Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes are a delightful and easy-to-make side dish that fits perfectly for any gathering or meal. With their crispy outside and creamy inside, they offer a comforting twist on traditional baked potatoes. This recipe features melty cheese and crispy bacon bits, making it an irresistible addition to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick Preparation: These potatoes cook in the air fryer, saving you time while still delivering great flavor.
  • Flavor Packed: Each bite is loaded with rich cheese, buttery goodness, and savory bacon.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for holiday meals, family dinners, or casual get-togethers.
  • Easy to Customize: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or adjust seasonings for a personal touch.
  • Healthier Option: Using an air fryer reduces oil usage compared to traditional frying methods.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment makes preparing Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Sharp knife
  • Mixing bowl
  • Fork or potato masher
  • Paper towel

Importance of Each Tool

  • Air fryer: This device cooks food quickly with hot air circulation, creating a crispy texture without excessive oil.
  • Sharp knife: A good knife is crucial for safely cutting the potatoes in half without damaging the skin.
  • Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl helps combine all ingredients easily for the perfect filling consistency.

Ingredients

For these delicious Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • 3 medium russet potatoes
  • 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Kosher salt (to taste)
  • 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 (or 6 tablespoons bacon bits))
  • Chopped green onions (for garnish (optional))

How to Make Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

  1. Wash and dry the whole potatoes with a paper towel.
  2. Brush each potato with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
  3. Poke each potato several times with the tines of a fork to allow steam to escape during cooking.

Step 2: Air Frying the Potatoes

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 400ºF (204°C) for at least 3 minutes or follow your manufacturer’s instructions.
  2. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket.
  3. Cook for 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even cooking. Check doneness by piercing with a toothpick; they should be tender when fully cooked.

Step 3: Scooping Out Potato Flesh

  1. Let the cooked potatoes cool for about 10 minutes until they are easier to handle.
  2. Cut each potato in half lengthwise using a sharp knife.
  3. Carefully scoop out most of the potato flesh into a mixing bowl, leaving a thin layer inside to keep the skin intact.

Step 4: Making the Filling

  1. Mash the scooped potato insides using an electric mixer, hand mixer, or a potato masher until smooth.
  2. Add softened butter, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese, and sour cream to the mashed potatoes.
  3. Mix all ingredients until well combined.

Step 5: Stuffing and Final Cooking

  1. Fill each potato shell with the mashed potato mixture generously.
  2. Sprinkle remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese and bacon bits evenly over each filled potato half.
  3. Return stuffed potatoes to the air fryer basket and cook them for an additional 5-7 minutes until cheese is melted and heated through.

Step 6: Serve

Serve these delightful Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes hot and garnished with chopped green onions if desired! Enjoy this perfect side dish at your next meal!

How to Serve Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes are versatile and can be paired with a variety of dishes. Here are some serving suggestions to complement this delicious side.

For a Classic Meal

  • Grilled Chicken – Juicy grilled chicken breasts add protein and flavor.
  • Steak – A perfectly cooked steak pairs wonderfully with cheesy potatoes.
  • Roasted Vegetables – Colorful roasted veggies provide a healthy contrast.

As Part of a Festive Spread

  • Holiday Ham – Sweet glazed ham makes for a delightful holiday meal.
  • Turkey – Perfect for Thanksgiving, these potatoes complement turkey beautifully.
  • Stuffed Peppers – Add a pop of color and flavor to your holiday table.

With a Casual Twist

  • BBQ Ribs – Smoky BBQ ribs create a casual yet satisfying meal.
  • Pulled Pork Sandwiches – These potatoes make for a hearty addition to sandwiches.
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How to Perfect Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

To achieve the best Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes, consider these handy tips.

