These Air Fryer Cheesy Potatoes are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and loaded with melty cheese. Ready in under 30 minutes, they make the perfect side dish or snack for any occasion. Simple, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser!

Crispy air fryer cheesy potatoes topped with melted cheese and garnished with green onions.
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If you’re looking for a quick and easy side dish that delivers big on flavor, these Air Fryer Cheesy Potatoes are a must-try! They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and smothered in melty cheese—what’s not to love? Whether you’re pairing them with dinner or serving them as a game-day snack, these potatoes come together fast and are always a hit with the whole family. 

If you love my recipe for air fryer cheesy potatoes, you will love these other recipes for air fryer potatoes are Air Fryer Steakhouse Baked Potatoes, Air Fryer Potato Wedges, Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes, and Air Fryer Au Gratin potatoes. 

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

  • 🧀 Cheesy and comforting – Every bite is loaded with gooey, melty cheese.
  • ⏱️ Quick and easy – Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
  • 🥔 Crispy texture – The air fryer gives the perfect golden edges.
  • 🍽️ Family-friendly – A hit with kids and adults alike.
  • 🔄 Versatile side dish – Great with breakfast, dinner, or as a snack!

Ingredients Needed

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Cheesy Potatoes on kitchen table.
  • Potatoes: Firm potatoes work best, such as Russet potatoes, Baby Potatoes, or even Yukon Gold Potatoes
  • Butter: Use unsalted butter that has been melted; you can also use olive oil.
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Or your favorite cheese.
  • Toppings: Sour Cream, Sliced Green Onions, Bacon Bits
  • Seasonings and Spices: Kosher Salt, Garlic Powder, Paprika, and Black Pepper

How To Make Air Fryer Cheesy Potatoes

Chopped potatoes on cutting board.

Step One: Preheat your air fryer temperature to 400 degrees F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes. Place the bottom of the potato on a cutting board, and cut potatoes into 1/4 to 1/2 thick slices.

Step Two: Combine the melted butter, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper in a small bowl. Add the sliced potatoes to the bowl, toss them well, and coat them with the butter mixture.

Place potatoes into the air fryer basket in a thin layer.

Step Three: Spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray, brush with olive oil, or line with parchment paper. Transfer the potato mixture to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Set the cook time for 12- 15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking. When the potatoes are cooked, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the potatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired, and serve immediately.

Plate of Air Fryer Cheesy Potatoes.

Air Fryer Cheesy Potatoes Recipe Tips

  • 🥔 Use waxy potatoes – Yukon Gold or red potatoes hold their shape and crisp up nicely.
  • 🧂 Season well before air frying – Toss with oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite spices for maximum flavor.
  • 🔥 Don’t overcrowd the basket – Give the potatoes space so they crisp up evenly.
  • 🧀 Add cheese at the end – Sprinkle on cheese during the last 2–3 minutes so it melts without burning.
  • 🌿 Top with extras – Garnish with green onions, chives, or crumbled bacon for a delicious finishing touch.

    Storing And Reheating Instructions

    🫙 Storing: Let the potatoes cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

    🔥 Reheating: Air Fryer: Preheat to 350°F and reheat for 3–5 minutes until hot and crispy. Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through, though they won’t be as crispy. Oven: Bake at 375°F for 10 minutes on a lined baking sheet for a crispier texture.

    ❌ Freezing Not Recommended: Due to the cheese and texture, freezing may make the potatoes soggy when thawed.

    Plate of air fryer cheesy potatoes with toppings.

    Cheesy Potatoes Air Fryer Recipe Faqs

    What kind of potatoes work best for this recipe? Yukon Gold, red potatoes, or baby potatoes work best because they hold their shape and crisp up nicely in the air fryer.

    Can I use frozen potatoes? Yes! You can use frozen diced or hash brown-style potatoes—just adjust the cook time and add cheese toward the end.

    When should I add the cheese? Add the cheese in the last 2–3 minutes of cooking so it melts perfectly without burning.

    Can I make these ahead of time? You can prep and partially cook them ahead, then reheat and melt the cheese just before serving.

    How do I make them extra crispy? Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket and toss the potatoes in a little oil before cooking. Shake the basket halfway through for even crisping.

    Are they gluten-free? Yes, as long as your cheese and seasoning are gluten-free, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.

    Golden air fryer potatoes topped with melted cheese and chopped green onions on a white plate.

    What To Serve With Cheesy Potatoes In Air Fryer Recipe

    Cheesy potatoes in the air fryer make a versatile and satisfying side dish that pairs well with just about anything. Serve them alongside grilled chicken, steak, or burgers for a hearty dinner, or add them to your weekend brunch spread with eggs and bacon. They’re also a perfect match for barbecue favorites like ribs or pulled pork. For a meatless option, enjoy them with a fresh green salad or roasted veggies.

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    Air Fryer Cheesy Potato Recipe

    Air Fryer Cheesy Potato Recipe

    4.67 from 3 votes
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Cook Time: 18 minutes
    Total Time: 38 minutes
    Servings: 6 Servings

    Description

    These Air Fryer Cheesy Potatoes are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and loaded with melty cheese. Ready in under 30 minutes, they make the perfect side dish or snack for any occasion. Simple, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser!

    Ingredients 

    • 4 large Russett Potatoes
    • 2 tablespoons butter, melted, unsalted
    • 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
    • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

    Serve: Sour Cream, Sliced Green Onions, Cooked Bacon, etc.

    Instructions

    • Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes. Place the bottom of the potato on a cutting board, and cut potatoes into 1/4 to 1/2 thick slices.
    • Combine the melted butter, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper in a small bowl. Add the sliced potatoes to the bowl, toss them well, and coat them with the butter mixture.
    • Spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray, brush with olive oil, or line with parchment paper. Transfer the potato mixture to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Set the cooking time for 15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
    • After 15 minutes, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the potatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
    • Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired, and serve immediately.

    Equipment

    • Cooking Spray
    • Parchment Paper, optional

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1ServingCalories: 263kcalCarbohydrates: 44gProtein: 7gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 19mgSodium: 494mgPotassium: 1053mgFiber: 6gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 230IUVitamin C: 49mgCalcium: 99mgIron: 2mg

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