These Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes are a fantastic side dish, blending the creamy, cheesy interior with a perfectly crispy skin. With minimal prep and a quick cook time, this recipe brings a delicious twist to classic baked potatoes.
INGREDIENTS
- Russet Potatoes (3 medium): Known for their fluffy texture, russet potatoes are ideal for baking and hold the filling well.
- Olive Oil (1-2 tablespoons): Used to coat the potato skins, making them crispy and flavorful in the air fryer.
- Kosher Salt: Adds flavor to the potato skins and enhances the overall taste.
- Butter (2 tablespoons, softened): Adds richness to the potato filling, making it smooth and creamy.
- Black Pepper: Adds a subtle kick to balance the creaminess of the filling.
- Garlic Powder: Brings a mild garlic flavor to the potatoes without overwhelming the other ingredients.
- Onion Powder: Complements the garlic powder, adding depth to the potato mixture.
Additional Ingredients
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (2 cups, divided): Melts beautifully in the filling and on top, adding a rich, cheesy flavor.
- Sour Cream (1 cup): Makes the filling creamy and tangy, balancing the richness of the cheese and butter.
- Bacon (2 slices, cooked and crumbled): Adds a savory, crispy texture that pairs well with the creamy filling.
- Chopped Green Onions (optional): Garnish for added flavor and color.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
- Wash and dry the potatoes thoroughly. Brush each potato with olive oil, sprinkle with kosher salt, and poke several times with a fork to allow steam to escape.
- Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for at least 3 minutes, following the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific model.
- Step 3: Air Fry the Potatoes
- Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not overcrowded. Cook for 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Check for doneness by piercing with a toothpick or fork; they should be tender when fully cooked.
- Step 4: Cool and Scoop
- Let the cooked potatoes cool for about 10 minutes, or until they’re easy to handle. Cut each potato in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out most of the potato flesh, leaving a thin layer to keep the skin intact.
- Step 5: Make the Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the scooped potato flesh using an electric mixer, hand mixer, or potato masher. Add softened butter, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, and sour cream. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Step 6: Fill the Potato Shells
- Spoon the mashed potato mixture back into the potato shells, mounding it slightly. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon bits.
- Step 7: Final Air Fry
- Place the stuffed potato halves back in the air fryer basket. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the potatoes are heated through.
- Step 8: Serve
- Serve the twice-baked potatoes hot, garnished with chopped green onions if desired for a burst of fresh flavor.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve these Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes hot as a side dish with main courses like steak, grilled chicken, or roasted vegetables.
- For extra flavor, garnish with chopped green onions, a dollop of sour cream, or additional crumbled bacon before serving.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, place the potatoes in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, or until heated through, to maintain their crispy texture.
Helpful Notes
- If you prefer a lighter filling, replace sour cream with Greek yogurt.
- Experiment with different cheese types, like Monterey Jack or pepper jack, for a unique twist.
- Add fresh herbs like chives or parsley for added freshness and color.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Alton Brown recommends using russet potatoes for twice-baked recipes because of their fluffy texture.
- Chef Bobby Flay advises seasoning the potato skin well to enhance the flavor of every bite.
- Chef Rachael Ray suggests mixing a little extra cheese into the filling for a gooey, indulgent taste.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This recipe offers the perfect combination of crispy potato skin with a creamy, cheesy filling.
- Quick and easy to make in the air fryer, saving you time without sacrificing flavor.
- Customizable with your favorite toppings, making it versatile for any meal or occasion.
Variations
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and add finely chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for a savory bite.
- Make it spicy by adding diced jalapeños to the filling and using pepper jack cheese.
- Top with a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a hint of smoky flavor.