Air Fryer Au Gratin Potatoes: Can You Do It?

Yes, you can cook au gratin potatoes in an air fryer! This cooking method is perfect for preparing small batches or when you want cheesy potatoes without the hassle of preparing a whole casserole. Au gratin potatoes are a creamy and easy side dish that goes well with chicken or steamed vegetables. The air fryer also cuts down on the cooking time, as potatoes can be cooked in 20-25 minutes compared to an hour in a conventional oven.

Potato type

When making au gratin potatoes in an air fryer, it is important to consider the type of potatoes you use. It is recommended to use starchy potatoes such as russet, gold, or white potatoes. These varieties tend to cook more tenderly and help thicken the sauce. On the other hand, it is best to avoid waxy-fleshed potatoes like red potatoes, as they may not cook down to a soft enough texture and can end up hard after cooking.

For the best results, it is crucial to slice the potatoes thinly and evenly. Thick-cut potato slices may not cook evenly or all the way through in the air fryer. By slicing the potatoes thinly, you ensure that the hot circulating air can crisp the potatoes quickly and evenly. Therefore, it is recommended to aim for consistent, even slices, avoiding a mixture of thin and thick cuts.

Additionally, the amount of potato you use is also important. It is advised not to overcrowd the pan, as this can lead to uneven cooking. A good guideline is to use around three medium potatoes, depending on the size of your air fryer.

When preparing the potatoes, make sure to peel and wash them before slicing. You can also choose to boil the potato slices for a few minutes before layering them in the dish to ensure even cooking.

In conclusion, choosing the right type of potato and preparing it properly are essential steps in creating delicious and creamy au gratin potatoes in your air fryer.

Slicing

When slicing the potatoes, it is best to aim for thin slices. This is because thick-cut potato slices may not cook thoroughly in the air fryer. By slicing them thinly, you can take advantage of the hot circulating air in the air fryer, which will crisp the potatoes quickly. Russet, gold, white, or similar potatoes are ideal choices, as they are more starchy and will result in a tender texture. It is advisable to avoid waxy-fleshed potatoes, such as red potatoes, as they tend to remain hard after cooking.

Before slicing, it is recommended to wash, peel, and pat the potatoes dry. This preparation ensures that your potatoes are ready for the slicing process. Once sliced, the potatoes can be combined with other ingredients, such as cream, cheese, garlic, and spices, to create the desired au gratin dish.

To optimize the cooking process, pay attention to the size of the potato slices and aim for consistency. This will ensure even cooking and prevent undercooked or overcooked potatoes. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket or pan. Depending on the size of your air fryer, adjust the amount of potatoes accordingly to ensure sufficient space for proper air circulation and even cooking.

Cheese

Au gratin potatoes are a creamy, easy side dish that is perfect for holiday dinners. The dish is cooked in an air fryer, which is a kitchen appliance that cooks by circulating hot air around the food using a convection mechanism. This method cuts down on the cooking time, making it a quicker and more efficient way to prepare the dish compared to a conventional oven.

The key to making delicious au gratin potatoes is to use a combination of cheese, cream or milk, and spices. The cheese adds a creamy and cheesy texture to the dish, while the cream or milk provides moisture and enhances the creaminess. The spices, such as garlic, thyme, nutmeg, and pepper, add flavour and aroma to the dish.

When preparing the potatoes, it is important to slice them thinly and evenly to ensure consistent cooking. Russet, gold, or white potatoes are recommended as they have a higher starch content, which helps to thicken the sauce and results in a tender texture. The potatoes are then layered in a greased baking dish, with each layer seasoned with salt, garlic powder, and pepper.

To make the cheese sauce, a simple roux is created by melting butter and whisking in flour over medium heat until smooth. This forms the base for the sauce, and milk or cream is added to achieve the desired consistency. The cheese is then added to the sauce, creating a creamy and cheesy mixture. Frozen potatoes are stirred into the sauce to coat them evenly, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavour.

The final step is to assemble the dish. The cheesy potatoes are scooped into individual cups or a baking dish, creating a gorgeous bubbly and browned top. The cups or dish are placed in the air fryer, and the cooking time varies depending on the desired level of browning and crispness. For a more well-done result, the air fryer temperature can be set to 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 9 to 10 minutes. Alternatively, for a lighter cook, a temperature of 300 to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 25 minutes is recommended.

Temperature and timing

When making au gratin potatoes in an air fryer, it is important to consider the temperature and timing to ensure the dish is cooked properly. The cooking time will depend on the type of air fryer you have, the thickness of your potato slices, and the number of potatoes you are cooking.

Firstly, preheat your air fryer. Different air fryer brands and models have different cooking temperatures and times, so you may need to adjust the settings accordingly. As a general guide, set your air fryer to a temperature between 300°F (150°C) and 350°F (160-177°C). The cooking time can vary from 9 to 25 minutes, depending on the model and the number of potatoes you are cooking. It is important to keep an eye on your potatoes as they cook to prevent overcooking or burning.

If you are using a smaller batch of potatoes, a good rule of thumb is to cook them for around 9 to 10 minutes at 300°F (150°C). This will ensure that the potatoes are cooked through and the cheese is melted. For larger batches or if your air fryer does not have a temperature setting, you may need to increase the cooking time to 20 to 25 minutes.

To ensure even cooking, it is recommended to cook the potatoes first and then add the cream mixture. This will help to prevent the potatoes from drying out and ensure they are tender. The potatoes should be sliced thinly and consistently to ensure even cooking. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket or pan, as this can affect the cooking time and temperature.

Once the potatoes are cooked, it is important to let them cool before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken and gives the dish a creamier texture. Depending on the recipe, you may also need to let the potatoes rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the cream sauce to thicken further.

Serving suggestions

Au gratin potatoes are a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of mains. Here are some serving suggestions to accompany your air-fried potatoes:

Holiday Dinners

Au gratin potatoes are a perfect side dish for holiday dinners. They pair well with roasted meats such as turkey, ham, or beef. The creamy, cheesy potatoes add a touch of indulgence to the meal and are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Oven-Baked Dishes

If you're serving a juicy oven-baked chicken breast or a hearty casserole, au gratin potatoes make an excellent side. The crispiness of the air-fried potatoes complements the tenderness of the baked meat, creating a delicious contrast in textures.

Grilled Dishes

For a summer barbecue or outdoor gathering, serve your air-fried au gratin potatoes alongside grilled items. They go well with grilled chicken, steak, or vegetable skewers. The potatoes' creamy sauce can add a rich dimension to the grilled fare.

Steamed or Roasted Vegetables

For a vegetarian option or a lighter meal, pair your au gratin potatoes with steamed or roasted vegetables. Green beans, asparagus, or broccoli can add a healthy and colourful touch to the plate, while the potatoes provide a creamy and satisfying element.

Salads

For a refreshing contrast, serve your air-fried au gratin potatoes with a crisp salad. A green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a classic Caesar salad can balance out the richness of the potatoes. This combination makes for a well-rounded and flavourful meal.

Remember, au gratin potatoes are quite versatile, so feel free to get creative with your pairings. They can be a convenient and tasty side dish for a variety of meals, and their quick preparation in the air fryer makes them a convenient option for busy cooks.

Frequently asked questions