There’s nothing quite like a dish of creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes, especially when it’s made in the air fryer. I’ve always loved this recipe because it takes the classic comfort food to a new level with a crispy golden crust, all while keeping the richness and tenderness inside. What makes this version even better? It’s made in the air fryer, which means you can skip the long oven time and still get a deliciously crisp finish. If you’re craving a cheesy, comforting side dish that’s quick and easy, these cheesy air fryer scalloped potatoes are a game-changer!
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a casual meal for the family, these scalloped potatoes are sure to impress. With the perfect blend of cheese, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked potatoes, this recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again. I love how the air fryer makes the potatoes cook faster and more evenly than traditional methods, ensuring every bite is just as perfect as the last.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
To make these cheesy air fryer scalloped potatoes, you’ll need a few key ingredients to get that rich, creamy, and cheesy flavor. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the perfect bite, so let’s break them down:
Potatoes: The star of this dish! I prefer using russet potatoes because they hold their shape well when sliced thinly and become tender without falling apart. They also provide a great texture when baked.
Heavy Cream: This creates the luxurious, creamy texture that makes scalloped potatoes so irresistible. It adds richness to the dish and allows the cheese to melt beautifully.
Cheddar Cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for its tangy flavor, which pairs perfectly with the richness of the cream. It melts wonderfully and creates a cheesy layer in every bite.
Garlic: Garlic gives the dish a fragrant, savory depth. Fresh garlic cloves, finely minced, bring out the best flavor when combined with the creamy sauce.
Butter: Butter is essential for that velvety texture and buttery flavor that complements the cheese and garlic. It also helps in creating a beautiful golden crust when air-fried.
Salt and Pepper: These simple seasonings are essential to enhance all the other flavors in the dish. A little salt and pepper go a long way in making sure the scalloped potatoes are well-seasoned.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nice touch of umami and a bit of saltiness to the dish, giving the potatoes an extra layer of flavor and helping to crisp up the top as it cooks.
Ingredients List
- 4 large Russet potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
How to Make Cheesy Air Fryer Scalloped Potatoes
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Start by peeling and thinly slicing the russet potatoes. I like to slice them to about ¼-inch thick so they cook evenly. Be sure to slice them evenly for the best results. You can use a mandolin slicer to make this step easier and faster.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Then, pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir occasionally until the cream starts to thicken. Once it thickens, remove it from the heat.
Step 3: Layer the Potatoes
Grease your air fryer basket or a baking dish that fits in the air fryer. Start layering the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the basket or dish. Once you have a layer of potatoes, pour some of the creamy sauce over the top. Sprinkle a generous amount of cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese over the sauce. Repeat this process with more layers of potatoes, sauce, and cheese until everything is layered.
Step 4: Air Fry the Potatoes
Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C). Once it’s preheated, place the dish or basket in the air fryer and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbling. If you want a crispier top, you can air fry for an additional 5 minutes, keeping an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the scalloped potatoes are done, carefully remove them from the air fryer and let them sit for a few minutes. This allows the sauce to set and makes it easier to serve. Garnish with a little extra Parmesan cheese if desired, and enjoy!
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic provides the best flavor in this dish. If you use garlic powder instead, the flavor may not be as rich or aromatic.
- Don’t Skip the Cheese: The combination of cheddar and Parmesan cheese gives the scalloped potatoes that perfect cheesy and crispy top. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella, but cheddar and Parmesan are the classics.
- Adjust the Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, simply simmer the heavy cream a little longer to reduce it. This will give you a richer sauce to coat the potatoes.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating the air fryer ensures that the potatoes cook evenly and the cheese melts perfectly. It also helps in getting that golden, crispy finish on top.
- Check the Potatoes for Doneness: Since air fryers vary in cooking times, check the potatoes around the 20-minute mark. You can insert a fork to make sure they’re tender before removing them from the air fryer.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes? Yes, you can use Yukon gold or red potatoes if you prefer. Russet potatoes tend to hold their shape better, but other varieties can work well, too.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to cook, just pop it in the air fryer and adjust the cooking time as needed.
Can I make these potatoes without cheese? While cheese is a key ingredient in this dish, you can make a version without it by using more heavy cream and butter for a creamy, non-cheesy version. However, the cheesy texture and flavor are what make this dish so indulgent!
Can I freeze leftover scalloped potatoes? Yes, you can freeze leftover scalloped potatoes. Make sure to let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. To reheat, bake or air fry at a lower temperature until heated through.
Enjoy these cheesy air fryer scalloped potatoes as a delicious and easy side dish to your favorite meals. It’s the perfect comfort food that’s rich, creamy, and full of cheesy goodness!