Easy Cheesy Air Fryer Scalloped Potatoes

Ultimate Cheesy Air Fryer Scalloped Potatoes: Your New Favorite Side Dish

Prepare to elevate your side dish game with these incredible Cheesy Air Fryer Scalloped Potatoes! This recipe takes a classic comfort food and transforms it into an effortlessly delicious creation, thanks to the magic of the air fryer. If you’ve been searching for a foolproof scalloped potato recipe that delivers perfectly tender potatoes encased in a rich, creamy, and undeniably cheesy sauce with delightfully crisp edges, your quest ends here. In just a few simple steps, you’ll have a show-stopping dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to festive holiday gatherings.

While these cheesy scalloped potatoes are a star in their own right, the versatility of the air fryer means you can whip up all sorts of potato delights. If you find yourself with extra potatoes or simply want to explore more air fryer recipes, be sure to try these easy air fryer steak fries, air fryer potato wedges, and air fryer tater tots. Each offers a unique texture and flavor profile, proving just how indispensable your air fryer can be in the kitchen.

Air fried scalloped potatoes served on a plate and topped with fresh parsley, highlighting the golden-brown cheese and tender potato layers.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Scalloped Potato Recipe

There’s something inherently comforting about a classic dish like scalloped potatoes. The tender, thinly sliced potatoes baked in a rich, creamy sauce are a timeless favorite. However, making them in a traditional oven can sometimes lead to uneven cooking, or a top that’s not quite as golden and bubbly as you’d like. This is where the air fryer truly shines, transforming good into gourmet.

This recipe for cheesy air fryer scalloped potatoes is a game-changer. It leverages the air fryer’s ability to circulate hot air rapidly, ensuring that every potato slice cooks evenly and the cheesy topping achieves a beautiful, golden-brown crust without drying out the interior. The result is a dish that’s wonderfully tender on the inside with those irresistible crispy edges that everyone craves. It’s a fantastic potato recipe that promises to be a hit with family and friends, making it one of my personal favorites to share.

And who says a side dish has to stay a side dish? These cheesy scalloped potatoes are so hearty and satisfying that you can absolutely enjoy them as a main course. Pair them with a simple salad, and you’ve got a complete, delectable meal. Don’t limit yourself – these air fryer potatoes are versatile enough to be savored in any way you desire!

Essential Tools for Perfect Scalloped Potatoes

To achieve the signature thin, uniform potato slices that define scalloped potatoes, a mandolin slicer is highly recommended for this recipe. It not only saves time but also ensures even cooking by providing consistent slice thickness. When using a mandolin, always prioritize safety and use the included hand guard or a cut-resistant glove.

For effortless cooking and cleanup, I also prefer to use a silicone baking dish that fits comfortably in my air fryer basket. Silicone bakeware is naturally non-stick, making it easy to remove your delicious potatoes and simplifying the washing-up process. Its flexibility also allows for easy removal of your potato layers.

Beyond these key tools, you’ll find that this incredibly delicious side dish requires just a few simple, wholesome ingredients.

Ingredients for Cheesy Air Fryer Scalloped Potatoes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With a handful of staple ingredients, you can create a side dish that tastes incredibly indulgent. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Russet potatoes: Known for their starchy texture, Russet potatoes become wonderfully tender when cooked and absorb the creamy cheese sauce beautifully. You can also use Yukon Gold potatoes, which offer a slightly waxier texture and a naturally buttery flavor, making them another excellent choice for this dish.
  • Queso block cheese: This is the secret weapon for an extra rich and creamy cheese sauce with a hint of authentic Mexican-style flavor. Its smooth melting quality contributes to the luscious texture.
  • Cream cheese: Adds tanginess, depth, and an incredibly smooth, velvety consistency to the cheese sauce, ensuring it coats every potato slice perfectly.
  • Butter: Essential for richness and flavor, butter forms the base of our decadent cheese sauce, helping everything melt together harmoniously.
Mandolin slicer, silicone baking dish, cream cheese, butter, queso block cheese, and whole potatoes, neatly arranged on a kitchen counter.

How to Make Cheesy Air Fryer Scalloped Potatoes: A Step-by-Step Guide

Get ready for a remarkably easy cooking experience. The air fryer streamlines the process, making these cheesy scalloped potatoes achievable even on busy weeknights.

Follow these simple steps to create perfectly tender and cheesy scalloped potatoes in your air fryer.

