My go-to for leftover ham is this Air Fryer Scalloped Potatoes and Ham. The air fryer makes the potatoes tender and creamy while creating that perfect golden, crispy top. It’s layered with smoky ham cubes and rich cheddar-Gruyère sauce, and those crispy edges are so good you’ll scrape the dish clean before anyone gets seconds.
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I make it for Easter dinner, Christmas, and family gatherings when I want something cheesy and comforting that frees up oven space. It’s perfect for potlucks because it’s hearty, warm, and both kids and adults love it. It reheats beautifully for easy meal prep and keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days, or you can freeze it for up to 2 months.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.
How to Make Air Fryer Scalloped Potatoes and Ham with Step-By-Step Instructions
Scroll down for the full recipe card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.
I’ll walk you through building the layers and getting that perfect creamy texture.
Sauté the Aromatics
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. I like using this cast-iron skillet, which works beautifully here because it distributes heat evenly and helps the onions caramelize without burning.
Add the onion, garlic, salt, and pepper, and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring often, until the onions soften and smell amazing. Remove from heat and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to form a smooth roux that’ll thicken your sauce. A balloon whisk makes this process easier because the wires break up any clumps and create a silky sauce.
Gradually whisk in the milk a little at a time to prevent lumps, then stir in the heavy cream and three-quarters of the cheddar cheese. Continue whisking until the cheese has melted completely and the sauce is thick and creamy, then remove from the heat.
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Layer the Ingredients
Arrange half of the potatoes in thin slices in a baking dish that fits in your air fryer. This ceramic baking dish works perfectly for most air fryer baskets.
Top with half of the sautéed onions, cheese sauce, and leftover ham cubes. Season the mixture lightly with salt and pepper. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, onions, ham, seasoning, and cheese sauce, then sprinkle the top with the remaining cheddar and all of the Gruyère cheese.
Air Fry Until Golden
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the air fryer basket at 320°F for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a knife or fork. I grab my instant-read thermometer to help me check that the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F for food safety.
Remove the foil, increase the temperature to 350°F, and cook for another 5 to 8 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly, with crispy edges. I always use a basket-style air fryer because it allows better heat circulation around the dish.
Cool and Serve
Let the dish cool slightly before serving so the sauce can set up a bit, making it easier to scoop clean portions. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness. Enjoy!
If you’re taking them to a potluck or family gathering, let the dish cool completely first, then cover tightly with aluminum foil or a lid. An insulated casserole carrier keeps the dish warm during transport and protects it from spills in your car. The insulation maintains the temperature for about an hour, so they’ll still be hot when you arrive.
Air Fryer Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
Add Preferred SourceIngredients
For the Filling:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 large onion thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 ½–2 cups leftover cooked ham cubed
- 4 medium potatoes peeled and thinly sliced
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 ⅓ cups whole milk
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups mature cheddar cheese grated
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese grated
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.2 tablespoons butter
- Add the onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring often, until the onions are soft and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.1 large onion, 2 cloves garlic, Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to form a smooth roux.4 tablespoons butter, 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, to prevent lumps. Once smooth, stir in the heavy cream and ¾ of the cheddar cheese. Continue whisking until the cheese is melted and the sauce is thick and creamy. Remove from heat.2 ⅓ cups whole milk, ¾ cup heavy cream, 1 ½ cups mature cheddar cheese
- Layer half of the potato slices in the prepared baking dish that fits in your air fryer. Top with half of the sautéed onions, cheese sauce, and ham. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, onions, ham, seasoning, and cheese sauce. Sprinkle the top with the remaining cheddar and all of the Gruyère cheese.1 ½–2 cups leftover cooked ham, 4 medium potatoes, 1 cup Gruyère cheese
- Air fry at 320°F (160°C) for 30–35 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a knife. Remove the foil, increase the temperature to 350°F (180°C), and cook for another 5–8 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley.1 tablespoon fresh parsley
Notes
- Use a mandoline slicer: Thinly sliced potatoes cook evenly and create better layers than hand-cut slices, plus it saves at least 10 minutes of prep time.
- Rinse excess starch: After slicing your potatoes, rinse them in a bowl of cold water and pat them dry to remove surface starch, which prevents the layers from becoming gummy and helps the creamy sauce, with its cheesy flavor, coat each slice better, whether you’re using pans or baking dishes.
- Switch up the cheese: Replace the Gruyère with Swiss cheese for a milder, nuttier taste that melts just as smoothly, and you can add garlic powder (1 teaspoon) to the sauce if you want extra depth or use it instead of fresh garlic when sautéing veggies like onions.
- Try different proteins: Dice a thick ham steak into cubes for meatier pieces with better texture, or cook 6 to 8 strips of bacon until crispy and crumble them for a smokier flavor that adds extra richness to each layer.
- Choose your potato variety: Russet potatoes create a fluffier, more traditional texture because of their high starch content, while red potatoes hold their shape better and give you firmer, waxier layers that won’t fall apart when serving.
- Flash-freeze meal prep: Freeze individual portions on a baking sheet for 1 hour, then transfer them to containers so the layers don’t stick together, and you can grab single servings whenever you need them.
Nutrition
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How to Store Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes, or warm the whole dish, covered with foil, in a 300°F air fryer for about 10 minutes, until heated through. The cheese sauce may look slightly separated when cold, but it comes back together beautifully when reheated.
For longer storage, let the dish cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Stackable freezer-safe glass containers with snap-on lids make it easy to store multiple portions without taking up too much space, and they prevent freezer burn better than standard plastic bags.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What to Serve With Air Fryer Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
I love serving it alongside a simple green salad with vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or with roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or green beans. The dish is hearty enough to stand on its own as a main course, especially for lunch or lighter dinner.
For a complete comfort meal, pair it with crusty bread to soak up the cheese sauce, or serve it with steamed broccoli. It’s filling, so you don’t need much else on the plate. A fresh arugula salad or roasted asparagus also pairs beautifully with the rich, creamy potatoes and ham.
More Easy Recipes for You to Try at Home
Here are more air fryer casserole favorites with that same easy cleanup and easy prep.
