Air Fryer Scalloped Potatoes: A Quick, Easy Dish

Scalloped potatoes are a classic side dish that can be made in an air fryer with just a few simple adjustments. This guide will cover everything you need to know about making scalloped potatoes in an air fryer, from the ingredients and cooking process to serving suggestions and expert tips.

What type of potatoes to use

When it comes to making scalloped potatoes in an air fryer, the type of potatoes you use is crucial. The best potatoes for this dish are those that will cook to a tender, creamy texture.

Russet potatoes are a popular choice due to their starchy nature, which lends itself well to the creamy texture of the dish. Gold potatoes, also known as Yukon Golds, are another excellent option. They have a creamy texture and a rich flavour, and they cook up tender and delicious. For the best results, it is recommended to use medium-sized potatoes and to cut them into uniform slices for even cooking.

It is important to avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes, as they tend to remain hard after cooking and do not have the desired tender texture.

Additionally, the thickness of the potato slices is key. Slices that are too thick may not cook evenly, while slices that are too thin may become overly soft and lose their shape. Aim for a thickness of around 1/8-inch or thin enough to ensure they cook all the way through. A mandolin slicer can be very helpful in achieving uniform slices.

How to prepare the potatoes

Preparing the potatoes is a crucial step in making scalloped potatoes in an air fryer. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

Start by selecting the right type of potatoes. Russet, gold, white, or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal choices due to their creamy texture and ability to hold their shape during cooking. Avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes, as they won't cook down to a tender texture.

Wash and peel the potatoes. Use a mandolin slicer or a sharp knife to thinly slice the potatoes into rounds or slices about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. The even and thin slices ensure uniform cooking and layering. Place the sliced potatoes in a bowl of cold water until you're ready to use them to prevent discolouration.

Next, create a creamy sauce that will coat the potatoes. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt some butter. Add flour to the melted butter and whisk continuously to create a roux, cooking it until it turns a light golden colour. Gradually pour in heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and whisking until the mixture thickens, forming a smooth and creamy sauce.

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 add diced ham to the sauce.

Now it's time to assemble the dish. Grease an air fryer-safe baking dish or basket with butter. Create a layer of thinly sliced potatoes, then pour a portion of the cheese sauce over them, ensuring an even coating. Repeat this process, layering potatoes and sauce, until all ingredients are used up. Finish it off with an extra sprinkling of Parmesan cheese on top for a golden, crispy finish.

How to make the sauce

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

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients for your sauce:

• Butter
• Flour
• Milk or heavy cream
• Cheese (Parmesan, cheddar, or a blend of your choice)
• Salt
• Pepper
• Aromatics (onion, garlic, thyme, etc.)
• Spices (paprika, nutmeg, etc.)

Step 1: Make a Roux

Start by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, 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. The roux will serve as the base for your sauce and help thicken it.

Step 2: Add Liquid

Gradually pour in your milk or heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. The liquid added to the roux will create a smooth and creamy sauce. Continue to cook and whisk this mixture until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Step 3: Add Cheese and Seasonings

Once your sauce has reached the desired consistency, stir in your choice of grated or shredded cheese. Common choices include Parmesan and cheddar, but you can also experiment with other varieties like Gruyère, smoked gouda, or a blend of mozzarella and provolone. Add salt and pepper to taste, and consider adding other seasonings like paprika, nutmeg, or dried herbs. Continue stirring until the cheese has fully melted and your sauce is well-combined.

Step 4: Layer with Potatoes

Now it's time to assemble your scalloped potatoes! In your air fryer basket or a tray that fits inside it, create a layer of thinly sliced potatoes. Pour a portion of your sauce over the potatoes, ensuring an even coating. Repeat this process, layering potatoes and sauce, until all your ingredients are used up. Finish it off with an extra sprinkle of cheese on top for a golden, crispy finish.

Your sauce is now ready to be cooked in the air fryer along with your potatoes! Remember to adjust the cooking time and temperature as per your air fryer's instructions.

How to layer the potatoes and sauce

Layering the potatoes and sauce is a crucial step in creating delicious scalloped potatoes. Here's a detailed guide on how to layer the potatoes and sauce for the best results:

Start by preparing your potatoes. Wash, peel, and thinly slice the potatoes into rounds using a mandolin slicer or a sharp knife. Aim for slices that are about 1/8 inch thick to ensure even cooking. Place the sliced potatoes in a bowl of cold water to prevent them from discolouring while you prepare the sauce.

For the sauce, you'll need heavy cream, butter, flour, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. You can also add additional ingredients like garlic, thyme, or other herbs and spices to enhance the flavour. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add the 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 pour in the heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and whisking until the mixture thickens, forming a smooth and creamy sauce. At this point, you can add the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. If you want to include diced ham or cooked bacon, mix it into the sauce now.

It's now time to assemble the 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 all your ingredients are used up. Finish it off with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top for a golden, crispy finish.

Preheat your air fryer to 190°C or the recommended temperature according to your specific model. Carefully place the tray or basket into the air fryer and cook for 20-25 minutes. The potatoes are done when they are tender, and the top layer is golden brown and crispy. To check for doneness, insert a fork into the potatoes; they should be soft and easily pierced.

Once cooked, carefully remove the air fryer basket or tray and let the scalloped potatoes cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the cheese sauce to set slightly, making it easier to serve.

How long to cook the potatoes for

The cooking time for scalloped potatoes in an air fryer will depend on the model of your air fryer, the ingredients used, and the number of layers of potatoes. However, a good range to aim for is between 35 and 55 minutes.

For example, one recipe calls for air frying at 320 degrees Fahrenheit for 35 minutes covered, then removing the foil and air frying at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for another 20-25 minutes uncovered. This recipe uses a Cosori 5.8QT air fryer.

Another recipe recommends cooking the potatoes at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes. After removing the foil, air fry for an additional 10-15 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.

It's important to note that cooking times may vary between different air fryer brands and models. Therefore, it's recommended to keep an eye on the potatoes during the cooking process and adjust the timing as needed.

To ensure even cooking, it's crucial to slice the potatoes thinly and consistently. This will allow the hot air to circulate effectively and prevent undercooked or burnt potatoes.

Additionally, it's recommended to use starchy potatoes such as russets, gold, or white potatoes. These varieties will result in tender and soft scalloped potatoes. Avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes, as they tend to remain hard after cooking.

Frequently asked questions