Airfryer Garlic and Cheddar Potatoes
Highlighted under: Quick & Tasty Creations
When I'm in the mood for a savory side dish, my go-to recipe is definitely these Airfryer Garlic and Cheddar Potatoes. They come together in no time, delivering the perfect crunch packed with bold flavors. Each bite combines creamy cheddar cheese and aromatic garlic, tantalizing my taste buds. Plus, the air fryer makes them incredibly easy to prepare, ensuring I get that delicious golden finish without the fuss of traditional frying. Trust me, once you try these, they'll become a favorite at every meal!
I absolutely love how these Airfryer Garlic and Cheddar Potatoes transform as they cook. Each potato is perfectly crispy on the outside, while remaining soft and flavorful on the inside. I’ve experimented with different types of potatoes, and I highly recommend sticking with Yukon gold for their buttery flavor profile.
The secret to making them perfectly seasoned lies in letting them marinate in garlic and olive oil before cooking. This way, every bite carries the rich garlic aroma combined beautifully with melted cheddar. It’s a game-changer for any potato lover!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Crispy exterior with fluffy interiors that are hard to resist
- A delightful combination of garlic and cheese in every bite
- Quick and hassle-free cooking method with the air fryer
Choosing the Right Potatoes
When making Airfryer Garlic and Cheddar Potatoes, using Yukon gold potatoes is ideal due to their creamy texture and rich flavor. They hold up well during the cooking process, resulting in a fluffy interior. If you need a substitute, consider red potatoes or even fingerling potatoes, though they may require slight adjustments in cooking time due to their differing sizes and moisture content.
Make sure to dice the potatoes into uniform pieces, ideally about 1-inch cubes. This ensures even cooking and helps attain that desired crispiness all around. If your cubes are too large, the insides may not cook through while the outsides turn golden, leading to an uneven texture.
The Role of Garlic and Cheese
The minced garlic not only adds punchy flavor but also infuses the oil with its aromatic essence, enhancing the overall taste profile of the potatoes. For an extra layer of depth, you can roast the garlic lightly before adding it to the potatoes; this mellows its sharpness and brings out a nutty sweetness.
Using a sharp, flavorful cheddar cheese is key to maximizing flavor. Consider using aged cheddar for a stronger taste, or experiment with other cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy kick. Don’t skimp on the cheese – the melted, bubbly topping is one of the highlights of this dish, creating a deliciously gooey layer that complements the crispy potatoes beautifully.
Perfecting Your Cooking Technique
To achieve the perfect texture, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cooking in a single layer allows hot air to circulate freely, creating that coveted crispy exterior. If necessary, cook the potatoes in two batches. Keep the first batch warm in a low oven while the second batch cooks to serve everything hot.
Monitoring the cooking time and shaking the basket halfway through is crucial. This agitates the potatoes, ensuring they brown evenly. Look for an appetizing golden color on the edges before you add cheese. If you find that the potatoes are browning too quickly before cooking through, reducing the temperature to 370°F (190°C) can help you achieve the perfect balance.
Ingredients
Ingredients
Airfryer Garlic and Cheddar Potatoes
- 2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, diced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Ensure all ingredients are fresh for the best flavor!
Instructions
Instructions
Prepare the Potatoes
In a large bowl, combine the diced potatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Toss until the potatoes are evenly coated.
Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
Cook the Potatoes
Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Add the Cheese
After 15 minutes, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the potatoes and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve
Remove from the air fryer, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Enjoy your deliciously crispy potatoes!
Pro Tips
- For extra flavor, consider adding some smoked paprika or your favorite herbs to the mix before air frying.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers, store the Airfryer Garlic and Cheddar Potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. This method helps retain that desirable crunch unlike microwaving, which can make them soggy.
If you want to make the dish ahead of time, you can prep the diced potatoes and mix them with the oil and seasonings a few hours in advance. Keep them covered in the fridge until you're ready to cook, but remember that the longer they sit, the more moisture they absorb, potentially making it harder to achieve that crispiness.
Serving Suggestions
These Airfryer Garlic and Cheddar Potatoes work wonderfully as a side dish for grilled meats or roasted vegetables, adding a savory and satisfying component to your meal. For a complete dinner, pair them with a simple salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the potatoes.
To elevate the dish, consider serving it with sour cream or Greek yogurt on the side for dipping; the freshness complements the garlicky flavors beautifully. You can also sprinkle some cooked, crumbled bacon or chives on top just before serving for an even more decadent touch.
Variations to Try
Feel free to experiment with flavor variations by adding spices to the potato mixture. For instance, incorporating smoked paprika or cayenne can lend a delightful twist. You can also mix in other vegetables, like bell peppers or onions, to the potatoes before air frying for added color and flavor.
For a cheesy twist, try blending different cheeses or adding a sprinkle of parmesan just before serving for a savory finish. You can also vegetarian-style the dish by omitting the cheese and topping with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with mozzarella, gouda, or any cheese you enjoy.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for best results.
→ Are these potatoes gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients used in this recipe are gluten-free, so you can enjoy them worry-free!
→ Can I make these in the oven instead?
Yes! Bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 30-35 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Airfryer Garlic and Cheddar Potatoes
When I'm in the mood for a savory side dish, my go-to recipe is definitely these Airfryer Garlic and Cheddar Potatoes. They come together in no time, delivering the perfect crunch packed with bold flavors. Each bite combines creamy cheddar cheese and aromatic garlic, tantalizing my taste buds. Plus, the air fryer makes them incredibly easy to prepare, ensuring I get that delicious golden finish without the fuss of traditional frying. Trust me, once you try these, they'll become a favorite at every meal!
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Quick & Tasty Creations
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Airfryer Garlic and Cheddar Potatoes
- 2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, diced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, combine the diced potatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Toss until the potatoes are evenly coated.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
After 15 minutes, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the potatoes and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the air fryer, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Extra Tips
- For extra flavor, consider adding some smoked paprika or your favorite herbs to the mix before air frying.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 6g