  1. Prepare the Potatoes: Using a mandolin, carefully slice the Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes to a precise ⅛” thickness. Uniform slices are crucial for even cooking, ensuring all potatoes become tender at the same rate. Always use the safety guard when operating a mandolin.
  2. A bowl filled with uniformly sliced potatoes, ready for rinsing. The slices are thin and even, demonstrating proper mandolin use.

  3. Rinse and Drain: Place the sliced potatoes in a colander and rinse them thoroughly under cold water. This step helps remove excess starch, which prevents the potatoes from sticking together and ensures a creamier sauce. After rinsing, drain them well and pat them dry with paper towels.
  4. Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the queso block cheese, cream cheese, and butter. Place the pan on medium-low heat.
  5. A small saucepan containing cubes of queso cheese, cream cheese, and butter, ready to be melted together over the stovetop.

  6. Melt and Combine: Continue to heat the cheese and butter mixture on the stovetop, stirring frequently, until they are completely melted and smoothly combined into a luscious sauce. Ensure there are no lumps of cream cheese remaining.
  7. The melted and thoroughly combined queso, cream cheese, and butter mixture in a small pan, showcasing its smooth and creamy consistency.

  8. Set Up Your Air Fryer: Place your chosen baking dish (silicone or other air fryer-safe dish) into the air fryer basket. Preheating your air fryer for a few minutes can help ensure even cooking from the start.
  9. First Layer of Potatoes: Arrange a single layer of the thinly sliced potatoes evenly at the bottom of your shallow cooking dish. Try to overlap them slightly for a classic scalloped presentation.
  10. A neat layer of sliced potatoes covering the bottom of a silicone baking dish, placed inside an air fryer basket, ready for the next step.

  11. Add Cheese Layer: Drizzle approximately one-third of the melted cheese and butter mixture over the first layer of potatoes, ensuring an even coating. This distribution helps the flavors meld throughout the dish.
  12. A generous layer of creamy cheese mixture covering the first layer of potatoes in a silicone baking dish, showing how the sauce will permeate the dish.

  13. Continue Layering: Repeat the process, adding another layer of potatoes and topping it with another third of the cheese mixture. Continue layering until you’ve used all your potatoes and cheese sauce, ending with a final generous layer of cheese on top. This ensures a beautiful golden crust.
  14. Stacked layers of thinly sliced potatoes and creamy cheese sauce in a silicone baking dish within the air fryer basket, showing a full layered dish.

  15. Air Fry to Perfection: Air fry your scalloped potatoes at 320 degrees Fahrenheit (160°C) for 15-18 minutes. Monitor closely, cooking until the potato layers are tender when pierced with a fork, and the top of the potatoes and cheese are beautifully golden brown and bubbly. If the top browns too quickly, you can loosely cover it with foil for the remaining cook time.
  16. Air fryer scalloped potatoes, golden brown and bubbly, cooking in a silicone liner inside an air fryer basket.

  17. Rest and Serve: Once cooked, allow the dish to cool for a few minutes. This allows the cheese sauce to set slightly, making it easier to scoop and serve. Before bringing it to the table, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
  18. A serving of golden-brown air fryer scalloped potatoes, topped with vibrant fresh parsley, being scooped from a silicone liner in the air fryer basket with a wooden spoon.

NOTE: I make this recipe in my Cosori 5.8 qt. air fryer or 6.8 quart air fryer. Air fryers vary in size and wattage, so cooking times may need slight adjustments (typically by 1-2 minutes). Always check for potato tenderness before serving.

Tips for Air Frying Success

  • Don’t Overcrowd: While this recipe is for a layered dish, ensure your air fryer basket isn’t overly packed around your baking dish. Good air circulation is key to even cooking and crispy results.
  • Preheat Your Air Fryer: Just like a conventional oven, preheating your air fryer ensures that the food starts cooking immediately at the desired temperature, leading to better texture and faster results.
  • Check for Doneness: Potatoes should be fork-tender. If they’re still firm, air fry for a few more minutes, checking frequently.
  • Prevent Burning: If the cheese on top is browning too quickly but the potatoes aren’t fully cooked, loosely tent a piece of aluminum foil over the baking dish for the remainder of the cooking time.

Delicious Variations and Additions

One of the best things about scalloped potatoes is how adaptable they are. Don’t hesitate to get creative and customize this recipe to your taste preferences or what you have on hand.

