Air Fryer Potato Gratin: Perfect Timing For Creamy Potatoes

Potato gratin is a classic side dish that can be made in an air fryer in a fraction of the time it takes to bake in an oven. The air fryer's convection mechanism circulates hot air around the food, reducing the cooking time by up to half. The key to successful air-fried potato gratin is to cut the potatoes thinly and evenly so that they cook through without drying out. The type of potato is also important, with starchy varieties like russet or gold potatoes being ideal. With the right preparation and cooking technique, you can have delicious, tender, and cheesy potato gratin ready to serve in about 20 to 30 minutes.

Potato gratin cooking time in an air fryer

Air Fryer Potato Gratin is a tasty and creamy side dish that is easy to make. The cooking time for potato gratin in an air fryer varies depending on the recipe and the air fryer model, but it typically ranges between 20 to 30 minutes.

Preparation

First, peel and wash the potatoes. It is recommended to use starchy potatoes such as russet, gold, or white potatoes, as they cook to a tender texture. Cut the potatoes into thin, even slices, preferably about 1/4 inch thick. In a large bowl, combine the potato slices with milk, heavy cream, grated cheese, garlic, and seasonings like salt and pepper and nutmeg.

Cooking

Grease your air fryer pan or use a cake pan or cast-iron cookware. Layer the potatoes in the pan, slightly overlapping the slices. Pour the cream mixture over the potatoes, ensuring that the potatoes are submerged to prevent drying. Set the temperature and cooking time according to your air fryer model. For example, one recipe suggests preheating the air fryer to 350°F/175°C for 3 minutes, then cooking for about 30 minutes.

Serving

Allow the potato gratin to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the cream sauce thicken. The cooking time may vary, so keep an eye on the gratin to ensure it doesn't overcook. Serve the potato gratin warm, and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!

Potato gratin preparation

Ingredients

You will need potatoes, butter, flour, milk, heavy cream, cheese, garlic, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. For the cheese, you can use Gruyere, Parmesan, or a mix of shredded cheese.

Potato Preparation

Peel and wash your potatoes. Slice them into thin, even slices, about 1/4 to 1/3 inch thick. Place the slices in a large bowl and add milk, heavy cream, garlic, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat the potatoes.

Cooking

Grease your air fryer pan or a cast-iron/cake pan. Layer the potatoes in the pan, slightly overlapping only at the ends. Sprinkle each layer with salt, garlic powder, and pepper, then pour a tablespoon of cream over the potatoes, and top with a thin layer of cheese. Repeat for each layer.

Air Fryer Settings

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F/175°C for 3 minutes. Cover the pan with foil and put it in the air fryer. Cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden. For a crispy topping, increase the heat to 400°F/200°C and remove the foil for the last few minutes of cooking.

Serving

Allow the gratin to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. The sauce will thicken as it cools. Sprinkle with salt flakes to taste.

Potato gratin ingredients

The key ingredients for potato gratin are potatoes, cheese, and cream. However, there are a few more ingredients that can be added to enhance the flavor and texture of the dish. Here is a detailed list of ingredients to make potato gratin in an air fryer:

Potatoes

The type of potato you use is important. Russet potatoes are a popular choice due to their high starch content, which helps them absorb the cream and creates a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Other suitable options include gold, white, Dutch creams, King Edwards, red delight, or Yukon gold potatoes. Avoid using waxy potatoes like red potatoes, as they won't cook down to a tender texture and can make the layers slip apart.

Cheese

Cheddar cheese is a common choice for potato gratin, but you can also use Parmesan, Gruyere, or any shredded cheese you prefer. The cheese melts into the cream, creating a rich and decadent sauce, and forms a crispy, golden crust on top.

Cream

Heavy cream or milk is used to create the creamy sauce that blankets the potatoes. It thickens as it cooks and cools, resulting in a decadent and indulgent dish.

Butter

Butter is used to make a roux, which serves as the base for the cheese sauce. It adds richness and flavor to the dish.

Seasonings

Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning the potato layers. You can also add garlic powder, fresh garlic, thyme, or Cajun seasoning to give it a kick.

Onion

Onion is optional but adds flavor and depth to the dish. Slice an onion into rings and layer it with the potatoes.

Other Ingredients

Some recipes suggest adding flour to the butter to create a roux for the cheese sauce. Additionally, you can top up the dish with more cheese towards the end of cooking for an extra cheesy dish.

Potato gratin serving suggestions

Potato gratin is a rich and indulgent dish, perfect as a side for any meal. Its creamy, cheesy goodness pairs well with a variety of main courses, especially meats. Here are some serving suggestions to complement the flavours of potato gratin:

Meats

Potato gratin is a versatile side dish that goes well with various meats. Some popular options include:

• Pork: Try pork loin, grilled ground pork patties, or pork chops.
• Beef: Ribeye steak or filet mignon are decadent choices.
• Chicken: Oven-baked chicken breast or chicken piccata can balance out the richness of the gratin.
• Ham: A classic choice, often served with a side of roasted vegetables or a light salad.

Fish

For a lighter option, potato gratin can be paired with fish:

• Salmon: A nice piece of salmon, perhaps with a hint of dill, can be a delicious complement.
• Seafood: For something lighter, try shrimp, cod, trout, bay scallops, or other seafood options.

Vegetables

To round out the meal, add a vegetable side dish:

• Green vegetables: Steamed green beans, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus are simple yet tasty choices.
• Roasted vegetables: A variety of roasted veggies can add colour and nutrition to your plate.
• Salad: A light and refreshing salad can balance out the richness of the gratin.

Other suggestions

• Cooking for a crowd: Potato gratin is easy to adapt for a larger group. Simply use a bucket-style baking cake pan, often found in air fryer accessory kits.
• Make-ahead option: Potato gratin can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. To prevent browning, keep the potato slices submerged in the cream and milk mixture.
• Cheese lovers: For an extra cheesy dish, add more cheese on top towards the end of the cooking time.

Potato gratin reheating

Reheating Potato Gratin in an Air Fryer

If you have leftover potato gratin, you can reheat it in an air fryer. First, cover the top of the gratin with foil and place it in the air fryer at 360°F for 5 to 10 minutes, until warmed through. It is important to cover the gratin with foil to prevent it from drying out.

You can also reheat individual portions of potato gratin in the air fryer. Prepare 1-cup glass or ceramic cups by coating them with non-stick spray. Divide the potato gratin mixture between the cups and place them in the air fryer. Reheat for 9 to 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are heated through and bubbly.

When reheating potato gratin in the air fryer, it is important to keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking or burning. The cooking time may vary depending on the brand and model of your air fryer, so adjust the timing as needed.

Additionally, if you prefer a crispier texture, you can increase the temperature to 350°F and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. This will allow the cheese to melt and form a crispy crust on top of the gratin.

By following these simple steps, you can easily reheat and enjoy your leftover potato gratin in an air fryer, ensuring it tastes just as delicious as when it was first cooked!

Frequently asked questions