Air Fryer Au Gratin Potatoes: 20 Minutes Recipe

Name: Air Fryer Au Gratin Potatoes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: French-American
Ingredients: 2 lbs potatoes (preferably Russet or Yukon Gold); 4 tablespoons butter; 3 tablespoons flour; 2 cups milk; 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated; 1/2 cup Gruyere or Colby Jack cheese, grated; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional: other seasonings like paprika or thyme

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Air fryer au gratin potatoes offer a cozy addition to your dinner lineup. Do you know the process is very easy? Simply layer thinly sliced potatoes with a rich cheese sauce, then cook them at 360°F for 20 minutes. The result? This method delivers perfectly crispy, creamy potatoes every time.

Why choose the air fryer for making au gratin potatoes? It’s all about efficiency and getting that irresistible cheesy potato dish on your table faster. If you’re looking for a quick side dish that doesn’t compromise on taste, this method is my favorite for good reason.

Difference Between Scalloped and Au Gratin Potatoes

When it comes to scalloped potatoes vs. au gratin, the main difference lies in the cheese layers. Honestly, both dishes use thinly sliced potatoes baked in cream or milk, but au gratin potatoes take it up a notch with the addition of cheese between the layers and often breadcrumbs on top.

This distinction might seem small, but it significantly impacts the dish’s flavor and texture, making au gratin the go-to for those who adore a cheesy crust.

In short, scalloped potatoes focus more on the creamy texture of the potatoes themselves. It’s all about the cheese when distinguishing these two beloved potato dishes.

What You’ll Need

Ingredients List:

2 lbs potatoes (preferably Russet or Yukon Gold)
4 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
2 cups milk
1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
1/2 cup Gruyere or Colby Jack cheese, grated
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: other seasonings like paprika or thyme

Recommended Equipment:

For making you’ll need:

For this recipe, certain air fryer models for au gratin like the Gourmia 7 quart Air Fryer are ideal due to their size and temperature consistency.

When it comes to air fryer safe dishes, you can’t go wrong with ceramic dishes or silicone pans that fit inside your air fryer. These cooking accessories are essential for achieving the best results.

Preparing Your Potatoes

Choosing the right potato is crucial. Russet potatoes and Yukon Gold potatoes are the best potatoes for au gratin because of their texture and flavor.

High-quality cheese for au gratin potatoes, such as Gruyère cheese and cheddar cheese, also makes a significant difference.

For those with dietary preferences, there are plenty of ingredient alternatives for au gratin potatoes, like using sweet potatoes or a dairy-free cheese alternative.

The importance of thinly slicing potatoes cannot be overstated. It ensures even cooking and perfect integration with the cheese sauce. Aim for slices about 1/8 inch thick. This layering technique will help you achieve that desirable balance in every bite.

Crafting the Perfect Cheese Sauce

The foundation of a good cheese sauce starts with a roux. Melt butter over medium heat, then whisk in flour until the mixture is smooth. Cook for about 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste, then gradually add milk, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens.

When it comes to cheese, mixing cheddar with Gruyère or Colby Jack adds depth. Add the cheese to the sauce gradually, stirring until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, a little more milk can adjust its consistency.

By following these steps, you can prepare delicious au gratin potatoes that are sure to impress. Remember, the quality of your ingredients and the care you put into each step make all the difference in creating a dish that’s not just good, but truly great.

How to Cook Au Gratin Potatoes in Air Fryer

Step 1: Prepare the potatoes: Wash and peel your potatoes. Slice them into thin rounds, aiming for a thickness of about 1/8 inch. This ensures they cook evenly and absorb the cheese sauce beautifully.

Washing and peeling Russet potatoes for au gratin recipe

Step 2: Make the cheese sauce: In a saucepan on medium heat, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux. Slowly pour in milk, stirring until the mixture thickens. Add minced garlic, salt, pepper, and your preferred seasonings. Gradually mix in grated cheddar and Gruyère (or Colby Jack) until the sauce is smooth and velvety. Adjust with more milk if needed for the perfect consistency.

Preparing creamy cheese sauce for au gratin potatoes

Step 3: Layer the potatoes and cheese sauce: In an air fryer safe dish, start with a layer of potato slices. Pour some cheese sauce over the potatoes, ensuring even coverage. Repeat the layers until all potatoes and sauce are used, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top. This layering technique is crucial for that perfect au gratin texture.

Layering potatoes and cheese sauce in air fryer dish

Step 4: Prep the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 360°F. This cooking temperature is ideal for cooking the potatoes thoroughly while achieving a beautifully golden top.

Step 5: Air fry to perfection: Place the dish in the air fryer basket. Cook for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly. Depending on your air fryer model, cooking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on it.

Air fryer cooking au gratin potatoes at 360 degrees

Step 6: Rest before serving: Once done, let the au gratin potatoes rest for 5 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and makes serving easier.

Au Gratin Potatoes Resting after Air Fry

Essential Note: Also, remember that not all air fryer models have the same capacity or power, so adjustments to cooking times and temperature ofcourse necessary.

Tips for Perfect Au Gratin Potatoes Every Time

Achieving the perfect au gratin texture involves more than just following a recipe. It’s about understanding how each step contributes to the final dish.

Even potato slicing is crucial for uniform cooking. Use a mandoline for consistent thickness.
For the cheese sauce consistency, aim for a smooth, velvety texture that’s not too thick. Adjust with a bit of milk if needed.
Preheat your air fryer to ensure a crispy top layer. Au gratin potatoes should be cooked at 360°F. Start checking for doneness around the 20-minute mark. Potatoes should be tender, and the top golden.
To avoid sogginess, don’t skimp on the layering. Ensure each potato slice is adequately coated with sauce.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Let’s tackle a few au gratin troubleshooting tips to help you sidestep common mistakes:

Undercooked potatoes: This often results from slices being too thick. Stick to 1/8 inch slices for even cooking.
Watery sauce: A common issue that can ruin the dish’s texture. Ensure your roux is properly made to prevent a runny sauce. If the sauce seems too thin before layering, cook it down a bit longer.
Uneven cheese melting: Mix your cheeses thoroughly with the sauce and avoid overpacking the dish. Air circulation is key in an air fryer.

For fixing au gratin mistakes, it’s all about attention to detail. Cooking temperature adjustments might be necessary based on your air fryer model. Sauce thickness tips include cooking the roux long enough to remove the taste of raw flour before adding milk.

And for slicing techniques, remember that thinner is better. If you’re finding the potatoes aren’t cooking evenly, pre-cooking slices for a few minutes in boiling water can help.

Remember, practice makes perfect. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be making flawless au gratin potatoes in no time.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serving au gratin potatoes right can turn a simple dish into the star of your meal. Letting it rest for a few minutes after cooking is crucial. This wait time allows the sauce to thicken, ensuring that creamy, indulgent texture we all love.

Serving Idea for Air Fryer Cheesy Potatoes

When thinking about meal pairing ideas, au gratin potatoes are incredibly versatile. They’re rich and hearty, making them an excellent companion to lighter dishes like roast chicken or a crisp green salad. For a more robust meal, consider a steak or grilled pork chops. Wine pairings can improve the meal further; a creamy au gratin pairs wonderfully with chardonnay or a light-bodied pinot noir, enhancing the flavor complementarity.

Don’t forget about side dishes for holiday dinners or family meals. Adding bacon bits or fresh herbs can introduce a new dimension to the dish, while a spicy kick from some hot sauce or red pepper flakes might be just what it needs to stand out.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

After enjoying a hearty meal, storing au gratin potatoes correctly ensures you can savor it again. Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’re best enjoyed within 3-4 days to maintain texture preservation and flavor maintenance.

For reheating air fryer dishes, the air fryer itself can be a great tool, helping to restore some of the dish’s original crispiness. Reheat at 350°F until warm throughout, typically about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the potatoes soggy.

If you’ve made a large batch and are considering freezing techniques, au gratin potatoes freeze fairly well. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to ensure safety tips are followed and quality is maintained.

Remember, whether it’s meal planning for a weeknight dinner or preparing side dishes for a special occasion, au gratin potatoes can be a comforting, versatile choice that pairs well with almost any main.

Nutritional Information and Dietary Adjustments

Here’s a basic nutritional breakdown per serving:

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	350 kcal
Fat	18 g
Saturated Fat	11 g
Carbohydrates	35 g
Fiber	2 g
Protein	15 g
Sodium	300 mg

For dietary adjustments, consider using lactose-free milk for the cheese sauce, opting for low-fat options in cheeses, or using gluten-free alternatives for flour to thicken the sauce.

FAQs about Air Fryer Cooking Instructions

How long to cook au gratin potatoes in air fryer?

Cook au gratin potatoes in the air fryer at 360°F for about 20 minutes, until they’re tender and the top is golden brown.

Can I make au gratin potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare au gratin potatoes ahead of time. Assemble the dish, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready to cook, let it come to room temperature before air frying.

What are the best toppings for au gratin potatoes?

Crispy bacon bits, fresh chopped chives, or parsley are excellent toppings for au gratin potatoes, adding texture and flavor.

How do I prevent my au gratin potatoes from becoming watery?

Ensure your cheese sauce is the right consistency before layering, and avoid using potatoes with high moisture content, like red potatoes.

How do I store and reheat leftover au gratin potatoes?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F until warmed through, about 10 minutes, to maintain texture.