Air Fryer Funeral Potatoes

Air Fryer Funeral Potatoes — When you want a filling, flavorful dish that will please the whole family, look no further than Air Fryer Funeral Potatoes.

These potatoes are so hearty and delicious that they will have everyone at your table eager for seconds! Make these potatoes tonight and enjoy them with macaroni salad or steamed veggies. You won’t regret it!

We have all been there; you are standing in front of the oven for hours, and you can’t stop thinking about your hunger.

You get a whiff of something delicious from the best k, and your stomach growls. The wait is finally over! Funeral potatoes to the rescue! This recipe will make it feel like that moment never happened because these potatoes cook up in half the time, and they taste just as good if not better than traditional baked funeral potatoes.

Watch How To Make Funeral Potatoes In Air Fryer

What Are Funeral Potatoes?

Funeral potatoes are a dish that originated in the state of Idaho. They have been given that name because they are served at funerals and church socials throughout the region. Funeral potatoes are mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, butter, cream of chicken soup, chopped onion, salt, and pepper. The ingredients are mixed until they form a creamy texture before baking them (or, in our case, air frying them) or until they turn golden brown on top. Once they come out of the air fryer, you can add even more cheese if desired!

What makes these potatoes so tasty is how well the flavors mix while giving them a rich flavor with every bite!

Why You Will Love Funeral Potatoes

While “funeral potatoes” might sound macabre initially, trust me, this dish is anything but! Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this cheesy, comforting casserole:

• Creamy Dream: A base of tender potatoes gets coated in a rich and creamy sauce, often made with sour cream, condensed soup, and sometimes cheese, creating a decadent and satisfying bite.
• Cheesy Bliss: Melted cheese, typically cheddar, blankets the potatoes and sauce, adding a gooey, salty layer that takes the flavor to the next level.
• Savory Crunch: Crispy topping options like crushed potato chips, cornflakes, or breadcrumbs provide a delightful textural contrast, adding an irresistible crunch.
• Ultimate Comfort Food: Funeral potatoes are pure comfort food at its finest. They’re warm, filling, and packed with familiar flavors that evoke a sense of home and nostalgia.
• Customization King: This dish is a blank canvas for your creativity! Swap cheeses, experiment with seasonings, or add herbs like chives or paprika for a personalized touch.
• Potluck Perfect: Funeral potatoes are always a crowd-pleaser and potluck favorite. They’re easy to transport, feed a large group, and are guaranteed to disappear quickly.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Funeral Potatoes

Embrace the comfort and warmth of a classic dish with a twist as you prepare Air Fryer Funeral Potatoes, a beloved comfort food made easy and quick in the air fryer. This dish, traditionally served at gatherings and potlucks, especially in mourning, offers solace and satisfaction with its creamy, cheesy goodness and crispy topping.

Perfect for any occasion, this air fryer version retains all the comforting flavors of the original recipe but with less prep time and a delightful crispy texture that only an air fryer can achieve.

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

• Frozen Hashbrowns: These provide a convenient and time-saving base for the dish, ensuring consistent texture and flavor.
• Butter: Enhances the dish’s richness, adding depth to the flavor profile and achieving a golden, crispy topping.
• Minced Garlic: Provides a mild, savory note that complements the dish’s creamy texture and cheesy taste.
• Onion: Finely chopped onion infuses the potatoes with a subtle sweetness and aroma, adding a layer of flavor complexity.
• Sour Cream: Adds creaminess and a slight tang to the mixture, enriching the overall taste and texture of the funeral potatoes.
• All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the broth.
• Chicken Broth or Vegetable Broth (for vegetarians): A thick, flavorful binder that unites all the ingredients, contributing to the dish’s creamy consistency.
• Milk or Heavy Cream: Adds some richness to the dish.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts into the potato mixture, offering pockets of gooey, cheesy delight that make funeral potatoes irresistibly comforting.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Perfect for elevating the dish with creaminess.
• Potato Chips, Crushed Cornflakes, or Panko Breadcrumbs: Sprinkled on top before air frying, these add a crunchy, golden crust to the creamy potatoes beneath, offering a satisfying contrast in textures.

How To Make Funeral Potaotes In Air Fryer

Making Funeral Potatoes in an air fryer combines the classic comfort of this beloved dish with the convenience and crispy texture that only an air frying method can provide. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating this creamy, cheesy, and comforting side dish:

In a large skillet set over medium-high heat, sauté the onions and garlic until they become soft and clear, taking about 4 to 5 minutes. After achieving a translucent texture for the onions, blend in the flour, milk, and broth. Allow this mixture to simmer until it thickens, which should take approximately 4 to 6 minutes.

After removing the skillet from the heat, incorporate the sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese by stirring them in. Following that, carefully fold the thawed hash browns into the mixture.

Coat your baking pan with cooking spray before adding the hash browns. Place the pan in the air fryer, adjusting the temperature to 320 degrees F on the air fryer setting. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes or until the hash browns turn golden brown.

While your potatoes are cooking in a small bowl, add the crushed potato chips, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese and mix well. Add the topping on top, and cook until golden brown.

