Craving comfort food with a twist? This Air Fryer Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole combines juicy ground beef, gooey cheese, crispy golden fries, and all your favorite burger fixings into one irresistible dish. Perfect for weeknights, game day, or when you just want something hearty and fun!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups frozen French fries
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar & mozzarella)
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp mustard
- ½ cup mayonnaise (optional, for topping)
- ½ cup pickles, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Olive oil spray
- Optional garnishes: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, extra pickles
How To Make Air Fryer Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole
- Cook the beef: In a skillet, brown the ground beef with onion. Season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir in ketchup and mustard for a saucy beef mixture.
- Prepare fries: Lightly spray fries with olive oil and cook in the air fryer at 380°F (195°C) for 10–12 minutes, until crispy.
- Assemble casserole: In an air fryer–safe dish, spread the beef mixture evenly. Add a layer of shredded cheese, then top with the crispy fries. Sprinkle on more cheese.
- Air fry: Place the dish in the air fryer and cook at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped pickles, lettuce, or even a drizzle of mayo before serving.
You Must Know
- Always use an air fryer–safe dish or pan that fits comfortably inside your basket.
- Fries should be crispy before layering, otherwise they’ll get soggy in the casserole.
- This recipe is flexible — think of it as a burger in casserole form!
Topping Variations
- Bacon Cheeseburger: Add cooked crumbled bacon to the beef layer.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in jalapeños or drizzle sriracha before serving.
- Tex-Mex Style: Swap cheddar for pepper jack and top with salsa and sour cream.
- Double Cheese: Use both cheddar and American cheese slices for extra gooey layers.
Make It A Meal
- Serve with a simple side salad to balance the richness.
- Pair with coleslaw, onion rings, or air-fried veggies for a full comfort-food spread.
- Add a milkshake or soda for a true diner-style vibe.
Pro Tips
- Don’t overcrowd: If your air fryer is small, make individual casseroles in ramekins.
- Extra crispy fries: Cook them a few minutes longer before layering for crunch.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes.
- Meal prep tip: Cook the beef ahead of time and assemble when ready to bake.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use fresh fries instead of frozen?
Yes! Just cut potatoes into thin fries, season, and air fry until crisp before layering.
Can I substitute the ground beef?
Absolutely — ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work well.
Can I add burger toppings?
Of course! Lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles make it taste just like a cheeseburger.
Can this be made ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate. Air fry when ready to serve for best texture.