  • Change the Type of Cheese: The original recipe uses queso and cream cheese for a rich, tangy base. However, you can experiment with many other delicious cheeses. Consider using sharp white cheddar for a classic, robust flavor, Parmesan cheese for a salty, nutty bite, Gruyere cheese for a sophisticated, melty addition, or Colby Jack for a milder, crowd-pleasing option. A blend of several cheeses can also create an incredibly complex flavor profile. When it comes to cheesy potatoes, more cheese is always a good idea!
  • Experiment with Potato Varieties: While Russet and Yukon Gold potatoes are excellent choices, you can certainly try other varieties. For a twist, make these air fryer potatoes using sweet potatoes, which will add a lovely natural sweetness and a vibrant orange hue. This makes for a unique take on a classic side dish, perfect for holiday dinners or simply spicing up weeknight meals. Just be aware that sweet potatoes might cook slightly faster.
  • Add Savory Toppings: Elevate your scalloped potatoes with additional savory ingredients. If you have leftover ham from a holiday meal, dicing it and adding it as a layer between the potatoes can transform this side dish into a more substantial, complete meal. Crispy, thick slices of bacon, chopped and sprinkled on top before or after cooking, add an irresistible smoky crunch. For a fresh, creamy finish, a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh chives or green onions after cooking can brighten the flavors beautifully. Other additions could include caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, or a pinch of smoked paprika for extra depth.
  • Spice It Up: Don’t forget the seasonings! A little garlic powder, onion powder, a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick, or even some fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs can infuse even more flavor into your potato layers and cheese sauce.
A fork with a perfect bite of air fryer scalloped potatoes, showcasing the tender layers and melted cheese, garnished with fresh parsley.

How to Serve Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

These cheesy potatoes are incredibly versatile and simple to serve. Once they’ve cooled slightly, carefully scoop out the rich layers of potatoes from your air fryer baking dish and transfer them to individual plates. The warm, tender potato slices generously coated in the creamy cheese sauce make for an irresistible side. You can further enhance their flavor and presentation by adding a little extra freshly grated cheese, a sprinkle of salt and freshly cracked black pepper, or a dash of garlic powder for a more pronounced aroma.

These potatoes aren’t just for everyday meals; they make the perfect holiday side dish. Their comforting nature and decadent flavor complement roasted meats like turkey, ham, or beef beautifully, making them a staple at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter feasts. They’re also fantastic alongside grilled chicken, steak, or pork chops for a hearty weeknight dinner.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Properly storing and reheating your leftover scalloped potatoes is a simple process, ensuring you can enjoy this great side dish for days to come.

  • Storage: Allow the scalloped potatoes to cool completely to room temperature before storing. Transfer them to an airtight container. Stored this way, they will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Reheating: For the best, cheesiest results with those desirable crispy edges, reheating in your air fryer is highly recommended. Place the desired portion of leftover scalloped potatoes back into an air fryer-safe dish or directly into the air fryer basket (if the pieces are sturdy enough). Reheat at 300-320 degrees Fahrenheit (150-160°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until thoroughly heated through and the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden again. You can also reheat them in a microwave, but the texture won’t be as crisp.
A dish of golden-brown scalloped potatoes, fresh from the air fryer, beautifully garnished with fresh parsley and served on a plate.

FAQs and Common Questions

Can I make this in the slow cooker?

While some potato dishes can be adapted for the slow cooker, using the air fryer is unequivocally best for these scalloped potatoes. The key advantage of the air fryer is its ability to create those wonderfully crisp, golden-brown tops on the potatoes and cheese, which is difficult to achieve in a slow cooker. Slow cookers tend to produce a much softer, sometimes even soggy, texture, which can turn scalloped potatoes mushy rather than tender. The air fryer circulates hot air, ensuring that both the top half and bottom layers of the potatoes cook perfectly, resulting in a superior texture that retains its integrity and delightful crispiness.

What are the best potatoes to use for scalloped potatoes?

For this recipe, I highly recommend using Russet potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes. Russet potatoes are starchy and create a fluffy, tender interior that soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully. Yukon Gold potatoes, on the other hand, have a slightly waxier texture and a naturally buttery flavor, making them equally delicious and holding their shape well. Whichever you choose, the most important factor is to clean your potatoes thoroughly and slice them to the correct ⅛-inch thickness using a mandolin. This uniform thickness is vital for even cooking and achieving that classic scalloped potato texture.

