Air Fryer Scalloped Potatoes: Packaged Food, Perfectly Crispy

Yes, you can make scalloped potatoes in an air fryer! This cooking method is a quicker alternative to using an oven and can produce a dish that is crispy on the edges and creamy in the middle.

What type of potatoes to use

The type of potatoes you use for scalloped potatoes can vary depending on the desired texture and taste. Here are some options:

Yukon Gold Potatoes

Yukon Gold potatoes are a popular choice for scalloped potatoes due to their creamy texture and buttery flavor. They add a rich and savory note to the dish. Yukon Golds are also known for their ability to hold their shape during cooking, resulting in a more structured scalloped potato dish. This variety is often recommended for this recipe, creating a creamy and indulgent result.

Russet Potatoes

Russet potatoes are another option, known for their starchiness. They will add their starch to the dish as they cook, helping to thicken the sauce. This variety will result in a denser and creamier scalloped potato casserole.

Gold or White Potatoes

Gold or white potato varieties are also suitable for scalloped potatoes. These potatoes are starchy and will cook to a tender, soft texture. They are a good choice for achieving tender and creamy scalloped potatoes.

Red Potatoes

It is generally recommended to avoid using red potatoes for scalloped potatoes. Red potatoes are waxy and tend to have a firmer texture, even after cooking. They may not cook down to the desired tenderness, resulting in a harder texture within the dish.

Potato Slicing Tips

Regardless of the type of potato chosen, it is important to slice the potatoes thinly and evenly. This ensures even cooking and allows the potatoes to absorb the flavors of the sauce effectively. A mandoline slicer or a sharp knife can be used to achieve thin, uniform slices. Aim for slices that are about 1/8 inch thick.

Additionally, for recipes that call for pre-cooking the potatoes in the air fryer, it is crucial to slice the potatoes as thinly as possible. This allows the hot circulating air to cook the potatoes evenly and prevents them from remaining hard or firm.

How to prepare the potatoes

Preparing scalloped potatoes in an air fryer is an easy and quick process. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Wash and Peel the Potatoes

Start by washing and peeling the potatoes. You can use any type of potato, such as russet, Yukon Gold, or red potatoes.

Step 2: Slice the Potatoes

Using a mandolin slicer or a sharp knife, thinly slice the potatoes into rounds or slices about 1/8 inch thick. This thickness ensures even cooking. If you want to speed up the process, you can use a mandoline slicer to get uniform slices.

Step 3: Soak the Potato Slices

Place the sliced potatoes in a bowl of cold water and let them rest until you are ready to use them. This step prevents the potatoes from turning black.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt some butter. Once melted, add flour and whisk to create a roux. Cook this mixture for about 1-2 minutes until it turns a light golden colour. Then, gradually whisk in heavy cream, milk, or a combination of both. Continue cooking and whisking until the mixture thickens, forming a smooth and creamy sauce.

Step 5: Season the Sauce

At this point, you can season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder or dried herbs like thyme. If you want an extra cheesy sauce, you can stir in some grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese until it melts.

Step 6: Layer the Potatoes and Sauce

Now it's time to assemble your dish! In your air fryer basket or a tray that fits inside, create a layer of thinly sliced potatoes. Pour a portion of the cheese sauce over the potatoes, ensuring an even coating. Repeat this process, layering potatoes and sauce, until you've used up all your ingredients.

Step 7: Top with Cheese

Finish your dish by sprinkling some extra grated cheese on top. This will create a golden, crispy finish during air frying.

Step 8: Air Fry the Potatoes

Preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 320-360°F. Once preheated, carefully place the tray or basket into the air fryer. Cook for 20-35 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and crispy.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Once cooked, carefully remove the potatoes from the air fryer. For a fresh touch, sprinkle some finely chopped herbs like chives or parsley over the top. Let the potatoes cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.

How to make the sauce

Making the sauce for scalloped potatoes is a simple process, but it's important to get it right as it forms the base of your dish. Here's a step-by-step guide to making the sauce:

Step 1: Melt some butter in a saucepan over medium heat. The amount of butter you need will depend on the number of servings you are making, but generally, you will need around 2-4 tablespoons.

Step 2: Once the butter is melted, add in some flour. The general ratio is 1 tablespoon of flour for every 2 tablespoons of butter. Whisk the butter and flour together continuously to create a roux. This will serve as the thickening agent for your sauce.

