Are you looking for a delicious and easy comfort food recipe to make in your air fryer? Look no further than air fryer scalloped potatoes and ham. This classic dish is perfect for chilly evenings and can be ready in no time, thanks to the air fryer. In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know to make the perfect air fryer scalloped potatoes and ham, including cooking tips, recipe variations, and nutritional information.
the benefits of cooking with an air fryer
Before we dive into the recipe, let's first talk about the benefits of cooking with an air fryer. Air fryers give foods a crispy texture without added oil, making them a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. They are also incredibly versatile, allowing you to cook a variety of foods, from chicken wings to vegetables to desserts. Additionally, air fryers are easy to use and clean, making them a convenient appliance for busy home cooks.
Another benefit of cooking with an air fryer is that it can save you time in the kitchen. Air fryers cook food faster than traditional ovens, and they also preheat quickly. This means you can have a meal on the table in less time, which is especially helpful on busy weeknights.
Finally, air fryers are a great option for those who want to reduce their energy consumption. Air fryers use less energy than traditional ovens, which can help lower your electricity bill and reduce your carbon footprint. So not only are air fryers a healthier and more convenient way to cook, but they are also an eco-friendly choice.
how to choose the best air fryer for making scalloped potatoes and ham
When it comes to choosing an air fryer for making scalloped potatoes and ham, there are a few things to consider. First, you'll want to make sure the air fryer has enough space to fit the size of dish you'll be using. Second, look for an air fryer with multiple cooking settings, such as temperature and time controls, to ensure your dish cooks evenly. Lastly, read customer reviews and ratings to get an idea of the air fryer's reliability and performance.
Another important factor to consider when choosing an air fryer for making scalloped potatoes and ham is the wattage. Higher wattage air fryers tend to cook food faster and more evenly, which is especially important when cooking dishes with multiple ingredients like scalloped potatoes and ham. Additionally, look for an air fryer with a non-stick coating to prevent your dish from sticking to the basket and making a mess.
Lastly, consider the overall design and ease of use of the air fryer. Look for an air fryer with a user-friendly interface and easy-to-clean parts. Some air fryers even come with additional accessories, such as baking pans or skewers, which can be useful for cooking a variety of dishes. By taking all of these factors into consideration, you can choose the best air fryer for making delicious and perfectly cooked scalloped potatoes and ham.
what ingredients you’ll need for this recipe
To make air fryer scalloped potatoes and ham, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound potatoes, thinly sliced
- ½ pound ham, diced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup butter
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Scalloped potatoes and ham is a classic comfort food dish that is perfect for any occasion. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. You can add additional ingredients such as onions, garlic, or herbs to enhance the flavor of the dish.
If you don't have an air fryer, you can still make this recipe in the oven. Simply preheat your oven to 375°F and bake the dish for 45-50 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
step-by-step instructions for making air fryer scalloped potatoes and ham
Now that you’ve gathered all of your ingredients and have your air fryer ready to go, follow these simple step-by-step instructions to make the perfect air fryer scalloped potatoes and ham:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour, salt, and black pepper and whisk until smooth.
- Add milk and continue whisking until mixture thickens.
- Add shredded cheese and stir until melted and combined.
- Add potatoes and ham to the cheese sauce and stir until coated.
- Pour mixture into an air fryer-safe baking dish.
- Cover dish with aluminum foil and place in air fryer basket.
- Cook for 20 minutes, then remove foil and continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes, or until top is golden brown and potatoes are tender.
- Remove from air fryer and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
For an extra kick of flavor, try adding some diced onions and garlic to the cheese sauce mixture before adding the potatoes and ham. This will give your scalloped potatoes and ham a delicious savory taste that will leave your taste buds wanting more. Additionally, you can experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar or Gouda, to add even more depth to the dish. Don't be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own!
tips and tricks for getting the perfect texture in your air fryer scalloped potatoes
To get the perfect texture in your air fryer scalloped potatoes, make sure to thinly slice your potatoes and dice your ham into small pieces. You can also add breadcrumbs to the top of your dish before cooking to give it an extra crispy texture. Lastly, make sure to cover your dish with aluminum foil before cooking to prevent the top from burning.
Another tip for achieving the perfect texture in your air fryer scalloped potatoes is to use a mixture of heavy cream and chicken broth instead of just heavy cream. This will give your dish a lighter texture and prevent it from becoming too heavy. Additionally, you can experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere or Parmesan, to add a unique flavor and texture to your dish.
It's also important to preheat your air fryer before cooking your scalloped potatoes. This will ensure that the potatoes cook evenly and have a crispy exterior. Lastly, if you want to add some extra flavor to your dish, you can sauté some onions and garlic before adding them to the potato mixture. This will give your dish a delicious savory flavor and aroma.
ways to modify this recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs
If you have dietary restrictions or simply want to switch up the flavors in this recipe, there are plenty of modifications you can make. For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of milk for the sauce. You can also add different types of cheese or herbs to your dish to suit your taste preferences.
If you are looking to make this recipe healthier, you can use low-fat milk or almond milk instead of whole milk. You can also substitute the pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a low-carb option. Additionally, you can add more vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers to increase the nutritional value of the dish.
If you want to make this recipe more indulgent, you can add bacon or pancetta instead of ham. You can also use heavy cream instead of milk for a richer sauce. Additionally, you can top the dish with breadcrumbs or crispy fried onions for added texture and flavor.
ideas for side dishes that pair well with air fryer scalloped potatoes and ham
Air fryer scalloped potatoes and ham pairs well with a variety of side dishes. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables are great options to balance out the richness of the dish. You could also serve it with garlic bread or dinner rolls for a more filling meal.
how to store leftovers and reheat them properly
If you have leftovers, make sure to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place the leftovers in the air fryer and cook at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
the history of scalloped potatoes and ham as a comfort food classic
Scalloped potatoes and ham has long been considered a comfort food classic in many households. The dish is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century and has remained a popular choice for family dinners and potlucks ever since.
variations on the classic scalloped potatoes and ham recipe
While the classic scalloped potatoes and ham recipe is delicious on its own, there are many variations you can try to switch up the flavors. Adding different types of cheese, such as Gouda or Parmesan, can give the dish a new twist. You can also throw in some veggies, like broccoli or spinach, to up the nutritional value of your meal.
how to adjust cooking times if you’re using a larger or smaller air fryer
If you're using a larger air fryer, you may need to increase the cooking time slightly to ensure your dish cooks evenly. On the other hand, if you're using a smaller air fryer, you may need to decrease the cooking time to prevent your dish from burning. Keep an eye on your dish as it cooks and adjust the time as necessary.
nutritional information for air fryer scalloped potatoes and ham
A serving of air fryer scalloped potatoes and ham contains approximately 562 calories, 34 grams of fat, 35 grams of carbohydrates, and 26 grams of protein. While this dish is certainly not low in calories or fat, it can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
customer reviews and ratings of popular air fryers for making this dish
If you're in the market for an air fryer, it can be helpful to read customer reviews and ratings before making a purchase. Some top-rated air fryers for making scalloped potatoes and ham include the Ninja Air Fryer, Philips Avance TurboStar Air Fryer, and Cosori Air Fryer Max XL.
troubleshooting common issues that may arise when making this recipe
If your dish comes out too dry, try adding more milk or cheese to the sauce. You can also cover the dish with foil for longer during cooking to help retain moisture. If your dish comes out too watery, make sure to drain excess liquid from your potatoes before adding them to the sauce.
We hope this article has provided you with all the information you need to make the perfect air fryer scalloped potatoes and ham. Happy cooking!
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