Best Air Fryer Scalloped Potatoes – Easy Recipe
Cheesy, creamy, and absolutely irresistible, our Air Fryer Scalloped Potatoes will steal the spotlight at holiday dinners and weekend feasts. This classic side dish gets an upgrade with the air fryer, making it quicker and even more delicious. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or just craving some cheesy comfort food, this is a must-try recipe.
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Why You Will Love Making Air Fryer Scalloped Potatoes
- With many potato dishes taking a lot of time to prepare and cook, our air fryer scalloped potatoes stand out as a quicker alternative. You don’t have to wait ages for your oven to preheat, and the air fryer cooks them in a fraction of the time it would take in a traditional oven. Plus, if you’re a fan of potato slices that are perfectly golden and crisp on the edges, the air fryer is your best friend.
- Whether it’s a weekend family dinner, a get-together with friends, or a special holiday dinner, air fryer scalloped potatoes fit right in. They’re a classic side dish that never goes out of style, and when you mention you’ve made them in an air fryer, you’re sure to spark some intrigued and eager conversations around the dinner table.
- Another bonus of using the air fryer? It’s energy-efficient. Instead of heating up your entire oven (and in turn, your kitchen) for one dish, the air fryer targets its heat directly on your delicious potato recipe, making it a more sustainable choice.
- We all dread that mountain of dishes post-cooking. The beauty of using the air fryer to make au gratin potatoes is that it often results in fewer dishes. No need for multiple pans or baking dishes – just your air fryer basket and maybe a bowl or two. That means more time enjoying your meal and less time scrubbing away in the sink!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients in the photograph below.
How to Make Air Fryer Scalloped Potatoes with Step-by-Step Instructions
A complete printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.
Prepping Your Ingredients
Before diving into the cooking process, always make sure your ingredients are ready to go. This means peeling your medium potatoes and getting those thin slices just right.
A tip? Use a mandolin slicer if you have one; it makes getting uniformly thinly sliced potatoes a breeze. And don’t forget to shred that sharp cheddar cheese so it’s ready to melt into a gooey, creamy sauce.
Making the Creamy Cheese Sauce
Now, for the heart of the dish – the cheese sauce! Start by melting your butter in a pan, then whisking in the flour. This combination creates a roux, which will give your sauce its creamy consistency.
Slowly whisk in milk, seasoning with a touch of kosher salt. Once your mixture is smooth, stir in that delightful sharp cheddar cheese until it’s a glorious, creamy concoction.
Layering It All Together
Grab your air fryer safe dish and begin the layering process. Spread out a third of your potato slices, season them with a sprinkle of salt and black pepper, then pour over a third of your creamy cheese sauce.
The trick is to make sure every potato slice gets some cheesy love! Repeat this process until all the potatoes and sauce are used up. For the finishing touch, scatter any remaining shredded cheese on top.
Air Frying To Perfection
Remember to check if your air fryer requires preheating and heat to 330°F/165°C. Once ready, place your dish into the air fryer basket. Air fry scalloped potatoes for around 20 – 23 minutes.
Until those potato slices are fork tender and the top is golden brown. For an extra touch of golden crispness, you can broil the top for a few minutes.
Let It Rest and Thicken
One of the hardest parts? Waiting! Once you remove your cheesy scalloped potatoes from the air fryer, let them sit for about 5 to 10 minutes.
This pause allows the sauce to thicken beautifully, ensuring each bite is as creamy as can be.
From oil sprays to muffin cups and from pizza pans to racks, we've got them all, and they make fantastic Christmas presents, too!
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
- Potato: The type of potato you use can make a difference in the outcome of your air fryer potatoes. Russet potatoes are a popular choice due to their starchy nature which lends well to the creamy texture of the dish. However, Yukon Gold potatoes are another fantastic option with their buttery flavor. For the best results, go for medium-sized potatoes, ensuring uniform slices for even cooking.
