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Scalloped Potatoes in the Air Fryer

Name: Scalloped Potatoes in the Air Fryer
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 49 min
Total time: 59 min
Ingredients: 3-4 Potatoes; 3/4 cup Heavy cream; 1/2 tsp Salt; 1/4 tsp Garlic powder; 1/4 tsp Black pepper; 1/2 cup Shredded cheddar cheese; Nonstick cooking spray

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Creamy and cheesy air fryer scalloped potatoes are a quick and delicious side dish perfect for any meal. Ready in less time, packed with flavor!

Dec 13, 2024 The links in the post below may be affiliate links. Read the full disclosure

air fryer scalloped potatoes

Air Fryer Potatoes in a Creamy Cheese Sauce

Air fryer scalloped potatoes are a creamy, comforting side dish that is ready in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods. With tender layers of potatoes smothered in a rich, velvety sauce, this recipe delivers the classic dish’s flavor without the long wait.

Thanks to the air fryer, you can enjoy this childhood favorite much faster while still getting that golden, bubbly perfection. Simple to assemble and absolutely delicious, it’s the perfect addition to any meal that’s sure to have everyone coming back for seconds!

Ingredients and Supplies Needed for Scalloped Potatoes in the Air Fryer:

ingredients for scalloped potatoes

Ingredients:

Potatoes
Nonstick cooking spray
Heavy cream
Salt
Garlic powder
Black pepper
Shredded cheddar cheese

Supplies:

Air fryer (Check out my favorite Cosori air fryer here)
Small cake pan (or any other air fryer safe dish)
Small mixing bowl
Spatula
Cutting board
Sharp knife or mandoline slicer

You will need to use a deep dish that fits in your air fryer and is also air fryer safe. I use a cake pan because it works well. But if you are making less than a full batch or want to cook in batches, you can also use a Pyrex dish or pizza pan.

air fryer scalloped potatoes

Spice it Up!

I love using just the essential ingredients to keep my cooking simple, but you can add more flavor to give this dish more pop.

Try adding herbs for added flavor:

Rosemary
Thyme
Oregano
Sage

What’s the best kind of potatoes to use

The answer to this question is more of a personal preference; I prefer russet potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes. They have a mild, neutral flavor, hold their shape well when cooked, and have a melt-in-your-mouth texture in the cream sauce.

How to Make Scalloped Potatoes in the Air Fryer:

scalloped potatoes with cheese in the air fryer

Step 1: Prep the Potatoes

Start by washing and peeling the potatoes. Once they are clean, cut them into thin, uniform slices using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer for precise cutting.

The thinner you cut, the faster they cook, and the thicker you cut them, the longer they take. I like my potatoes about ¼ an inch thick.

the ingredients for scalloped potatoes

Step 2: Layer the Potatoes

Take the cake pan or whatever pan you choose, and spray the inside with nonstick cooking spray. Then, arrange the sliced potatoes in the bottom, fanning them out as you fill the pan.

After the potatoes are in the pan, spray the tops with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 3: Air Fry

Place the cake pan in the air fryer basket, turn the air fryer on to 360°F (182°C), and cook the potatoes for 18 minutes.

roasting scalloped potatoes in the air fryer

Step 4: Creamy Cheese Sauce

While the potatoes are cooking, mix the heavy cream, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper in a small mixing bowl.

After the potatoes are slightly roasted, open the air fryer, pour the cream mixture into the pan, and swirl it around to make sure all the potatoes are well coated in sauce.

Now, place the air fryer basket back into the air fryer and continue to cook the potatoes at 300°F (148°C) for about 15-18 more minutes or until the potatoes begin to soak up the cream and are tender and roasted to your liking.

roasting scalloped potatoes in the air fryer

Step 5: Cheese Topping

Once the potatoes are tender and roasted, open up the air fryer, sprinkle on the cheddar cheese and return it to the air fryer for another 2-3 minutes at 350°F (176°C) or until the cheese melts.

Let the potatoes sit in the air fryer for 10 minutes to rest, and remove them from the air fryer. Serve warm, and enjoy the best cheesy potatoes!

scalloped potatoes in a creamy cheese sauce

Frequently Asked Questions

scalloped potatoes in a cake barrel dish

What’s the difference between scalloped potatoes and au gratin potatoes?

Traditionally, potatoes au gratin have layers of cheese between the potatoes with an added breadcrumb topping for an added crunch. Scalloped potatoes have the cheesy sauce, but often without the shredded cheese. To make au gratin potatoes, follow these tips:

Add extra cheese in between the layers of potatoes for even more cheesy potato goodness.
Mix 1-2 tablespoons melted butter with 1/2 cup breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this mixture over the potatoes and cheese for a more crispy texture.

How thin should the potato slices be?

For this recipe, you can cut the potatoes as thin as ⅛ inches to ½ inches. However, the thicker you cut the potatoes, the longer they will take to cook all the way through. Use a mandolin slicer for quick, easy, and uniform slices.

a serving of scalloped potatoes

Final Thoughts

Potatoes are a timeless favorite, and these air-fried scalloped potatoes are no exception—they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! With their creamy texture, rich flavor, and cheesy goodness, this side dish proves you don’t need to overcomplicate things to create something truly delicious. Give these perfectly tender and flavorful scalloped potatoes a try—you won’t be disappointed!

how to make scalloped potatoes in the air fryer

More delicious air fryer side dishes:

Main dishes to serve with scalloped potatoes:

Air fryer tips and tricks