Step 3: Cook the roux. You will want to cook this mixture for around 1-2 minutes until it becomes a light golden colour. Keep whisking during this process to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth consistency.

Step 4: Gradually add in your milk or cream. For a richer sauce, heavy cream is a good option, but you can also use milk for a lighter version. Slowly whisk the liquid into the roux, ensuring a smooth and lump-free mixture.

Step 5: Continue to cook the mixture until it thickens. This usually takes a few minutes, and you should keep whisking to avoid any sticking or burning. The sauce will transform into a smooth and velvety consistency.

Step 6: Add in your cheese. Grated or shredded cheese is ideal, and you can use a variety of types such as Parmesan, Cheddar, Gruyere, or a blend of your choice. Stir the cheese into the sauce until it is fully melted and combined.

Step 7: Season to taste. You can add salt and pepper, and maybe even some garlic powder, to taste. This is also the step where you can add in other ingredients like diced ham for an extra savoury kick.

Your sauce is now ready to be layered with your thinly sliced potatoes! Remember to grease your air fryer basket or tray before adding the potatoes and sauce to avoid sticking. Enjoy your homemade scalloped potatoes!

How to layer the potatoes and sauce

Layering the potatoes and sauce is a crucial step in creating delicious scalloped potatoes. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to layer them like a pro:

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Start by selecting the right potatoes. Russet, gold, white, or Yukon Gold potatoes are excellent choices due to their creamy texture. Peel the potatoes and use a mandolin slicer or a sharp knife to slice them thinly and uniformly. Aim for slices that are about 1/8 inch thick to ensure even cooking. Place the potato slices in a bowl of cold water until you're ready to use them to prevent discolouration.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

The sauce is the star of this dish. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt some butter. Add an equal amount of flour and whisk continuously to create a roux. Cook this mixture for about 1-2 minutes until it turns a light golden colour. Now, gradually whisk in milk or heavy cream, being careful to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and whisking until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth and velvety.

At this point, you can enhance the sauce by adding grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. If you want an extra savoury kick, you can also fold in some diced ham.

Step 3: Layering the Potatoes and Sauce

Now it's time to assemble your dish! Grab your air fryer basket or a tray that fits inside it. Create a layer of thinly sliced potatoes, arranging them upright and stacked tightly together in a circle. Pour a portion of the cheese sauce over the potatoes, ensuring an even coating. Repeat this process, layering potatoes and sauce, until you've used up all your ingredients.

Finish it off with a generous sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top, which will give your scalloped potatoes a golden, crispy finish during air frying.

Tips for Layering:

• It's important to use thinly sliced potatoes to ensure even cooking and absorption of the sauce.
• Make sure each layer of potatoes is coated evenly with the sauce.
• Don't be afraid to pile on the cheese! Scalloped potatoes are all about that creamy, cheesy goodness.
• For a golden, crispy finish, don't skimp on the Parmesan cheese topping.

How to cook the potatoes in the air fryer

Step 1: Prepare the potatoes

Wash and peel the potatoes. Using a mandolin slicer or a sharp knife, slice the potatoes thinly (around 1/8 inch thick) to ensure even cooking. Place the potato slices in a bowl of cold water to prevent them from discolouring until you are ready to use them.

Step 2: Make the sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt some butter. Add flour and whisk to create a roux. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns light golden. Gradually pour in milk or heavy cream, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and whisking until the mixture thickens and forms a smooth sauce. You can also add grated parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, thyme, and pepper to the sauce for extra flavour.

Step 3: Layer the potatoes and sauce

Grease an air fryer-safe baking dish that fits inside your air fryer basket. Create a layer of potato slices, slightly overlapping them. Pour a portion of the cheese sauce over the potatoes, ensuring an even coating. Repeat this process, layering potatoes and sauce, until all ingredients are used up. Finish with a sprinkle of extra cheese on top.

Step 4: Air fry the potatoes

Preheat your air fryer to around 180-190°C. Place the baking dish into the air fryer and cook for 20-25 minutes. If the top is browning too quickly, cover the dish with lightly greased foil. Cook until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Garnish and serve

Once cooked, remove the dish from the air fryer and sprinkle with finely chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley. Allow the scalloped potatoes to cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the cheese sauce to thicken and set, making it easier to serve.

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