Air Fryer Spinach Casserole
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Making Air Fryer Spinach Casserole is one of my favorite ways to get a warm, creamy side dish on the table without turning on the oven. The spinach sits in a creamy cottage cheese and sour cream base with garlic, and the mozzarella and Parmesan topping gets golden and bubbly, with crispy onions on top. It never lasts long at the table.
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It’s one of my go-to side dishes for holiday dinners and potlucks because it travels well and holds up beautifully at the table. Leftovers keep covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it in the air fryer until the top is hot, golden, and bubbly again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.
How to Make Air Fryer Spinach 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.
Making this casserole is about as fuss-free as it gets, and I love how quickly it all comes together from skillet to air fryer.
Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C) for 3 to 5 minutes, so it’s ready when you need it.
Cook the Garlic
Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat, then add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant. I use this garlic press to mince garlic perfectly in seconds.
Add the Spinach
Add the spinach to the skillet and cook until all the excess moisture has completely evaporated. I always reach for a large deep skillet for this because it keeps the spinach from sticking as it cooks down.
Drain frozen spinach thoroughly: If you’re using frozen spinach, squeeze out as much moisture as possible before adding it to the skillet. Excess water will make the filling loose and watery.
Mix the Filling
Remove the skillet from the heat, then stir in the cottage cheese, sour cream, salt, and pepper until well combined and creamy. Don’t skip cooking off the moisture: Even with fresh spinach, cook it long enough in the skillet so all the liquid evaporates completely before mixing in the dairy.
Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the mixture to an air-fryer-safe baking dish or ramekin, then top it with shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and crunchy onions. I use my ceramic baking dish for this every single time because it fits perfectly and gives the top beautiful, even browning.
Match your dish to your air fryer basket: Use a baking dish or ramekin that fits comfortably inside your air fryer basket with a little room around the edges for airflow so the top browns evenly.
Air Fry Until Golden
Place the dish in the air fryer and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the top is golden. Keep an eye on it toward the end so the topping doesn’t over-brown.
Rest the Casserole
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the filling set slightly so it scoops up cleanly.
Serve and Enjoy
Scoop the casserole onto plates while it’s still warm, and the cheese is perfectly gooey. Enjoy!
If you’re taking it to a potluck or gathering, cover the dish tightly with foil and tuck it into an insulated casserole carrier to keep it warm on the way there.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 5 cups chopped spinach fresh or frozen, thawed and drained if frozen
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons crunchy onions optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (180°C) for 3–5 minutes.
- In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant.2 tablespoons butter, 2 garlic cloves
- Add the spinach and cook until all excess moisture has evaporated.5 cups chopped spinach
- Remove from heat and stir in the cottage cheese, sour cream, salt, and pepper until well combined.1 cup cottage cheese, ½ cup sour cream, Salt and pepper
- Transfer the mixture to an air fryer-safe baking dish or ramekin. Top with mozzarella, Parmesan, and crunchy onions.½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese, ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 3 tablespoons crunchy onions
- Place the dish in the air fryer and cook for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the top is golden.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Drain frozen spinach thoroughly: If you’re using frozen spinach, squeeze out as much moisture as possible before adding it to the skillet. Excess water will make the filling loose and watery.
- Don’t skip cooking off the moisture: Even with fresh spinach, cook it long enough in the skillet so all the liquid evaporates completely before mixing in the dairy.
- Use full-fat dairy for the creamiest result: Full-fat cottage cheese and sour cream give the filling a much richer, creamier texture than reduced-fat versions.
- Match your dish to your air fryer basket: Use a baking dish or ramekin that fits comfortably inside your air fryer basket with a little room around the edges for airflow so the top browns evenly.
- Watch the top in the last few minutes: Air fryers run hot, so start checking at the 10-minute mark to keep the cheese topping golden without burning.
- Flash-freeze portions before long-term storage: If freezing, let the casserole cool completely, scoop into portions, and freeze uncovered on a baking sheet for 1 hour before transferring to freezer containers so the portions don’t stick together.
Nutrition
How to Store Leftovers
Let the casserole cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. I love using my airtight glass container for this because it keeps everything fresh and makes reheating a breeze.
To reheat, pop it back in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes until warmed through, and the top is crispy again. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and the texture holds up surprisingly well.
What to Serve With Air Fryer Spinach Casserole
This casserole pairs beautifully with buttered pasta or a warm grain like farro or quinoa, which soak up all that creamy filling. It also pairs well with a simple tomato salad or roasted cherry tomatoes for a bright contrast to the richness.
For something heartier, serve it alongside a crusty slice of garlic bread or a warm dinner roll. The casserole is filling enough to stand on its own, but it works beautifully as part of a larger spread.
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