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If you love the comforting goodness of classic twice baked potatoes but want to add a speedy twist, then this Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Crispy on the outside and irresistibly creamy inside, these potatoes bring together a perfect mix of bold seasoning, melty cheddar cheese, and savory bacon, all made wonderfully easy thanks to the magic of the air fryer. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or surprising guests with a hearty side, these twice baked potatoes deliver ultimate flavor and texture with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of taste, texture, and a little dash of color that makes the dish shine. From simple russet potatoes to sharp cheddar and smoky bacon, everything comes together in perfect harmony.
- Russet potatoes (3 medium): These potatoes have just the right starchiness, making for fluffy interiors and crispy skins.
- Olive oil (1-2 tablespoons): Helps the skins crisp up beautifully and adds a subtle fruity richness.
- Kosher salt (to taste): Essential for seasoning both the skins and the creamy filling with that perfect savory balance.
- Butter (2 tablespoons, softened): Gives the potato filling a silky smooth texture and buttery depth.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds just a hint of bite to lift the flavors without overpowering them.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Warms the potato mix with gentle, aromatic garlic notes.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Boosts the savory profile and rounds out the seasoning beautifully.
- Cheddar cheese (2 cups shredded, divided): Provides gooey, sharp, melty goodness that’s key to that comforting twice baked potato taste.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Brings creaminess and a touch of tang that makes every bite deliciously smooth.
- Bacon (2 slices, cooked and crumbled): Adds smoky crunch and a savory punch you don’t want to miss.
- Chopped green onions (optional): Sprinkle on top for a fresh, mildly pungent contrast and a pop of color.
How to Make Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Par-Cook the Potatoes
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) so it’s ready for cooking. Give the potatoes a good wash and dry, then brush each one with olive oil. Sprinkle with kosher salt and poke several holes in the potatoes to let steam escape while cooking. This step ensures crispy skin and moist interiors.
Step 2: Air Fry the Potatoes
Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket and cook for about 30 minutes, remembering to flip them halfway through. This turns them golden brown and tender inside—the perfect shell for your filling.
Step 3: Scoop and Mash the Potato Flesh
After cooking, allow the potatoes to cool slightly for about 10 minutes. Cut each potato in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out most of the flesh into a bowl, leaving a thin layer near the skin to hold their shape. This mashable interior forms your creamy filling base.
Step 4: Mix the Filling with Flavor
Into the bowl with the fluffy potato flesh, add softened butter, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese, and sour cream. Mix everything together thoroughly—this combination creates the lush, flavorful filling you’ll stuff back into the skins.
Step 5: Stuff and Top the Potatoes
Spoon the cheesy potato mixture back into each potato shell, packing it in nicely. Top with the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese and sprinkle crumbled bacon over the cheese for that irresistible smoky crunch on top.
Step 6: Final Air Fry for Melty Perfection
Return the stuffed potatoes to the air fryer and cook for an additional 5 to 7 minutes. This short final step melts the cheese perfectly and warms the filling through, giving you the ultimate cozy, crispy, cheesy bite.
How to Serve Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Add chopped green onions for a fresh burst of color and a slight crispness that cuts through the richness of the potatoes. A dollop of extra sour cream or a sprinkle of smoked paprika can also elevate the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
This Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp salads, steamed veggies, or juicy grilled meats. Think of it as the perfect hearty companion for your favorite steak or roasted chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try hollowing the potatoes a bit more and piping the filling back in with a decorative tip, or use mini russets for bite-sized appetizers. You can also layer the filling under grilled cheese or crumbled bacon for a loaded potato dip experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, leftover twice baked potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making them just as delicious on day two.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftover potatoes, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain texture.
Reheating
Reheat your Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes to regain that crispy skin and warm, melty center. You can also microwave if in a rush, but you’ll miss some of the crunch.
FAQs
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes?
Sweet potatoes bring a different flavor and sweetness that can work well, but they are softer and moister, so the texture of the twice baked potatoes will be less fluffy and the skin less crispy. Adjusting cooking time and moisture may be necessary.
Is it necessary to precook the potatoes before filling them?
Yes, partially cooking the potatoes first allows you to scoop out the creamy flesh and ensures the skins crisp without becoming leathery. It also guarantees the filling is warm and fluffy after the second bake.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply skip the bacon or substitute with vegetarian bacon bits or crispy sautéed mushrooms for that umami depth. The cheese and sour cream keep the dish rich and satisfying.
What if I don’t have an air fryer? Can I bake these in the oven?
Yes, you can bake the whole potatoes at 400°F for about 45-60 minutes until tender, then stuff and bake again for 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly. The air fryer just speeds up the cooking and crisps the skins wonderfully.
How can I make these potatoes extra creamy?
Adding a little extra sour cream or a splash of milk or cream to the potato mixture will boost creaminess. Also, using fully softened butter and mashing well helps create a smooth texture perfect for twice baked potatoes.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe enough when you want a fuss-free yet stunningly tasty side or snack. The combination of crisp skins and luscious, cheesy filling hits every craving spot, and the air fryer makes the whole process quicker and simpler. Give it a try soon—you might just find your new favorite comfort food classic!
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Print
Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 37 minutes
- Total Time: 47 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes recipe offers a quick and delicious way to enjoy classic twice baked potatoes with a crispy skin and creamy, flavorful filling made with cheddar cheese, sour cream, and bacon. Cooked entirely in the air fryer, it’s a convenient and satisfying side dish perfect for any dinner.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 3 medium russet potatoes
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
- Kosher salt (to taste)
Filling
- 2 tablespoons butter (softened)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
Garnish
- Chopped green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) to get it ready for cooking the potatoes.
- Prepare Potatoes: Wash and dry the potatoes thoroughly. Brush each potato with olive oil, sprinkle kosher salt over them, then poke holes in each to allow steam to escape during cooking.
- Cook Potatoes: Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket and cook for 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even tenderness.
- Cool and Scoop: Let the potatoes cool for about 10 minutes to handle safely. Then cut them in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out most of the potato flesh into a mixing bowl, leaving the skins intact.
- Make Filling: Mash the scooped potato flesh with softened butter, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese, and sour cream until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Stuff Potatoes: Spoon the mashed potato mixture back into the potato skins, filling them generously. Top each with the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese and sprinkle crumbled bacon on top.
- Final Air Fry: Return the stuffed potatoes to the air fryer and cook for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until the cheese is melted and everything is heated through.
- Serve: Optionally, garnish with chopped green onions and serve warm as a delicious side dish or light meal.
Notes
- Russet potatoes are preferred for their starchy texture, which mashes well and results in a fluffy filling.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt since bacon adds saltiness.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or fresh herbs to the potato mixture.
- Ensure potatoes are cooked through before scooping to avoid a raw texture inside.
- Leftover stuffed potatoes can be refrigerated and reheated in the air fryer for best texture.