Recipe Variations

Exploring variations for Air Fryer Funeral Potatoes can add exciting twists to this classic comfort dish. Here are some delicious ideas to customize your funeral potatoes:

• Spicy Kick Variation:
  • Add diced jalapeños or a tablespoon of hot sauce to the potato mixture for a spicy version that packs heat and flavor.
• Bacon Crunch Version:
  • Stir in crispy, crumbled bacon into the mix before air frying. This adds a smoky, crunchy element that pairs perfectly with the creamy potatoes.
• Vegetarian Delight:
  • Replace the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup and add sautéed mushrooms and spinach to the mixture for a hearty vegetarian option.
• Loaded Funeral Potatoes:
  • Incorporate green onions, sour cream, and extra cheese into the hash brown mixture, then top with bacon bits and chives before serving for a “loaded” version.
• Ranch Flavor Twist:
  • Mix in a packet of dry ranch dressing mix to infuse the potatoes with zesty ranch flavors, adding a tangy twist to the creamy base.
• Italian Herb Infusion:
  • Blend Italian seasoning into the potato mixture and use mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses for an Italian-inspired take on funeral potatoes.
• BBQ Chicken Addition:
  • Add shredded BBQ chicken to the potato mixture for a savory, smoky flavor that complements the creamy texture of the potatoes.

Each of these variations allows you to tailor the Air Fryer Funeral Potatoes to suit your taste preferences or to simply enjoy a new take on this beloved dish. Whether you’re looking for something spicy, smoky, or herbaceous, there’s a variation that’s sure to please.

Pro Tips

Crafting the perfect batch of Air Fryer Funeral Potatoes requires a blend of technique and creativity. Here are some pro tips to help you achieve the best results, ensuring your dish is as comforting and delicious as intended:

• Use Thawed Hash Browns: For even cooking and a creamy texture, make sure your hash browns are fully thawed before mixing with other ingredients. This helps them cook evenly and absorb flavors better.
• Even Layering: When transferring your mixture to the air fryer-safe dish, spread it in an even layer. This promotes uniform cooking, ensuring that every bite is perfectly done.
• Don’t Overcrowd: To achieve that desirable crispy topping, avoid overcrowding the dish in the air fryer. Air circulation is key in air frying, so a bit of space allows for the heat to evenly crisp up the top layer.
• Preheat Your Air Fryer: Like a traditional oven, preheating your air fryer ensures that your funeral potatoes start cooking at the optimal temperature right away, which is crucial for achieving a golden, crispy topping.
• Choose the Right Dish: Use an air fryer-safe dish that fits nicely inside your air fryer basket. Ceramic or metal pans that conduct heat well are excellent choices for cooking funeral potatoes.
• Adjust Cooking Times: Depending on your air fryer model and the size of your dish, cooking times may vary. Start checking your potatoes a few minutes before the recipe’s suggested cooking time to prevent overcooking.
• Stir for Even Cooking: Halfway through cooking, gently stir the potatoes to ensure even heat distribution. This is especially important if your air fryer does not have a rotating basket.
• Crispy Topping: For a golden and crispy topping, consider broiling the funeral potatoes in your oven for 2-3 minutes after air frying. This can add an extra crunch that’s hard to resist.
• Let It Rest: Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld, improving the overall texture and taste.
• Customize Your Dish: Don’t be afraid to add your personal touch to the recipe. Whether it’s extra cheese, a different type of soup, or your favorite spices, making it your own can turn a good dish into a great one.

By following these pro tips, your Air Fryer Funeral Potatoes will not only be a hit at any gathering but also showcase your skill in maximizing the potential of your air fryer for comfort food classics.

Faq’s

Can I make funeral potatoes ahead of time and freeze them? Yes, you can assemble the funeral potatoes in an air fryer-safe dish, cover, and freeze them. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking in the air fryer as directed. Adjust cooking time if needed.

How do I prevent my funeral potatoes from being soggy? Ensure your hash browns are fully thawed and patted dry to remove excess moisture. Also, avoid overloading with too much sauce or cheese, and make sure to cook until the top is sufficiently crispy.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns? Yes, you can grate fresh potatoes to use in place of frozen hash browns. Rinse the grated potatoes in cold water, then thoroughly dry them to remove as much moisture as possible before using.

What can I use if I don’t have cream of chicken soup? Cream of mushroom soup is a popular alternative that works well. For a homemade approach, a basic roux mixed with chicken broth can substitute for canned soup.

Is it necessary to preheat the air fryer for funeral potatoes? Preheating your air fryer helps achieve a consistent cooking temperature from the start, which is beneficial for getting a crispy topping. However, if your model doesn’t require preheating, you may skip this step but monitor the cooking time closely.

Can I add meat to the funeral potatoes? Certainly! Cooked, diced chicken, ham, or crumbled bacon can be added to the mixture for a heartier dish. Ensure any meat added is fully cooked before mixing in.

How do I store leftovers? Leftover funeral potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the air fryer or microwave until thoroughly warmed.

Can I double the recipe in the air fryer? If you have a large air fryer, you may be able to double the recipe. Ensure not to overcrowd the dish to allow for proper air circulation. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

What’s the best way to get a crispy topping in the air fryer? To achieve a crispy topping, ensure the top layer of your funeral potatoes is covered with a layer of cheese and breadcrumbs or crushed chips. Cooking at the right temperature and not overcrowding the air fryer are key.

Can I make funeral potatoes vegetarian? Yes, simply use a vegetarian cream soup, such as cream of mushroom, instead of cream of chicken. Additionally, check that any added ingredients like cheese or toppings are vegetarian-friendly.

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