Introduction

Oh, potatoes au gratin. Just saying it conjures up images of cozy evenings, comforting family dinners, and that irresistible cheesy goodness. This classic dish is usually reserved for special occasions, requiring a bit of oven time and some careful layering. But what if I told you that you can get that same incredible flavor and creamy texture, but way faster and easier, right in your air fryer? Yep, you heard me! This Air Fryer Au Gratin Potatoes recipe is a game-changer, and I can’t wait for you to try it.

Forget hours of simmering and baking. This recipe whips up a dreamy, cheesy potato side dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you just need a little something special without all the fuss. It’s so simple, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast: We’re talking about a fraction of the time compared to traditional oven-baked versions.
Easy: Seriously, it’s almost foolproof. Even if you’re new to cooking, you’ve got this!
Giftable: While you’ll probably want to eat them all yourself, these would be fantastic for a potluck or a neighborly treat if you package them up nicely.
Crowd-pleasing: Who doesn’t love potatoes smothered in cheese? This is a guaranteed hit with everyone, from picky eaters to seasoned foodies.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this cheesy potato dream:

2 tablespoons butter, salted: This is our base for a luscious sauce. I like using salted butter for a little extra flavor boost, but unsalted works too – just add a pinch more salt!
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: This is what will help thicken our dreamy cheese sauce.
1 cup milk, whole or 2%: Whole milk gives the richest, creamiest sauce, but 2% works beautifully too.
⅓ cup green onions, diced: For a pop of fresh, mild onion flavor and a touch of pretty color.
2 teaspoons garlic, minced: Because garlic makes everything better, right? Freshly minced is best here for that vibrant flavor.
½ teaspoon salt: To bring all those delicious flavors together.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: A little warmth and spice to complement the cheese.
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (mild or sharp): The star of the show! I love sharp cheddar for a more intense flavor, but mild is great if that’s what you prefer.
4 cups frozen hashbrown style potatoes: These are your secret weapon! They’re already prepped and cook up perfectly in the air fryer.

How to Make It

Alright, let’s get cooking! This is so simple, you’ll be amazed.

Start your sauce: Grab a skillet and melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted and happy, whisk in the flour. Cook and stir this mixture constantly for about 1 minute. This is called a roux, and it’s the magic that thickens your sauce!
Add the milk: Slowly, and I mean slowly, whisk in the milk. Keep whisking until everything is smooth and no lumps remain. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, still stirring, until it starts to thicken up. You want it nice and creamy, but not gloppy.
Flavor town!: Remove the skillet from the heat. Now stir in your diced green onions, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. The heat from the sauce will gently cook the garlic and release its amazing aroma. Then, add in your shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it’s completely melted and the sauce is gloriously gooey.
Coat those potatoes: Time for the potatoes! Add your frozen hashbrowns directly into the cheesy sauce. Give everything a good stir to make sure every single potato is coated in that deliciousness.
Air fryer time: Now, carefully spoon the coated potatoes into your air fryer basket. Try to spread them out in a single layer as much as possible. This helps them cook evenly and get nice and crispy! Don’t worry if there’s a little overlap, it’s okay.
Cook ’em up: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let them cook for 12-15 minutes. About halfway through, give the basket a good shake to toss the potatoes around. This ensures they get golden brown and perfectly cooked on all sides. You’re looking for that beautiful golden hue and for them to be heated all the way through.

Substitutions & Additions

Want to get creative? I love that! Here are a few ideas:

Cheese: Feel free to mix up the cheese! Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack would be delicious additions or substitutions.
Veggies: Add some finely chopped onion (sautéed first for a milder flavor) or even some cooked broccoli florets for an extra veggie boost.
Herbs: Fresh chives or parsley sprinkled on top after cooking add a lovely fresh touch.
Spice: A pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce in the cheese sauce can add a nice kick.

Tips for Success

A few little tricks to make your air fryer au gratin potatoes absolutely perfect:

Don’t overcrowd the basket: This is key for crispy potatoes! If you have too many, cook them in batches.
Shake it up: Remember to shake the basket halfway through cooking for even browning.
Prep ahead: You can make the cheese sauce a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Gently reheat it (you might need a tiny splash of milk) before coating the potatoes.
Thicker sauce: If your sauce seems a little too thin, just let it simmer a bit longer in step 2. If it’s too thick, a splash more milk will fix it.

How to Store It

These are best enjoyed fresh, but if you happen to have leftovers (unlikely, I know!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I find the air fryer or a toaster oven works best to bring back some of that crispiness. You can also reheat them gently in the microwave, but they won’t be quite as crisp.

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen?

You could, but it would change the cooking time significantly. You’d need to peel, dice, and par-cook them thoroughly before adding them to the sauce and air fryer. Frozen hashbrowns are the easiest and quickest option for this recipe!

My cheese sauce is too thick, what did I do wrong?

Don’t worry! This is usually an easy fix. Just stir in a tablespoon or two of milk (or even cream for extra richness) until you reach your desired consistency.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, you can! Use your favorite dairy-free butter, unsweetened plant-based milk (oat or soy work well for creaminess), and a good quality dairy-free shredded cheddar cheese alternative. You might need to adjust the thickener slightly.

How do I get them extra crispy?

Make sure you spread them in a single layer in the air fryer basket and don’t be afraid to shake the basket well halfway through. You can even slightly increase the temperature by 10-15 degrees for the last few minutes if you want them extra golden and crispy, just watch them closely so they don’t burn!

Air Fryer Au Gratin Potatoes

A quick and easy recipe for creamy, cheesy potatoes au gratin made in the air fryer, offering a faster and simpler alternative to traditional oven-baked versions.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Servings 4

Equipment

Skillet
Air Fryer
Whisk

Ingredients

For the Cheese Sauce

2 tablespoons butter, salted or unsalted butter with a pinch more salt
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup milk, whole or 2% whole milk for richer sauce
0.33 cup green onions, diced
2 teaspoons garlic, minced freshly minced is best
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.25 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded mild or sharp

Main Ingredients

4 cups frozen hashbrown style potatoes

Instructions

Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to form a roux.
Slowly whisk in the milk until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring until the sauce thickens.
Remove from heat. Stir in green onions, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add shredded cheese and stir until melted and gooey.
Add the frozen hashbrowns to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly.
Spoon the coated potatoes into the air fryer basket, spreading them out as much as possible in a single layer.
Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through for even browning. Cook until golden brown and heated through.

Notes

For extra crispiness, you can slightly increase the air fryer temperature by 10-15 degrees for the last few minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary.