The first time I made Clams Casino in the air fryer, I was skeptical—could this elegant restaurant dish really work in such a small machine? After testing it a dozen times, I was amazed. The air fryer’s high-speed heat crisped the buttery bacon-breadcrumb topping perfectly while keeping the clams tender and juicy underneath. What once took me 30 minutes in the oven now comes together in under 10. I’m Samia, and this is my go-to Air Fryer Clams Casino recipe—an easy gourmet appetizer that looks impressive but couldn’t be simpler.
Why This Air Fryer Clams Casino Recipe Works
This recipe succeeds because it leverages the air fryer’s rapid, circulating heat to create a crisp, golden topping without overcooking the clams. Pre-cooking the bacon ensures smoky flavor without excess grease, while a mix of garlic, butter, and breadcrumbs forms a savory crust that locks in moisture. The result is perfectly balanced bites—crunchy on top, tender inside, and bursting with briny flavor.
Air Fryer Clams Casino
Equipment
- Tongs
- Small skillet (for bacon)
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon
- Paper towels
- Air fryer
Ingredients
12 fresh littleneck clams, scrubbed
3 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup breadcrumbs (plain or panko)
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tbsp red bell pepper, finely diced
1 tbsp shallot, minced
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and black pepper to taste
Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
Preheat air fryer to 370°F (188°C) for 2 minutes if desired.
Steam or preheat clams just until they open slightly; remove and discard top shells.
In a bowl, combine melted butter, garlic, breadcrumbs, bacon, bell pepper, shallot, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Spoon the mixture evenly over each clam.
Arrange clams in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Cook for 5–7 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crisp.
Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Air fryer models vary; check at 5 minutes to avoid overbrowning.
- Discard any clams that do not open during pre-steaming.
- For a spicier twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the topping.
- Store leftovers up to 2 days; reheat in the air fryer for 3–4 minutes at 350°F.
- Serve immediately for the crispiest texture and freshest flavor.
Nutrition
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Clams Casino are proof that gourmet appetizers don’t need to be complicated. In just 7 minutes, you’ll have buttery, crispy-topped clams that taste like they came from a high-end restaurant—but made effortlessly in your own kitchen.
