of this recipe is how simple the ingredients are, but they come together like magic in the air fryer.
- 2 cups cooked chicken – shredded (I grab a rotisserie chicken when I’m feeling lazy!)
- 2 cups egg noodles – cooked al dente (about 4 oz dry)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup – the creamy base that makes this so luscious
- 1/2 cup sour cream – full fat for best texture, packed into measuring cup
- 1/2 cup milk – whole milk makes it extra rich
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – sharp cheddar gives the best flavor
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – our secret flavor booster
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder – adds depth without chopping onions
- Salt and pepper – to taste (I do about 1/4 tsp each)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs – plain or panko for that perfect crunch
2 tablespoons butter – melted, to mix with the breadcrumb topping
Equipment You’ll Need
You won’t need much to make this casserole magic happen – just a few trusty kitchen staples:
- Air fryer – any model will work as long as it fits a 7-8 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl – medium-sized for combining all that creamy goodness
- Air fryer-safe baking dish – I use a round 7-inch ceramic one, but metal works too
- Measuring cups/spoons – for those perfect ingredient ratios
- Silicone spatula – to scrape every last bit of deliciousness into the dish
That’s it – simple tools for seriously comforting results!
How to Make Air Fryer Christmas Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole
Alright, let’s get cooking! This recipe comes together so quickly you’ll be shocked. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have the creamiest, most comforting chicken noodle casserole in no time. The air fryer works its magic to give you that perfect golden crust without any fuss.
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
First things first – preheat that air fryer to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, get all your ingredients ready. Shred that chicken if you haven’t already (rotisserie chicken works wonders here), cook your egg noodles until they’re just tender (al dente is perfect – they’ll cook more later), and measure out everything else. Having it all prepped makes the next steps a breeze!
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
Now for the fun part! In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked noodles, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix it all together gently but thoroughly – you want every noodle coated in that creamy goodness. Don’t be shy about tasting and adjusting the seasoning here – that’s the chef’s privilege!
Step 3: Assemble and Cook
Transfer your creamy mixture to an air fryer-safe baking dish (make sure it fits in your air fryer first!). In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter until they’re evenly coated, then sprinkle this golden goodness all over the top. Pop it in the air fryer and cook for 15-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the topping is crisp and golden, and the edges are bubbling like crazy. Let it cool for just a few minutes before serving – trust me, resisting the smell will be your hardest challenge!
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Christmas Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole
After making this casserole more times than I can count (holiday cravings are real!), here are my foolproof secrets for the best results every time:
- Rotisserie chicken is your BFF – saves time and adds amazing flavor (I use the drippy bits too!)
- Undercook noodles slightly – they’ll soak up sauce and finish cooking in the air fryer
- Check early for doneness – air fryers vary; peek at 15 minutes for golden perfection
- Let it rest 5 minutes – this helps the sauce thicken up beautifully
- Double the topping if you’re extra like me – because that crispy golden crust is EVERYTHING
Bonus tip: Add a splash of chicken broth if your mixture seems too thick – the air fryer can dry things out a touch!
Variations for Air Fryer Christmas Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole
Oh, the possibilities! This recipe is like your favorite sweater – cozy as is, but so fun to accessorize. Try swapping cheddar for Gruyère or pepper jack if you’re feeling fancy. Toss in frozen peas or sautéed mushrooms for veggie power. Gluten-free? Use GF noodles and cream of mushroom soup. For a holiday twist, I sometimes add crispy bacon bits or a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning on top. Make it yours!
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is pure comfort in a dish, but here’s how I love to round out the meal: a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. Garlic bread is mandatory in my house – that buttery crunch is made for dipping into the creamy sauce. For holiday meals, I’ll add roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon for festive flair. Simple, satisfying, and oh-so-delicious!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
If by some miracle you have leftovers (rare in my house!), here’s how to keep that creamy goodness tasting fresh: store cooled casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, pop individual portions back in the air fryer at 300°F for 5-7 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. No air fryer? The microwave works too – just cover with a damp paper towel to keep it from drying out. Pro tip: the flavors get even better overnight!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note – these numbers are estimates and will vary depending on your exact ingredients (especially if you go wild with extra cheese like I sometimes do!). Per generous 1-cup serving, you’re looking at about 350 calories, 22g protein, and 25g carbs. It’s got 18g fat (8g saturated) from all that creamy goodness, and around 600mg sodium. Not too shabby for comfort food that tastes this indulgent!
Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve gotten so many questions about this recipe from friends and family – here are the ones that pop up most often with my tried-and-true answers:
Can I use frozen egg noodles?
Absolutely! Just thaw them first and pat dry – frozen noodles can make the casserole watery if added straight from the freezer. I actually keep a bag in my freezer for emergency comfort food cravings!
How can I make this gluten-free?
Easy swaps! Use gluten-free egg noodles and substitute the cream of chicken soup with a GF cream of mushroom version. For the topping, crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour work great instead of breadcrumbs.
My air fryer is small – can I halve the recipe?
You bet! Just use a smaller baking dish and reduce cooking time by 3-5 minutes. Keep an eye on that golden topping – it’ll tell you when it’s done.
Can I prep this ahead of time?
Totally! Assemble everything (without cooking), cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 2-3 extra minutes to the cook time since it’ll be cold from the fridge.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No worries! Bake at 350°F in a conventional oven for 25-30 minutes. You’ll still get that delicious crispy top – just takes a bit longer.
Share Your Experience
Did this casserole become your new holiday favorite like it did mine? I’d love to hear your twist on it! Leave a comment below or tag me in your cheesy, golden-brown creations. Happy air frying, friends!
Print
33-Minute Air Fryer Christmas Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Bliss
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A creamy chicken noodle casserole made easy in your air fryer.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups egg noodles, cooked
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F.
- Mix chicken, noodles, soup, sour cream, milk, cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Transfer mixture to an air fryer-safe baking dish.
- Combine breadcrumbs and melted butter, then sprinkle over the casserole.
- Cook in air fryer for 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Ensure dish fits in your air fryer before cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American