Air Fryer Million Dollar Casserole (Creamy Chicken & Pasta Bake)

By : AEC Heather | 0 Comments | On : October 6, 2025 | Category : Air Fryer, Get it together and go, Instant Pot, Pressure Cooker, Recipes

When it comes to cozy comfort food, few dishes check all the boxes like a casserole. Creamy, cheesy, hearty, and soul-warming—it’s a guaranteed family favorite. But what if you could make it even faster and easier? Enter the Air Fryer Million Dollar Casserole!

This recipe takes the beloved “million dollar casserole” (a classic chicken and pasta bake layered with cream cheese, sour cream, and buttery crackers) and gives it an air fryer twist. Instead of heating up the oven and waiting 45 minutes, you’ll have this bubbling, golden, cheesy casserole on the table in just 10 minutes of air frying.

It’s quick. It’s indulgent. And it tastes like a million bucks.

Why Is It Called Million Dollar Casserole?

The name says it all—this casserole is so rich, creamy, and satisfying that it feels like a luxury meal, even though it’s made with everyday ingredients. Cream cheese and sour cream add silkiness, mozzarella brings melty goodness, and buttery Ritz crackers provide the perfect crunchy topping. Combined with shredded rotisserie chicken and pasta, it’s a dinner that tastes far more decadent than the effort it takes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

⏱️ Quick & Easy: Air fryer casseroles mean less cook time and no waiting for the oven.
🍴 Family-Friendly: Creamy chicken, pasta, and cheesy topping make this a guaranteed hit.
🥘 One-Bowl Prep: Mix everything together, top with crackers, and air fry—done.
🥗 Versatile: Add veggies, swap the pasta, or adjust the spice level to your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 can cream of chicken soup – the base for a creamy sauce.
1 cup cream cheese, softened – adds richness and tang.
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded – for that gooey, melty texture.
½ cup sour cream – balances the richness with a little tang.
1 tsp onion powder + 1 tsp garlic powder – simple seasoning with bold flavor.
3 medium scallions, thinly sliced – fresh bite and color.
4 ½ cups shredded rotisserie chicken – saves time and adds flavor.
3 cups farfalle pasta, cooked and drained – bowtie pasta works beautifully, but any short pasta will do.
Salt & black pepper, to taste – adjust seasoning as needed.
2 cups Ritz crackers, crushed – that buttery, crunchy topping.
½ cup unsalted butter, melted – binds the cracker topping.
Fresh parsley, to serve – optional garnish for freshness and color.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Mix the filling

In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream cheese, mozzarella, sour cream, onion powder, garlic powder, scallions, shredded chicken, and cooked pasta. Mix until everything is evenly coated, then season with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Prepare the topping

In a smaller bowl, stir together the crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter until the crumbs are fully coated.

Step 3: Assemble the casserole

Transfer the chicken mixture to an air fryer-safe casserole dish. Spread it evenly, then top with the cracker mixture.

Step 4: Air fry to golden perfection

Place the dish in your air fryer basket. Cook at 350°F (180°C) for 10 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling at the edges.

Step 5: Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot. Creamy, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible.

Tips for Success

Air fryer dish: Make sure your casserole dish fits in the basket and has sides high enough to hold everything.
Even cooking: Don’t overfill the dish; smaller, shallow dishes work best in an air fryer.
Make ahead: Mix the chicken and pasta filling up to a day in advance. Just top with crackers and air fry when ready.
Double batch: Cooking for a crowd? Make two smaller casseroles and rotate them in the air fryer.

Variations

Add veggies: Mix in broccoli, peas, or spinach for extra nutrition.
Swap proteins: Try leftover turkey, ham, or even ground beef.
Cheese lovers: Swap mozzarella for cheddar or Colby Jack.
Low-carb option: Use zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the air fryer at 320°F for 5–7 minutes, or microwave until heated through.
For longer storage, freeze portions wrapped in foil and reheat straight from frozen in the air fryer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake this in the oven instead of the air fryer?
Yes! Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes until hot and bubbly.

Can I use a different cracker or topping?
Absolutely. Try panko breadcrumbs, crushed potato chips, or even French fried onions.

Is this kid-friendly?
Definitely. Creamy chicken and cheesy pasta are always a hit, and the Ritz cracker topping adds just the right crunch.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Million Dollar Casserole takes classic comfort food and makes it weeknight easy. With creamy chicken filling, cheesy pasta, and that buttery cracker topping, it’s rich, hearty, and sure to become a family favorite. Best of all? It’s ready in a fraction of the time thanks to the air fryer.

Once you make this recipe, you’ll see why it’s called million dollar—it tastes indulgent, but it’s made with simple, affordable ingredients.

✨ Add it to your dinner rotation, and watch it disappear fast!

Print your Air fryer Million Dollar Casserole recipe here: