Easy Air Fryer Sausage Breakfast Casserole: Your New Go-To Morning Meal
If you’re anything like me, you’re probably already obsessed with your Air Fryer. This incredible kitchen appliance has revolutionized how I cook, making everything from weeknight dinners to delicious desserts incredibly simple and efficient. And guess what? It’s not just for dinner! My latest culinary adventure has confirmed that the air fryer is also perfect for creating hearty breakfast dishes, proving that my conventional oven might just be gathering dust for good.
This Air Fryer Sausage Breakfast Casserole is an absolute game-changer. It’s packed with savory sausage, crispy hash browns, vibrant peppers, onions, and perfectly cooked eggs, all coming together in one convenient pan. It’s the ideal dish for a leisurely weekend brunch or a satisfying start to a busy weekday. Once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why it’s become a staple in our household.
Essential Tips for Crafting Your Air Fryer Sausage Breakfast Casserole
I first developed this recipe back in 2018, and it quickly became a household favorite. While I’ve updated the photos over the years, the core recipe remains as popular and delicious as ever. It’s truly earned its regular spot on our menu plan!
One of the beauties of making a casserole in the air fryer is its versatility when it comes to cookware. You have a couple of excellent options for preparing this dish:
Choosing the Right Pan or Method
- Dedicated Air Fryer Pan: If you use an appliance like a Ninja Foodi, a multi-purpose pan like the Ninja Multi-Purpose Pan works wonderfully. These pans are specifically designed to fit within the air fryer basket and promote even cooking.
- Your Own Oven-Safe Pan: Don’t have a specialized air fryer pan? No problem! Any oven-safe dish that comfortably fits inside your air fryer basket can be used. Just ensure there’s enough space around the sides for air to circulate, which is crucial for achieving that signature air-fried crispness and even cooking.
- Foil Lining: When I first made this recipe in 2018, I simply lined my air fryer basket with a sheet of foil. This method works perfectly well, as long as you leave sufficient space around the edges to allow the hot air to flow freely. However, over time, I’ve found that using a dedicated pan is generally much easier for handling and serving. The pan keeps all the ingredients neatly contained and simplifies the process of lifting the casserole in and out of the air fryer.
Cooking Raw Ingredients in the Air Fryer
One of the biggest time-savers with this air fryer breakfast casserole is that all the ingredients – including the ground breakfast sausage – are placed into the pan uncooked. The air fryer handles everything, cooking the sausage thoroughly while crisping the hash browns and softening the vegetables. This means less pre-prep and fewer dirty dishes!
Ensuring Perfect Doneness
When your casserole is ready to serve, it’s always a good practice to use a meat thermometer to ensure the sausage and the entire dish have reached an internal temperature of at least 165°F. This guarantees food safety. Typically, after about 20 minutes of cooking, you’ll find the internal temperature closer to 180°F, indicating it’s perfectly done and ready to enjoy! Remember that cooking times can vary slightly depending on your specific air fryer model and the thickness of your casserole, so a thermometer is your best friend here.
Understanding Your Air Fryer
I currently use a Ninja Foodi Air Fryer for most of my recipes, which functions as both an air fryer and a multi-cooker. However, the principles for this casserole apply to most air fryer models. If you’re still deciding which air fryer is right for you, check out my comprehensive post on How to Choose the Right Air Fryer. Different models might have slightly different heating elements or basket sizes, but with a few minor adjustments, you can achieve fantastic results with this recipe.
What You’ll Need for This Air Fryer Sausage Breakfast Casserole
This breakfast casserole requires a short and simple list of ingredients, making it easy to whip up even on busy mornings. You likely have many of these staples in your pantry and fridge already!
- Air Fryer: The star appliance for this recipe!
- Foil or Air Fryer Safe Pan: As discussed above, for containing your delicious casserole.
- Hash Browns: Frozen hash browns work perfectly. If using shredded, ensure they’re well-drained.
- Ground Breakfast Sausage: Adds a rich, savory flavor and hearty texture.
- Peppers: A mix of green, red, and yellow bell peppers adds beautiful color and a touch of sweetness.
- Onions: Sweet onion complements the other flavors beautifully.
- Eggs: The binding element that brings the casserole together into a satisfying meal.
That’s all there is to it! With these basic ingredients and your trusty air fryer, you’ll have a delightful breakfast (or “brinner” – breakfast for dinner!) waiting for you in mere minutes. Get ready to savor every bite of this easy and incredibly flavorful Air Fryer Breakfast Casserole!
Mastering Your Ninja Foodi for This Breakfast Casserole
For those using a Ninja Foodi Multi-Cooker, integrating your casserole pan is straightforward. Simply place the pan on the wire rack in its lowest position, and then insert it into the pot of your Ninja Foodi. Once positioned, select the “Air Crisp” function to begin cooking. This setting provides the perfect circulating hot air needed for a crispy exterior and a thoroughly cooked interior.
If you own a Ninja Speedi with its dedicated “Air Crisp” function, you can place your casserole pan directly into the machine’s basket. The Speedi is designed for quick and efficient cooking, and its air crisp setting will deliver similar excellent results.
Regardless of your specific air fryer model, the key is to ensure proper air circulation around your casserole. This is what gives air-fried food its characteristic crispiness and ensures even cooking. Always avoid overfilling your pan or basket, and if you’re using foil, make sure to leave gaps for airflow. A little attention to these details will guarantee a perfect breakfast casserole every time.
Discover More Delicious Air Fryer Breakfast Recipes
Once you’ve experienced the convenience and deliciousness of making breakfast in your air fryer, you’ll be eager to try more! Here are some other fantastic air fryer breakfast ideas to inspire your morning meals:
Air Fryer Breakfast Biscuit Bombs: Fluffy biscuits filled with savory surprises.
Air Fryer Omelette: A simple and quick way to enjoy a perfectly cooked omelette without the fuss.
Air Fryer French Toast Sticks: Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and perfect for dipping.
Get All These Amazing Recipes at Your Fingertips!
If you’re eager to expand your air fryer repertoire even further, be sure to grab my exclusive e-book. It features an incredible collection of 15 Easy Air Fryer Recipes, all designed to make your cooking experience simpler and more delicious. From quick snacks to family-friendly meals, this e-book has something for everyone who loves their air fryer!
Air Fryer Sausage Breakfast Casserole
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Ingredients
- 1 Lb Hash Browns
- 1 Lb Ground Breakfast Sausage
- 1 Green Bell Pepper Diced
- 1 Red Bell Pepper Diced
- 1 Yellow Bell Pepper Diced
- 1/4 Cup Sweet Onion Diced
- 4 Eggs
Instructions
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Prepare your air fryer: Either line the basket of your air fryer with foil, ensuring gaps for air circulation, OR use a pan that comfortably fits inside your air fryer.
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Evenly spread the hash browns across the bottom of your chosen pan or foil-lined basket.
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Crumble the uncooked ground breakfast sausage over the hash browns, distributing it as evenly as possible throughout the dish.
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Scatter the diced bell peppers and onions evenly on top of the sausage layer.
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Place the pan in the air fryer and cook at 360°F (180°C) for 10 minutes.
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After 10 minutes, carefully open the air fryer. If needed, give the casserole a gentle stir to ensure even cooking and break up any large clumps of sausage.
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Crack each of the four eggs into separate small bowls, then carefully pour them directly on top of the casserole, spacing them out evenly.
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Return the casserole to the air fryer and cook again at 360°F (180°C) for another 10 minutes, or until the eggs are set to your liking and the sausage is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). If you prefer your hash browns extra crispy, you can add an additional 5 minutes, but keep a close eye on it as all air fryers heat differently.
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Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Notes
For the hash browns, you can use either fresh or frozen. If using frozen, I recommend thawing them for about 30 minutes beforehand and pressing out any excess water with a paper towel to prevent a soggy casserole and encourage crisping.
Always ensure the internal temperature of the sausage and throughout the casserole reaches at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is thoroughly cooked and safe to eat. A meat thermometer is highly recommended for accuracy.
Customization: Feel free to add a sprinkle of cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack) during the last 5 minutes of cooking for a melty, cheesy topping. You can also experiment with other vegetables like mushrooms or spinach, or a pinch of your favorite spices.
Storage & Reheating: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through.
Nutrition
