Air Fryer Scalloped Potatoes with a twist

Tender, buttery and so creamy these air fryer scalloped potatoes are easy to make using simple ingredients.

Serving scalloped potatoes from the air fryer with a spoon. The side dish has a cheesy-crunchy crust.

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Scalloped potatoes right out of the air fryer with a spoon ready to serve. The scalloped potatoes have a golden crunchy and cheesy crust.

Why you will love these scalloped potatoes in the air fryer

I love keeping my recipes simple yet delicious. This recipe is a combination of 2 well-known potato side dishes. Scalloped potatoes are the base then I top it off with an au gratin style crust of cheese and breadcrumbs.

Flavor: I love to have my main ingredients shine with their own flavor. This is why I chose yellow potatoes because of their rich and buttery flavors. The potatoes are thinly sliced and seasoned with a cream sauce that complements them so well.
It’s easy and simple: Everything is cooked in the air fryer. You slice the potatoes, mix up the sauce, and wait for it to be done cooking.
Cheesy-Crunchy topping: The crunchy topping for me is like icing on a cake. Do you need it? Nope. Is it worth it? ABSOLUTELY! Think about it, the potatoes are soft and tender, the seasoned creamy sauce brings richness and infuses the potato with flavors, and then you have the topping. The perfect final touch that makes you want more.

If you love potatoes, check out our red potatoes and twice-baked mashed potatoes both done in the air fryer. If you need some ideas on how to cook potatoes on the BBQ/smoker check out smoked potatoes, potato bites, and smoked baked potatoes.

Pro Tip

The thinner the potatoes are sliced, the faster they will cook and your dish will be more flavorful. When the potatoes are thinly sliced you get an even cook, the seasoning comes through, and the balance between the creamy sauce and potatoes is ideal.

Ingredients

Yellow potatoes: They are always my top choice for scalloped potatoes for 2 reasons: buttery flavor and higher starch. Their buttery flavor will intensify the cream sauce. Being higher in starch gives the cooked potato a more tender and fluffy texture.
Seasoning mixture: For this recipe, I use a blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning in the heavy cream. It is simple, yet it will complement any main dish perfectly.
Freshly grated mozzarella: When I want a nice ooey gooey cheese topping I shred mozzarella from the block. I have noticed it melts perfectly and that is what I wanted for this recipe.
Breadcrumbs: The crunchiness mixed with the cheese and smoothness of the potatoes is addictive when you take your first bite. I used Panko but you can use any seasoned breadcrumbs of your liking.

Instructions

Don’t overcomplicate it. Air fryer scalloped potatoes are easy and delicious. This is a quick overview of the recipe instructions. Scroll down to the end of the post for detailed instructions you can print out.

Yellow-potatoes sliced thinly and evenly placed in round 7-inch cake pan.

Clean and slice the potatoes.

Perfectly cooked sliced potatoes with a hint of a golden crust in a 7-inch cake pan in the air fryer basket.

Air fry at 360 degrees F.

Pouring a simple seasoned heavy cream mixture over the potatoes to make delicious scalloped potatoes.

Pour in the seasoned cream.

Scalloped potatoes finished in the 7-inch cake pan in the air fryer basket. A golden crust on the potatoes resting out of the seasoned heavy cream.

Air Frye at 300 degrees F.

Substitutions

Potatoes- There are a lot of potatoes on the market. I used yellow potatoes, but you can also use Yukon or Russets. All three are perfect for this type of dish as they are higher in starch, which will give you a similar tender texture when they are cooked.
Heavy cream – You can use half and half, milk or even buttermilk. Take into consideration that the final flavors may differ.

Variations

This side dish is very versatile and you can easily adapt it to what you have on hand in the cupboard.

Spicy – Add some red pepper flakes to heat it up or go with your favorite taco seasoning.
Bacon Ranch – Season the cream with a Ranch seasoning packet and add bacon bits.
Kid-friendly – Add bacon bits and go with cheddar or Colby Jack cheese instead.

Do you like potatoes? Check out the various potato recipes we have on the site.

Sprinkle is excited to share with you our Simple, Easy, and Tasty recipes. She has traveled for years and enjoyed food everywhere from Hawaii to Italy. Now she is the muse for The Kitchen Bucket List helping us develop and create our favorite dishes to bring to all of you.

Hint: I mix the seasoning with the cream and pour it on top of the potatoes. However, if you are going to make a big batch of this recipe, I would suggest pouring in a little of the cream between each layer of the potatoes.

Equipment

For this recipe, I used a basket-style air fryer and a 7-inch cake pan. Make sure the cake pan fits in the air fryer before you start.

Storage / Rewarm

Storage: Even though this recipe is better enjoyed fresh, you can store the leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Rewarm: In the air fryer at 350 degrees F. until heated thoroughly.

FAQ

Is there a difference between scalloped potatoes and au gratin potatoes?

Scalloped potatoes are usually more thinly sliced potatoes than au gratin, and are cooked in a cream sauce. Au gratin potatoes are sliced and will have cheese in between the layers of potatoes.

Are scalloped potatoes gluten-free?

Potatoes are gluten-free. The spices and additional seasoning may contain gluten. Double-check your labels to make sure.

Can I cut the potatoes ahead of time?

I would not recommend this with these high starch potatoes. Even using a water bath will not prevent the breakdown of the potatoes and a change of color.

Can I use skim milk for the recipe?

I honestly wouldn’t recommend it. The fat content in cream or even whole milk, plays a crucial role in the final texture of this dish. It helps to combine the ingredients and make the whole dish more tender.

What to serve with scalloped potatoes

Air fryer scalloped potatoes with a creamy seasoning and cheesy-crunchy topping ready to serving in an individual serving bowl.

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