1. Prepare the Potatoes:
- Start by washing the Yukon Gold potatoes. Peel them if desired, though the skin can add nice texture and flavor.
- Slice the potatoes into thick rounds, about 1 inch thick. This ensures they have enough surface area to become crispy while remaining creamy inside.
2. Season the Potatoes:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder if using. Mix well to combine.
- Toss the potato slices in this mixture until they are evenly coated.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Preheating helps to start the cooking process quickly, ensuring a crispy texture.
4. Cook the Potatoes:
- Arrange the potato slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If you have more slices than can fit in a single layer, you’ll need to cook them in batches.
- If using whole cloves of garlic, add them to the basket with the potatoes.
- Air fry for about 15 minutes. Then, flip the potatoes and continue to cook for another 10 to 15 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- If you’re using broth, carefully add it halfway through cooking to enhance flavor and creaminess.
5. Finish and Serve:
- Once the potatoes are crispy and tender, remove them from the air fryer.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. The heat from the potatoes will release the herbs’ aromas and flavors.
- Serve immediately as a side dish with your main course.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Melting Potatoes:
- Uniform Slices: Ensure all your potato slices are the same thickness so they cook evenly.
- Do Not Overcrowd: Cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the air fryer will steam the potatoes instead of frying them.
- Broth for Extra Flavor: Adding a bit of broth can help steam the potatoes slightly as they finish cooking, which enhances their interior creaminess.
These air fryer melting potatoes offer a wonderful combination of textures and are simple enough to pair with any main dish, elevating your meal with minimal effort. Enjoy the savory, buttery goodness!