Air-Fried Potatoes Au Gratin: A Quick, Easy Delight!

Air Fryer Potatoes au Gratin is a simple and delicious meal that can be made in minutes. It is a great side dish for any meal and is especially perfect for holiday dinners. The best potatoes to use are either Russet potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes, and the traditional cheese used is Gruyere, although other options include Sharp Cheddar Cheese and Colby Jack. The key to getting the potatoes right is to slice them thinly and evenly, and to not overcrowd the pan.

Selecting the right potatoes

Potato Variety

The best potatoes for au gratin are those that hold their shape well during cooking, such as Russet potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes. These varieties are starchy and will help thicken the sauce, resulting in a creamy and tender dish. Russet potatoes, in particular, are ideal for this recipe as they have a higher starch content, which will help the dish achieve the desired creamy consistency. Yukon Gold potatoes are also a great option as they hold their shape well, and you don't need to peel them.

Potato Texture

It is important to avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes, as they tend to remain hard and firm even after cooking. Instead, opt for starchy or gold potato varieties, which will cook to a softer and more tender texture.

Potato Slice Thickness

To ensure even cooking, it is essential to slice the potatoes thinly and consistently. Aim for a thickness of around 1/8 to 1/4 inch. This will allow the potatoes to cook through evenly and prevent them from drying out in the air fryer.

Potato Preparation

Before cooking, wash and pat the potatoes dry. Peeling the potatoes is optional, but it is generally recommended, especially if you are using Russet potatoes, as their skin can be thicker.

In summary, for the perfect air fryer potatoes au gratin, choose Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, slice them thinly and consistently, and don't forget to wash and dry them before cooking. By selecting the right potatoes and preparing them properly, you'll be well on your way to creating a delicious and successful dish.

Preparing the cheese sauce

To make a cheese sauce, you'll need to make a simple roux. Start by melting butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in some all-purpose flour until it's evenly incorporated and cook for about a minute.

Gradually pour in milk, whisking continuously, until it's all incorporated and smooth. You can use whole milk or 2% milk.

Stir in some garlic and green onions and cook until fragrant, which should take about a minute. Then, add in the cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is combined and smooth.

You can use a variety of cheeses, including mild cheddar, sharp cheddar, Colby Jack, or Gruyere.

Layering the potatoes

Layering potatoes is a key step in making potatoes au gratin in an air fryer. The first step is to slice the potatoes as thinly and evenly as possible, ideally around 1/8 or 1/4 of an inch thick. A mandoline slicer is recommended for this. You should also peel the potatoes.

Next, grease your air fryer pan or dish with butter. Then, start layering the potato slices in the pan so that only the ends overlap slightly. It is important not to stack the potatoes on top of each other. After each layer of potatoes, add a small amount of cream and a sprinkling of shredded cheese. Season the potatoes with salt, garlic powder, and pepper. Repeat this process until you have 4 layers of potatoes.

Finish with a final layer of cheese. You can add more cheese here if you want a cheesier dish. Then, pour the remaining cream over the potatoes and add a few small pieces of butter on top.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for making potatoes au gratin in an air fryer vary depending on the recipe and the type of air fryer being used. Here is a detailed breakdown of the cooking times and temperatures mentioned in various recipes:

• One recipe recommends cooking at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 9 to 10 minutes.
• Another recipe suggests a cooking time of 20 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• A third recipe calls for an initial cooking time of 18 minutes at 360 degrees Fahrenheit, followed by a second cooking time of 15 to 18 minutes at a reduced temperature of 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
• A fourth recipe recommends setting the temperature to 330 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 30 minutes, checking on the potatoes after 15 minutes to ensure they are not cooking too quickly.
• Finally, a recipe for potato gratin suggests preheating the air fryer to 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 minutes and then cooking the potatoes for 25 minutes, followed by an additional 5 minutes to melt the cheese.

It is important to note that the cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the specific air fryer model and the thickness of the potato slices. Therefore, it is always a good idea to keep an eye on the potatoes as they cook and adjust the time and temperature as needed. Additionally, different recipes may require different cooking times and temperatures, so it is essential to follow the specific instructions provided.

Serving suggestions

Air Fryer Potatoes au Gratin is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or main course. Here are some ideas to make the most of this delicious recipe:

• For a complete meal, serve the potatoes with a juicy oven-baked chicken breast and a side of steamed green beans.
• If you're looking for an easy holiday side dish, these potatoes are perfect. They cook much faster in an air fryer than in a regular oven.
• You can also add more cheese to make it a cheesier dish. Grated Parmesan on top is a great option.
• For a more substantial meal, serve the potatoes with roast beef, shrimp, steak fajitas, or chicken tikka masala.
• To make it a heartier dish, try adding some caramelised onions, mushrooms, or fresh or canned corn.
• If you want to add some spice, experiment with different seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, or nutmeg.
• Remember to let the potatoes rest after cooking, as this helps the cream sauce thicken.
• If you have any leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and reheated in the microwave or air fryer.

Frequently asked questions