Air-Fried Potato Scallops: Quick, Crispy, Delicious!

Air fryers are a convenient and healthier alternative to deep frying, and they can be used to cook a wide range of foods, from vegetables to meats and even desserts. One delicious recipe you can make in an air fryer is scalloped potatoes, also known as potatoes au gratin. This dish is typically made in the oven, but it can be easily adapted for an air fryer with some adjustments to time and temperature. The key to success is thinly slicing the potatoes so they cook evenly, and using a mandoline slicer will help you achieve uniform slices. You'll also want to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket so that the hot air can circulate and cook the potatoes evenly.

Potato preparation

The first step in making potato scallops in an air fryer is to prepare the potatoes. Start by selecting the right type of potatoes. It is recommended to use starchy potatoes such as russet, gold, white, or Yukon Gold potatoes. These varieties will help thicken the sauce and cook to a tender texture. Avoid using waxy potatoes like red potatoes, as they won't cook down to a tender enough texture.

Once you've chosen the right potatoes, wash and peel them. Then, use a mandolin slicer or a sharp knife to thinly slice the potatoes into rounds or slices. Aim for slices that are about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick to ensure even cooking. It is important to cut the potatoes uniformly so that they cook evenly and thoroughly. If you are not ready to use the sliced potatoes immediately, let them rest in a bowl of cold water to prevent them from turning black.

After slicing, you can also spritz or spray the potatoes with a small amount of oil, such as avocado or olive oil, and season them with salt and pepper. This will add flavor and help achieve a crispy texture during cooking.

Air fryer setup

To make potato scallops in an air fryer, you will need to prepare the potatoes, make the sauce, layer the potatoes and sauce in an air fryer-safe dish, and then cook in the air fryer.

Preparing the Potatoes

First, wash and peel the potatoes. You can use Russet, Yukon Gold, or yellow potatoes. Then, use a mandolin slicer or a sharp knife to cut the potatoes into thin, even slices, about 1/8 inch thick. Place the sliced potatoes in a bowl of cold water to prevent them from discolouring while you prepare the sauce.

Making the Sauce

For the sauce, you will need a combination of dairy and cheese. The exact ingredients and quantities may vary depending on your recipe, but typically you will need butter, flour, milk or cream, and cheese such as Parmesan, cheddar, or Gruyere. You can also add spices and herbs like garlic, nutmeg, thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.

To make the sauce, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. 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. Gradually pour in the milk or cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and whisking until the mixture thickens and forms a smooth, velvety sauce.

Layering the Potatoes and Sauce

Now it's time to assemble the dish. In your air fryer basket or a tray that fits inside it, create a layer of thinly sliced potatoes. Pour a scoop 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 with a sprinkle of extra cheese on top for a golden, crispy finish.

Cooking in the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 300-360°F. Once preheated, carefully place the tray or basket into the air fryer. Cook for 15-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top layer is golden brown and crispy. Check for doneness by inserting a fork into the potatoes; they should be soft and easily pierced.

Once cooked, carefully remove the air fryer basket or tray. Sprinkle some finely chopped herbs like chives over the top for freshness and colour, if desired. Allow the scalloped potatoes to cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the cheese sauce to set slightly, making it easier to portion and serve.

Sauce preparation

Ingredients

• Butter
• Flour
• Milk
• Heavy cream
• Cheese (grated Parmesan, sharp white cheddar, Gruyere, or Colby Jack)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: diced ham, nutmeg, minced garlic, thyme, or chives

Instructions

• In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
• Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously to create a roux.
• Cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture becomes a light golden colour.
• Gradually pour in the heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. You can also add milk at this stage.
• Continue to cook and whisk until the mixture thickens, forming a smooth and velvety sauce.
• Stir in the grated cheese until it's fully melted into the sauce.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you're adding diced ham or other seasonings, fold them into the sauce now.

Layering potatoes and sauce

Layering the potatoes and sauce is a crucial step in creating a delicious and flavourful dish. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the perfect layering for your potato scallops in an air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Wash and peel the potatoes. Using a mandolin slicer or a sharp knife, thinly slice the potatoes into rounds or slices about 1/8 inch thick. This ensures even cooking. Place the sliced potatoes in a bowl of cold water to prevent discolouration until you are ready to use them.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt some butter. Add flour to the melted butter and whisk continuously to create a roux. Cook this mixture for about 1-2 minutes until it turns a light golden colour. Gradually pour in heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Keep cooking and whisking until the mixture thickens, forming a smooth and creamy sauce.

You can now stir in grated Parmesan cheese until it melts. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you want to add an extra savoury kick, you can also fold in some diced ham at this point.

Step 3: Layering Potatoes and Sauce

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

Finish it off with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top for a golden, crispy finish during air frying.

Tips for Layering:

• Aim for thin and consistent slices of potatoes to ensure even cooking and a tender texture.
• Don't overcrowd the pan with too many potatoes, as this will affect even cooking.
• Use starchy potatoes like Russets, gold, or white potatoes, as they cook tender and soft. Avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes.
• The sauce should be creamy and rich, with ingredients like butter, flour, milk, cream, and cheese.
• Don't skimp on the sauce! Make sure the potato layers are well-coated, and the potatoes are mostly submerged to prevent them from drying out during cooking.

Now you're ready to air fry your layered potato scallops! Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, and enjoy the delicious results of your layering efforts.

Cooking and serving

Air fryer scalloped potatoes are a simple, delicious, and creamy dish that can be served as a side. The key to getting it right is to slice the potatoes thinly and evenly so that they cook through. You can also add cheese to make the dish even more indulgent.

Ingredients

• Potatoes (russet, Yukon Gold, or yellow potatoes)
• Butter
• Flour
• Milk
• Heavy cream
• Cheese (cheddar, Parmesan, or Gruyere)
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic
• Nutmeg

Method

First, peel and slice the potatoes thinly and evenly. Place them in a bowl of cold water until you are ready to use them.

Next, make the sauce. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then add flour and whisk to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns a light golden colour. Gradually pour in the heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook and whisk until the mixture thickens, forming a smooth and creamy sauce. You can then stir in grated cheese, if using, and season with salt and pepper.

Now it's time to layer the potatoes and sauce in your air fryer basket or a tray that fits inside. Start with a layer of potatoes, then pour over some of the sauce, ensuring an even coating. Repeat this process until all your potatoes and sauce have been used, finishing with a sprinkle of cheese on top.

Preheat your air fryer to 190°C, or 320°F, and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown. You can check this by inserting a fork – it should go in easily.

Once cooked, remove the basket or tray from the air fryer and sprinkle with finely chopped chives or parsley for a burst of freshness and colour. Allow the potatoes to cool for a few minutes before serving. This will ensure the cheese sauce sets slightly, making it easier to serve.

Tips

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket – the food will cook faster and more evenly when there's room for the heat to circulate.
• Use an oil sprayer to lightly coat the potatoes with avocado or olive oil.
• If you want to add sliced onions, add them halfway through cooking.
• For best results, grate the cheese yourself rather than using pre-shredded cheese, as this has anti-caking agents that can affect how well the cheese melts.

Frequently asked questions