As someone who loves easy, cheesy, and comforting dishes, I can’t help but be thrilled when I find a recipe that’s as simple to make as it is delicious. This Air Fryer Cheesy Potatoes recipe is one of those gems! It’s the perfect side dish for any meal, whether you’re preparing a family dinner or just craving a cheesy treat for yourself. With minimal prep time and the magic of the air fryer, you’ll have perfectly crispy, cheesy potatoes that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Not only is this dish super easy to make, but it’s also packed with flavor. The creamy cheese sauce, combined with golden crispy edges from the air fryer, makes this recipe irresistible. If you love potatoes and cheese as much as I do, you’ll want to add this one to your rotation. Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen!
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Potatoes: Potatoes are the star of the show in this recipe. I recommend using Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes for their starchy texture and ability to crisp up nicely in the air fryer. They’re also perfect for absorbing the cheesy goodness.
Cheese: This recipe calls for shredded cheddar cheese. The sharpness and melty consistency of cheddar bring the dish to life. You can also add a bit of mozzarella for extra gooeyness if you like!
Butter: Butter adds richness and creaminess to the cheesy potatoes. It helps to coat the potatoes and create a silky texture for the cheese sauce to cling to.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream gives the dish its velvety smooth texture. It helps to make the cheese sauce rich and indulgent, creating that creamy base for the cheesy potatoes.
Garlic Powder: Garlic powder gives the dish an aromatic depth without being too overpowering. It complements the cheese and potatoes perfectly.
Salt: Salt enhances the flavors of all the ingredients and brings out the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
Black Pepper: Black pepper adds a bit of warmth and spice, balancing out the richness of the butter and cheese.
Green Onion: Green onion adds a touch of freshness and a mild onion flavor that lightens up the richness of the dish. It’s perfect as a garnish to top off your cheesy potatoes.
Ingredients List
- 4 medium-sized Yukon Gold potatoes (or Russet potatoes)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions (for garnish)
How to Make Air Fryer Cheesy Potatoes
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
Start by washing and peeling the potatoes. Once peeled, slice them into thin, even rounds. This ensures that the potatoes cook evenly and become nice and crispy. If you prefer, you can leave the skin on for extra texture, but peeling them creates a smoother texture for the cheese sauce to cling to.
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This helps to ensure that the potatoes cook quickly and evenly when you place them inside the fryer basket.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the heavy cream, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer. Once it’s simmering, slowly add in the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 4: Coat the Potatoes
Place the sliced potatoes into a large bowl. Pour the cheese sauce over the potatoes and toss everything together, making sure the potatoes are evenly coated with the creamy cheese mixture.
Step 5: Air Fry the Potatoes
Transfer the coated potatoes into the preheated air fryer basket. Arrange them in a single layer to allow for even cooking. Air fry the potatoes at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the edges. Shake the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure the potatoes cook evenly.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once the potatoes are crispy and golden, remove them from the air fryer. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions for a burst of color and flavor. Serve your cheesy potatoes immediately while they’re still hot and cheesy!
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Even Slices: Make sure your potato slices are uniform in thickness so they cook evenly. You can use a mandoline slicer for consistent results.
- Shaking the Basket: Give the basket a shake halfway through cooking to ensure the potatoes get evenly crispy.
- Cheese Variety: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses! A blend of cheddar and mozzarella creates extra gooey cheese that’s irresistibly delicious.
- Crispier Potatoes: For extra crispy potatoes, spray them lightly with cooking spray before air frying.
- Toppings: Consider adding a sprinkle of bacon bits or fresh parsley on top for added flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I make these cheesy potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the potatoes and cheese sauce ahead of time. Store them in the fridge and assemble the dish when you’re ready to cook. Just pop them in the air fryer when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I use other types of potatoes?
Absolutely! While Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes are recommended, you can use any variety you like. Just make sure to slice them thinly for the best results.
Can I make these potatoes without an air fryer?
If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake these cheesy potatoes in a regular oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F and bake the potatoes for about 30-35 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover cheesy potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to bring back the crispy texture.