Cheesy Air Fryer Scalloped Potatoes are a rich, comforting side dish made with thinly sliced potatoes, melted queso cheese, cream cheese, and butter. This easy air fryer scalloped potatoes recipe delivers tender potato layers with a golden, cheesy top in just a few simple steps.
If you enjoy easy air fryer potato recipes, this dish is a great option for weeknight dinners, family meals, and holiday tables. It has all the comfort of classic scalloped potatoes, but the air fryer helps cook the potatoes quickly while giving the top a deliciously browned finish.
This cheesy potato bake is simple, satisfying, and easy to customize. Serve it as a side dish with your favorite main course, or enjoy it on its own when you want something warm and filling. The layers of sliced potatoes and creamy cheese sauce make every bite rich and comforting.
For the best texture, slice the potatoes very thin. A mandolin works well because it helps create even slices, which cook more consistently in the air fryer. A shallow silicone baking dish is also helpful because it fits easily in many air fryer baskets and makes cleanup easier.
Other than that, you only need a short list of ingredients to make this cheesy air fryer scalloped potatoes recipe. It is a practical dish for using extra potatoes and a simple way to bring a cozy, homemade side to the table.
Ingredients
- Russet potatoes, or Yukon Gold potatoes
- Queso block cheese
- Cream cheese
- Butter
How to Make Scalloped Potatoes in the Air Fryer
Follow these simple steps to make creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes in the air fryer.
- Use a mandolin to carefully slice the potatoes to a ⅛-inch thickness.
- Rinse and drain the sliced potatoes.
Rinsing helps remove some of the excess starch from the potato slices. Drain them well before layering so the dish stays creamy rather than watery.
- Combine the queso cheese, cream cheese, and butter in a small pan over medium-low heat.
- Warm the cheese and butter until melted and smooth.
- Place the baking dish in the air fryer basket.
Use a shallow dish that fits comfortably inside your air fryer basket and allows air to circulate around it.
- Add a layer of sliced potatoes to the bottom of the cooking dish.
- Spoon one-third of the melted cheese and butter mixture over the potatoes.
- Continue layering potatoes and cheese until the dish is filled.
- Air fry at 320 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 to 18 minutes.
Cook until the potatoes are tender and the cheese on top is golden brown. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size and wattage of your air fryer.
- Let the dish cool for a few minutes, then top with fresh parsley before serving.
NOTE: Air fryer sizes and wattages can vary. If needed, adjust the cooking time by 1 to 2 minutes until the potatoes are cooked through and the top is golden.
Variations
Change the cheese: Queso gives this recipe a creamy, flavorful sauce, but you can use other cheeses if you prefer. White cheddar, parmesan, gruyere, sharp cheddar, or Colby Jack can all work well in this style of potato bake.
Use a different potato: Russet potatoes are a great choice for scalloped potatoes, but Yukon Gold potatoes also work well. Sweet potatoes can be used for a different flavor and texture.
Add toppings: If you have leftover ham, you can add it between the potato layers. Sour cream, cooked bacon pieces, salt, pepper, or garlic powder can also be added when serving.
How to Serve
Serve these air fryer scalloped potatoes warm, straight from the baking dish. Use a spoon to scoop out the tender potato layers and place them on a plate. The melted cheese sauce makes them rich enough to stand on their own, but they also pair well with simple main dishes.
For extra flavor, finish the potatoes with fresh parsley, a sprinkle of salt and pepper, or a little garlic powder. They make a comforting side dish for holiday dinners, casual family meals, and weeknight recipes when you want something hearty and easy.
How to Store
Let the leftover scalloped potatoes cool completely before storing. Transfer them to an airtight container and keep them refrigerated. To reheat, place the potatoes back in the air fryer until warmed through. Reheating in the air fryer helps bring back some of the cheesy, golden texture on top.
FAQs and Common Questions
Can I make this in the slow cooker?
The air fryer is the preferred method for this recipe because it helps brown the top of the potatoes and cheese. A slow cooker may make the potatoes softer and less crisp on top, while the air fryer gives the dish a better finish.
What are the best potatoes to use?
Russet potatoes are a good choice for this recipe, and Yukon Gold potatoes are another excellent option. Whichever potato you choose, wash them well and slice them evenly to about ⅛ inch thick so they cook properly.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Cheesy Potatoes
- Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
- Air Fryer Red Potatoes
- Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes
- Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes
Cheesy Air Fryer Scalloped Potatoes
Equipment
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1 Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 3 Russet potatoes, or Yukon Gold
- 4 ounces Queso block cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 3 tbsp butter
Instructions
-
Use a mandolin to carefully slice the potatoes to a ⅛-inch thickness.
-
Rinse and drain the potatoes well.
-
Combine the queso cheese, cream cheese, and butter in a small pan over medium-low heat.
-
Heat until the cheese and butter are melted and fully combined.
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Place a shallow baking dish in the air fryer basket.
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Add one layer of sliced potatoes to the bottom of the dish.
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Top with one-third of the cheese and butter mixture.
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Repeat the potato and cheese layers until all ingredients are used.
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Air fry at 320 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
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Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Russet potatoes and Yukon Gold potatoes both work well. Sweet potatoes can also be used for a different variation.
Optional toppings include leftover ham, sour cream, cooked bacon pieces, parsley, salt, pepper, or garlic powder.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.