Air Fryer Taco Tater Tot Casserole is a quick, easy, and delicious meal topped with melted cheese and made right in your Air Fryer or Ninja Foodi!
This tasty meal combines crispy tater tots with seasoned ground beef and delicious melted cheese, it’s seasoned with taco seasoning giving it a great flavor. The best part is it’s easy to make gluten-free too if needed!
This dish is made extra crispy right in the air fryer, which gives it the golden, crispy exterior without all the additional oil, plus all that cheese makes it even tastier.
What do you need for this air fryer casserole?
- Olive Oil
- Chopped Onion
- Ground Beef
- Taco Seasoning
- Water
- Tomato Sauce
- Rotel – Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies
- Colby Jack Cheese
- Frozen Tater Tots
- Shredded Mozzarella
How do you make Gluten-Free Air Fryer Taco Tater Tot Casserole?
If you need to make this gluten-free, ALWAYS check all ingredients before using, but the only ingredient that would need to be swapped is to be sure to use gluten-free taco seasoning.
This can be found store-bought at your local Walmart or made homemade with this gluten-free taco seasoning recipe.
These are the only swaps needed; however, as mentioned about pay very close attention to all ingredients to be sure there is no cross-contamination in ingredients that should be naturally gluten-free.
Tips for Making Air Fryer Taco Tater Tot Casserole:
This recipe will use a 7-inch cake pan or one that fits your air fryer. Be sure that your pan fits in the air fryer as you see in the pictures.
Rotel is going to be used for this recipe, which is diced tomatoes with green chilies. The mild version adds the perfect spice without overpowering the dish. If you do not want it spicy at all then use regular diced tomatoes instead of Rotel.
Colby Jack Cheese is used in this recipe and it works so well in casseroles because it melts great and adds creaminess. This can be substituted for your favorite cheese if you prefer.
The first steps in this recipe will include using a skillet and cooking the ground beef on the stove, then the casserole will be fully cooked in the air fryer. Be sure to read and follow the recipe card below.
Variations of Air Fryer Taco Tater Tot Casserole:
- Make it Spicy – Use Pepperjack cheese and chopped jalapenos.
- Make it Kid-Friendly – Add some sweet corn to the ground beef mixture.
- Make it Deluxe – Serve with salsa, guacamole, and beans.
How do you store leftovers?
Once completely cooled, store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When ready to rewarm, it’s best to use a ramekin and warm it in the air fryer at 330 degrees F for 3-4 minutes.
If you enjoy this recipe, then you will also love this Air Fryer Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole that uses tater tots too!
Air Fryer Taco Tater Tot Casserole is the perfect combination of comfort food and simple cooking, enjoy this cheesy, flavorful, and crispy dish!
Air Fryer Taco Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 1/2 Cup Chopped Onions
- 1 Pound Ground Beef
- 3 Tbsp Taco Seasoning or Gluten-Free Taco Seasoning
- 1/2 Cup Water
- 8 oz Tomato Sauce
- 10 oz Rotel Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies, Drained
- 4 Slices Colby Jack Cheese
- 1/2 Bag Frozen Tater Tots (16 ounces or about 42 tater tots)
- 1 Cup Shredded Mozzarella
Instructions
- Spray a 7-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray, make sure it fits your air fryer.
- In a medium-sized skillet on medium-high heat, add the oil and onion. Cook until the oil is translucent.
- Add the ground beef and break into pieces, brown until well done.
- Add in the taco seasoning, water, tomato sauce, and Rotel.
- Continue to mix until well combined and cooked, about 5-8 minutes.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan.
- Spread evenly and add the Colby jack slices.
- Place the tater tots evenly in one layer on top of the sliced cheese.
- Cover with aluminum foil and air fry at 340°F for 12 minutes.
- Carefully uncover and air fry for an additional 8 minutes. After about 8 minutes, add the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Air fry for 2 more minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Carefully remove and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Kristy says
This is such a great, easy dinner and it’s just so cheesy!!