We love air fryer cheesy scalloped potatoes and so will you! You saw our technique here first! Air frying this popular holiday side dish is perfect for 2-3 people. These portions are perfect for smaller servings. It’s like an easy air fryer potatoes au gratin with extra cheese!

Air Fryer scalloped potatoes in pan

Can you make scalloped potatoes in the air fryer? 

The answer is definitely yes. We’ve tested our technique so many times and figured out how to get the texture of the sliced potatoes perfect.

We don’t like raw or crunchy potatoes so our technique can allow you to cook the potatoes first. This is a technique that we created here first.

Why are my air fryer scalloped potatoes still hard or firm? 

  • Make sure to slice the potatoes very thin! This will allow the potatoes to cook all the way through with this air fryer method. The hot circulating air will crisp the potatoes quick so you want to sliced thin to cook as quick as possible. 
  • Don’t leave too many potato slices exposed above the heavy cream. Push the slices down into the cream so that the potatoes can cook in the cream. 
  • Use starchy potatoes like russets and gold potato varieties. These cook tender and soft. Do not use waxy potatoes like red potatoes. We discuss this in more detail below.
Air Fryer scalloped potatoes on plate

Video: Air Fryer Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Tips on how to make scalloped potatoes in the air fryer. 

  • Slice potatoes thin. Like we mentioned above make sure to slice your potatoes thin. Thick cut potato slices won’t cook all the way though in the air fryer. 
  • Consistent, even slices.  When slicing your potatoes make sure they are evenly cut. This will allow the whole batch to cook evenly and at the same time. Avoid having a mixture of thin and thick cut potatoes.
  • Don’t use too many potatoes or overcrowd the pan. Our recipe is for a smaller batch to about 3 medium potatoes is more than enough. If you use too many potatoes and overcrowd the pan, the potatoes won’t cook evenly.  
  • Allow the potatoes to cool. As the scalloped potatoes cool, the sauce will thicken more and become creamier. 
Air fryer scalloped potatoes recipe in pan

Bucket-style Baking Pan

These bucket-style baking cake pans are perfect for this recipe. They are often found in air fryer accessory kits, but you can buy just the pan here. The handles make it much easier to take out of basket style air fryers.

Best Potatoes for Scalloped Potatoes? 

We prefer using russet, gold, white or similar potatoes. These variety of potatoes are more starchy and will help thicken the sauce. Also, these potatoes will cook tender and delicious. Avoid using a waxy fleshed potato like red potatoes for this recipe. They don’t cook down to a tender enough texture. Waxy potatoes always end up hard after cooking. Here a good potato guide. Hope you enjoy our air fryer potatoes au gratin recipe!

Air Fryer scalloped potatoes in pan

Air Fryer Scalloped Potatoes

Our cheesy scalloped potatoes are wonderful to serve 3-4 people. After numerous tests we’ve perfected this popular potato recipe in the air fryer. The secret is cooking the potatoes first then adding the cream mixture. This ensures that the potatoes are tender, creamy and cheesy. Do not use red potatoes! Use russet or gold potatoes or similar for a more the best texture.
(This recipe is for a 6 qt. bucket style air fryer using the 7” accessory bucket cake pan with handles)
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Ingredients

  • 1 lb. (454 g) potatoes , washed and dried (about 3 medium potatoes)
  • oil spray
  • 3/4 cup (180 ml) heavy cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt , or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) black pepper
  • 1/2 cup (57 g) shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions 

  • Peel and slice potatoes thin and spray oil evenly over the potatoes.
    Sliced potatoes
  • Spray the inside bottom and sides of the 7-inch accessory bucket cake pan with oil. Lay the potato slices in a neat stack with their edges aligned vertically into the prepared bucket pan. Fan the potatoes out if there is room after they are in the bucket pan. Place the the pan into the Air Fryer.
    Potatoes fanned out in baking pan
  • Air Fry at 360°F/180°C for an initial 18 minutes.
    Partially air fried potatoes
  • While potatoes are air frying make the cream mixture: combine heavy cream, salt, garlic powder and black pepper. Stir until well combined.
    Cream ingredients
  • After the potatoes have air fried for the initial 18 minutes, pour the cream mixture over the potatoes. Spread cream over potatoes and gently press the potatoes down to help them settle into the cream.
    Pressing down on potatoes to get cream to incorporate
  • Air Fry the potatoes again with the cream mixture at reduced temperature of 300°F/150°C for 15-18 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
    Potatoes after being air fried with cream mixture
  • Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the potatoes. Air Fry at 300°F/150°C for additional 1-2 minutes or until cheese is melted. Allow potatoes to cool for 10 minutes before serving.
    Cheese sprinkled on top of potatoes

If your air fryer is preheated or if you are cooking multiple batches, you may need to reduce timing by a few minutes (unless preheating is called for in the recipe).

Video

YouTube video

Nutrition Information per Serving

Calories: 378kcal, Carbohydrates: 30g, Protein: 9g, Fat: 25g, Saturated Fat: 15g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 8g, Cholesterol: 85mg, Sodium: 535mg, Potassium: 693mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 916IU, Vitamin C: 9mg, Calcium: 138mg, Iron: 1mg

What to serve with air fryer scalloped potatoes? 

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