Posted by Looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious side dish that can be made in your air fryer? Look no further than these cheesy scalloped potatoes! This recipe is perfect for smaller servings, making it ideal for 2-3 people. Imagine layers of tender potatoes smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce with a perfectly crispy top—this is comfort food at its finest.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Not only is this recipe easy to follow, but it’s also a healthier take on a traditional holiday side dish. Instead of baking it in the oven, we’re using the air fryer, which cooks the potatoes quickly while still delivering that signature golden, crispy top. Plus, the smaller portions make it perfect for weeknight dinners or intimate gatherings.
Let’s dive into how you can master this dish using your air fryer. It’s like creating air fryer potatoes au gratin but with an extra cheesy twist!
Why Are My Air Fryer Scalloped Potatoes Still Firm?
One common issue people encounter when making scalloped potatoes in the air fryer is that the potatoes remain firm or hard. Here’s how to ensure your potatoes are cooked perfectly every time:
- Slice the Potatoes Thinly: Thin slices allow the hot air to circulate and cook the potatoes evenly. If your slices are too thick, they might not soften all the way through before the top gets crispy. Aim for slices that are about 1/8 inch thick.
- Submerge Potatoes in Cream: Make sure that the potatoes are fully submerged in the heavy cream mixture. If some slices are sticking out above the cream, they may not cook as tenderly as the rest. Gently press the potato slices down into the cream for even cooking.
- Use the Right Type of Potatoes: Starchy potatoes like russet or Yukon gold are your best choices for this recipe. These varieties cook to a soft and creamy texture. Avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes, as they won’t give you the same melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Scalloped Potatoes
To ensure your scalloped potatoes turn out perfectly each time, follow these tried-and-true tips:
1. Slice Potatoes Thinly and Evenly
Uniformly thin potato slices are key to achieving even cooking. If you have a mandolin slicer, this is the perfect time to use it. Try to keep your slices at a consistent thickness, around 1/8 inch, to prevent uneven cooking where some potatoes are undercooked while others are crispy.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
It’s important to note that air fryers have limited space, and overloading the pan with too many potato slices can lead to uneven cooking. Stick with about three medium-sized potatoes for this recipe. If you need to make more, consider cooking in batches.
3. Choose the Right Potatoes
As mentioned earlier, starchy varieties like russet or Yukon gold potatoes are best for this dish. These potatoes absorb the cream mixture well, creating a rich, tender result. Waxy potatoes like red potatoes will not give the same soft texture and can end up feeling too firm.
4. Allow Potatoes to Cool Before Serving
Once your potatoes are done cooking, let them cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the cream to thicken and the flavors to meld together, giving you a creamier texture overall.
5. Add a Personal Touch
If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding other ingredients for an extra burst of flavor. For example, you could layer in caramelized onions, chopped bacon, or fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary for added complexity. You can also substitute cheddar cheese with gruyère or gouda for a different cheesy profile.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Scalloped Potatoes in the Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 lb. (454 g) russet or gold potatoes (about 3 medium potatoes), washed and dried
- Oil spray
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) black pepper
- 1/2 cup (57 g) shredded cheddar cheese
How to make
- Prepare the Potatoes
Start by peeling the potatoes and slicing them into thin, uniform rounds about 1/8 inch thick. You can leave the peel on if you prefer a more rustic dish. Spritz the slices with a bit of oil spray to prevent them from sticking together. - Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C). While the air fryer is heating up, spray a 7-inch accessory cake pan (or similar) with oil. This will prevent the potatoes from sticking to the pan. - Arrange the Potatoes
Stack the sliced potatoes neatly in the prepared pan, aligning them vertically. Try to fan them out slightly to create room for the cream to circulate during cooking. - First Fry
Place the pan into the air fryer and cook the potatoes for 18 minutes at 360°F (180°C). This initial frying helps to soften the potatoes before the cream is added. - Prepare the Cream Mixture
While the potatoes are cooking, combine the heavy cream, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper in a bowl. Stir well until the mixture is fully combined. You can taste the cream mixture and adjust the seasoning to your liking. - Add the Cream Mixture
After the potatoes have cooked for 18 minutes, remove the pan from the air fryer and pour the cream mixture evenly over the potatoes. Gently press the potatoes down to help them settle into the cream. - Second Fry
Lower the air fryer temperature to 300°F (150°C) and cook for an additional 15-18 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. You can check for doneness by poking a fork into the potatoes; they should be soft and creamy inside. - Add the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the potatoes. Return the pan to the air fryer and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes at 300°F (150°C), just long enough for the cheese to melt and turn golden. - Cool and Serve
Let the cheesy scalloped potatoes cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This cooling time allows the sauce to thicken and the flavors to develop. Serve warm and enjoy!
AIR FRYER SCALLOPED POTATOES
Quick & Simple Air Fryer Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Yield: 3-4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. (454 g) russet or gold potatoes, washed and dried (about 3 medium potatoes)
- Oil spray
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
- Thinly slice the potatoes and spray them with oil.
- Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (180°C) and oil a 7-inch cake pan.
- Stack the potatoes in the pan, then air fry for 18 minutes.
- Mix cream, salt, garlic powder, and pepper.
- Pour cream over the potatoes and press them down.
- Air fry at 300°F (150°C) for 15-18 minutes.
- Add cheese and cook for another 1-2 minutes until melted.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 378 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
- Sodium: 535 mg
- Potassium: 693 mg
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 1 g
- Vitamin A: 916 IU
- Vitamin C: 9 mg
- Calcium: 138 mg
- Iron: 1 mg