  • Choose the Right Potatoes – Use medium russet potatoes for optimal texture and flavor.
  • Don’t Skip the Oil – Brushing with olive oil helps achieve a crispy skin.
  • Mash Smoothly – Ensure the potato filling is creamy by thoroughly mashing without lumps.
  • Layer Flavors – Adding spices like garlic and onion powder enhances taste significantly.
  • Watch Cooking Time – Keep an eye on the cheese melting stage to avoid overcooking.
  • Garnish Wisely – Top with fresh green onions or additional bacon bits for added flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes pair well with many dishes. Here are some fantastic options to consider.

  1. Caesar Salad – A crisp salad with creamy dressing balances the richness of the potatoes.
  2. Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn adds a fun, summery element to your meal.
  3. Coleslaw – Crunchy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast in texture and flavor.
  4. Baked Beans – Sweet and savory baked beans complement the cheesy goodness of the potatoes.
  5. Garlic Bread – Warm, buttery garlic bread makes any meal more comforting.
  6. Macaroni Salad – A chilled pasta salad offers another layer of flavors that pairs well.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes, avoiding common pitfalls can enhance your cooking experience and the final dish.

  • Not preheating the air fryer: Always preheat your air fryer before cooking. This helps achieve even cooking and better texture for your potatoes.
  • Using cold ingredients: Make sure to use room temperature butter and sour cream when mixing into the mashed potatoes. Cold ingredients can make it harder to blend smoothly.
  • Overstuffing the potato skins: It might be tempting to fill the potato skins to the brim, but overstuffing can lead to a mess. Leave some space for cheese and toppings to melt properly.
  • Skipping seasoning: Don’t forget to season your mashed potato mixture well. Proper seasoning enhances flavor, so be generous with salt and pepper.
  • Ignoring cooling time: Letting the potatoes cool slightly before handling is crucial. Trying to scoop them out while too hot can lead to burns or torn skins.
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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

  • Store leftover Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes in an airtight container.
  • They will last up to 3-5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

  • Freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag.
  • These can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

  • Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
  • Microwave: Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
  • Stovetop: Reheat in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat, covering with a lid until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes that might help you with your cooking.

Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?

Yes, you can use other potato varieties like Yukon Gold or sweet potatoes. Just adjust cooking times as needed.

How do I ensure my potatoes are crispy?

Make sure to coat your potatoes in olive oil and salt before air frying. This helps create a crispy skin.

Can I customize the toppings?

Absolutely! Feel free to add different cheeses, herbs, or vegetables according to your preference for a personal touch.

How long does it take to cook these potatoes?

The total cooking time is approximately 30 minutes, plus additional time for reheating if necessary.

Are Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes healthy?

These potatoes can be part of a balanced diet. You can make them healthier by reducing cheese or using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.

Final Thoughts

Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes are not just delicious; they are also versatile enough for any meal. You can easily customize them with various toppings or fillings based on what you have at home. Try this easy recipe today and delight your friends and family!

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Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes


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  • Author: Lia
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 6 (3 stuffed potato halves per serving) 1x

Description

Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes are a delicious and satisfying side dish that combines the comforting flavors of creamy mashed potatoes with a crispy exterior. This easy recipe is perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with minimal effort. The combination of melty cheddar cheese, savory bacon bits, and rich sour cream creates a mouthwatering filling that will keep everyone coming back for more. Plus, cooking them in an air fryer means you get all the flavor with less oil, making these potatoes a healthier choice without sacrificing taste.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 medium russet potatoes
  • 12 tablespoons olive oil
  • Kosher salt (to taste)
  • 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)
  • Chopped green onions (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry the potatoes, then brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Poke holes in each potato.
  2. Preheat the air fryer to 400ºF (204ºC). Place potatoes in the basket and cook for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  3. Allow potatoes to cool slightly, then cut in half lengthwise and scoop out most of the flesh into a mixing bowl.
  4. Mash the scooped potato with softened butter, spices, 1.5 cups cheese, and sour cream until smooth.
  5. Fill each potato skin with the mixture, top with remaining cheese and bacon bits, then return to the air fryer for an additional 5-7 minutes until cheese melts.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 stuffed potato half (approximately 120g)
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 540mg
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 9g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

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