- Cheese Varieties: While sharp cheddar cheese is the go-to for this air fryer potato recipe, don’t be afraid to mix things up a bit! A blend of gruyere cheese and white cheddar, or even a touch of parmesan cheese, can add a unique twist to the dish. Feel free to experiment and find your perfect cheesy blend.
- Thickness: The thickness of your potato slices is crucial. If they’re too thick, they might not cook evenly. On the other hand, if they’re too thin, they could become overly soft and lose their shape. Aiming for slices around ⅛-inch thick is generally a good rule of thumb. To make your potatoes thin (but not too thin!) we recommend using a mandoline slicer, however, a sharp knife is great too.
- Seasoning Adjustments: Salt, black pepper, and garlic powder are classic seasonings for this dish. However, based on your personal preferences, you can adjust the seasoning. Always taste your cheese sauce before layering to ensure it’s seasoned to your liking.
- Baking Dish: If you’re wondering about the kind of baking dish to use, an air fryer-safe dish, preferably a shallow one, is ideal. This allows for even cooking and ensures every slice of potato is drenched in that creamy sauce. Generally, oven-safe dishes are ideal for using in an air fryer. Just double-check that the dish fits in the air fryer basket before cooking.
- Resting Time: As tempting as it might be to dig in immediately, allowing your scalloped potatoes to rest after air frying ensures the cream mixture thickens up nicely. It also makes serving a breeze, with beautifully layered potato slices in every portion.
- Looking for oven-baked Scalloped Potatoes? Our Homemade Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes recipe is cooked perfectly in the oven. Perfect if you’ve already got the oven on for other dishes – just pop it in!
How to Store Leftover Air Fryer Scalloped Potatoes
Leftover scalloped potatoes can taste so good, here’s how to store them the best way.
Storing in the Refrigerator
Place the cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, just pop them back into the air fryer for a few minutes or microwave them, ensuring they’re heated thoroughly.
Freezing for Later
Yes, you can freeze scalloped potatoes! If you’ve made a larger batch or are meal-prepping, freezing is an excellent option. Once cooled, transfer your potatoes to a freezer-safe container or bag, squeezing out as much air as possible.
This potato bake can stay frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re in the mood for some creamy, cheesy goodness, defrost them in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat in the air fryer or oven until piping hot.
Reheating Tips
The key to reheating scalloped potatoes without drying them out is to add a splash of milk or cream before warming them up. This ensures they remain creamy and delicious.
Whether you choose to use the air fryer, oven, or microwave, make sure they reach a safe internal temperature.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Scalloped Potatoes
From veggie mains to a warm bread roll, here are our top choices of what to serve air fried scalloped potatoes with.
Vegetarian Mains
Air fryer scalloped potatoes, with their creamy and rich profile, pair well with plenty of vegetarian mains. For those who prefer plant-based alternatives, a vegan ham glazed with a blend of maple syrup and ketchup offers a delightful contrast in flavors.
If you’re in the mood for something hearty and rustic, a nut roast, packed with wholesome ingredients and spices, can be a delightful choice.
For those who love the earthiness of lentils, a lentil loaf, brimming with herbs and a touch of tomato sauce, complements the potatoes au gratin perfectly.
Veggies and More
While these cheesy potatoes are undoubtedly the star of the show, additional vegetable sides can round out the meal beautifully.
Try roasted Brussels sprouts with a hint of balsamic, roasted cauliflower with pine nuts, or even honey roasted carrots for a little sweetness. These additions not only add color to your plate but also an array of flavors and textures.
Bread and Rolls
There’s nothing quite like breaking open a warm roll and using it to scoop up the last bits of that creamy cheese sauce.
Whether you prefer classic dinner rolls, garlic bread, or even crusty French bread, having some form of bread on the table is always a good idea.
More Delicious Potato Recipes For You To Try
Make the best use of your air fryer with these delicious potato recipes.
- Crispy Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes
- Air Fryer Fingerling Potatoes
- Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
- Easy Air Fryer Hash Browns
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole
Best Air Fryer Scalloped Potatoes – Easy Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 4 tbsp Butter divided
- 4 tbsp All purpose flour
- 2½ cups Milk
- ½ tsp Salt
- 2 cups Sharp Cheddar cheese shredded
- 6 medium Potatoes peeled and sliced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 360°F/180°C and grease a medium sized casserole dish.1 tbsp Olive oil
- Place the potato slices in a bowl and toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Then add them to the air fryer basket and bake for 9 minutes; shake the basket, and then reduce the heat to 320°F/160°C and continue cooking for 5 minutes.6 medium Potatoes
- While the potatoes are cooking, in a pan over medium heat, melt the butter and stir in the flour. Then slowly whisk in the milk and season with salt. Reduce the heat to low and cook the sauce until it's smooth, giving it an occasional stir. Then, slowly stir in 1 cup of cheese.4 tbsp Butter, 4 tbsp All purpose flour, 2½ cups Milk, ½ tsp Salt
- Place the potato slices in a casserole dish or cake barrel, pour the cheese sauce evenly over the potatoes, sprinkle the remaining cheese, and cook for 10/12 minutes at 360°F/180°C. Let the potatoes stand for 5 to 10 minutes so the sauce thickens. Serve and enjoy.2 cups Sharp Cheddar cheese, Salt and black pepper
Notes
- Potatoes: The type of potato you use can make a difference in the outcome of your air fryer potatoes. Russet potatoes are a popular choice due to their starchy nature which lends well to the creamy texture of the dish. However, Yukon Gold potatoes are another fantastic option with their buttery flavor. For the best results, go for medium-sized potatoes, ensuring uniform slices for even cooking.
- Cheese Varieties: While sharp cheddar cheese is the go-to for this air fryer potato recipe, don’t be afraid to mix things up a bit! A blend of gruyere cheese and white cheddar, or even a touch of parmesan cheese, can add a unique twist to the dish.
- Thickness: The thickness of your potato slices is crucial. If they’re too thick, they might not cook evenly. On the other hand, if they’re too thin, they could become overly soft and lose their shape. Aiming for slices around ⅛-inch thick is generally a good rule of thumb. To make your potatoes thin (but not too thin!) we recommend using a mandoline slicer, however, a sharp knife is great too.
- Seasoning Adjustments: Salt, black pepper, and garlic powder are classic seasonings for this dish. However, based on your personal preferences, you can adjust the seasoning. Always taste your cheese sauce before layering to ensure it’s seasoned to your liking.
- Baking Dish: If you’re wondering about the kind of baking dish to use, an air fryer-safe dish, preferably a shallow one, is ideal. This allows for even cooking and ensures every slice of potato is drenched in that creamy sauce. Generally, oven-safe dishes are ideal for using in an air fryer. Just double-check that the dish fits in the air fryer basket before cooking.
- Storage: Place the cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, just pop them back into the air fryer for a few minutes or microwave them, ensuring they’re heated thoroughly.
- Freezing: Once cooled, transfer your potatoes to a freezer-safe container or bag, squeezing out as much air as possible. This potato bake can stay frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to reheat, defrost them in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat in the air fryer or oven until piping hot.
- Reheating Tips: The key to reheating scalloped potatoes without drying them out is to add a splash of milk or cream before warming them up. This ensures they remain creamy and delicious. Whether you choose to use the air fryer, oven, or microwave, make sure they reach a safe internal temperature.
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Please note that nutrient values are estimates only. Variations can occur due to product availability and manner of food preparation. Nutrition may vary based on methods of origin, preparation, freshness of ingredients, and other factors.
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These scalloped potatoes were excellent. I was skeptical they would look as good as the pictures but it actually turned out really well. They looked and tasted fantastic and I will make these again for my family.
That’s wonderful! I’m so happy that you liked the scalloped potatoes. They are very delicious and easy to make. Thank you for making my recipe and sharing it with your family.