- Preparation:
- Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C).
- Grease your casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Layering the Potatoes:
- In the greased casserole dish, arrange a layer of potato slices, slightly overlapping them to ensure no gaps.
- Sprinkle a portion of the minced garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika over this layer.
- Add a portion of the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses over the potatoes.
- Building the Dish:
- Repeat the layering process until all the potato slices and cheese are used up, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.
- Mixing Cream and Milk:
- In a bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and milk. Pour this mixture evenly over the layered potatoes in the casserole dish. Dot the top with small pieces of butter.
- Cooking:
- Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil (if your air fryer model allows for it) or a suitable lid that fits into the air fryer. This will help to keep moisture in and ensure the potatoes cook evenly.
- Place the dish in the air fryer and cook for about 40-45 minutes. Check if the potatoes are tender by piercing them with a fork.
- Browning the Top:
- Remove the cover and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serving:
- Let the scalloped potatoes rest for a few minutes after cooking to let the sauce thicken.
- Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley before serving.
Tips for Perfection:
- Slicing the potatoes evenly is crucial for uniform cooking. A mandolin slicer can be very helpful for this task.
- For a richer flavor, you can add a small amount of onion powder or nutmeg to the cream mixture.
- Ensure your casserole dish is suitable for your air fryer size to promote even cooking.
This air fryer version of scalloped potatoes not only speeds up the cooking process but also adds a delightful crispiness to the top layer that oven-baked versions often lack. It’s perfect for a comforting family dinner or as a side dish during special gatherings. Enjoy your delicious and easy-to-make air fryer scalloped potatoes!