Do I need to peel the potatoes?

For traditional scalloped potatoes, peeling the potatoes is customary and contributes to a smoother, more refined texture. However, if you prefer, you can leave the skin on for added rustic charm and a boost of fiber. Just ensure you scrub them very well before slicing.

Can I make these scalloped potatoes ahead of time?

You can definitely do some prep work in advance. You can slice the potatoes and store them in cold water in the refrigerator for up to a day (to prevent browning). The cheese sauce can also be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge; simply reheat gently on the stovetop before layering. As for fully assembling and cooking, it’s best to air fry them just before serving to maintain the optimal texture and cheesy crispness.

What if I don’t have a mandolin?

While a mandolin makes slicing much easier and more uniform, you can still make this recipe without one. You’ll just need a very sharp knife and a steady hand. Aim for slices that are as consistently thin as possible, about ⅛-inch thick, to ensure they cook evenly.

More Easy Air Fryer Potato Recipes to Try

If you’re loving the convenience and delicious results of air frying potatoes, here are more fantastic recipes to expand your repertoire:

  • Air Fryer Cheesy Potatoes: Another cheesy potato delight, often quicker for a weeknight.
  • Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes: Achieve incredibly crispy and flavorful smashed potatoes with minimal effort.
  • Air Fryer Red Potatoes: Simple, perfectly roasted red potatoes that make a versatile side.
  • Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes: Start your day right with crispy breakfast potatoes, great with eggs and bacon.
  • Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes: Elegant and impressive, these potatoes are crispy on the outside and tender within.

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Cheesy scalloped potatoes being scooped from the dish in the basket of the air fryer.

5 from 1 vote
Servings: 4

Cheesy Air Fryer Scalloped Potatoes

By Jen
Cheesy Air Fryer Scalloped Potatoes are the perfect side dish! Excellent for holidays, weeknight meals, and family gatherings!
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 25 minutes
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Equipment

  • 1 Air Fryer
  • 1 Mandolin Slicer
  • 1 Air Fryer-Safe Baking Dish (Silicone Recommended)

Ingredients 

  • 3 Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (or Yukon Gold)
  • 4 ounces Queso block cheese, cubed
  • 4 ounces Cream cheese, cubed and softened
  • 3 tbsp Butter
  • Salt and black pepper to taste (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)
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Instructions 

  • Slice Potatoes: Use a mandolin to carefully slice the peeled potatoes to a consistent ⅛” thickness. Safety first: always use the guard.
  • Rinse & Drain: Rinse the sliced potatoes under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain well and pat dry to remove excess starch.
  • Make Cheese Sauce: In a small pan, combine the cubed queso cheese, softened cream cheese, and butter. Heat on medium-low.
  • Melt Until Smooth: Stir continuously until the cheeses and butter are completely melted and combined into a smooth, creamy sauce.
  • Prepare Air Fryer: Place your air fryer-safe baking dish into the air fryer basket. A quick preheat can be beneficial.
  • First Potato Layer: Arrange a layer of sliced potatoes at the bottom of the dish, overlapping slightly.
  • First Cheese Layer: Drizzle about one-third of the cheese and butter mixture evenly over the potatoes.
  • Continue Layering: Repeat layers of potatoes and cheese sauce until all ingredients are used, ending with a final generous layer of cheese on top.
  • Air Fry: Cook at 320°F (160°C) for 15-18 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly. If needed, loosely cover with foil to prevent over-browning.
  • Serve: Allow to cool for a few minutes to set the sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Cheese Variations: Feel free to substitute or combine different cheeses like white cheddar, Parmesan, Gruyere, or Colby Jack for varied flavor profiles.

Potato Alternatives: For a different take, use sweet potatoes or mix with Yukon Gold potatoes to alter the texture and flavor of this potato bake.

Add Toppings: Enhance your scalloped potatoes with additions like leftover diced ham, crispy bacon bits, a dollop of sour cream, or fresh chives.

Nutrition

Calories: 360kcal, Carbohydrates: 32g, Protein: 13g, Fat: 20g, Saturated Fat: 11g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 5g, Trans Fat: 0.4g, Cholesterol: 59mg, Sodium: 428mg, Potassium: 774mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 744IU, Vitamin C: 9mg, Calcium: 302mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.


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