Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe

Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes are the perfect side dish—crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. Made with russet potatoes, sour cream, cheese, and bacon, they’re easy to prepare and full of flavor. The air fryer helps achieve a perfectly crisp skin while keeping the filling light and fluffy. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a holiday feast, these potatoes will be a hit with everyone at the table.

Why Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes?

Making Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes offers several key advantages over traditional oven baking:

Crispier Skin: The air fryer ensures the potato skins become ultra-crispy, a key characteristic of twice-baked potatoes.
Quick and Convenient: The air fryer reduces cooking time, allowing you to prepare these potatoes faster than with an oven.
Even Cooking: The circulating air of the air fryer helps cook the potatoes evenly, ensuring both the skin and the filling come out just right.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the filling by adding different toppings, cheeses, and seasonings to suit your taste.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

To make the best Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes, it’s essential to use the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Potatoes

Russet potatoes are the ideal choice for twice-baked potatoes due to their thick skins, which provide a solid base for the filling. Their starchy texture creates a fluffy filling that pairs perfectly with the creamy mashed potato mixture.

Oil

A light coating of olive oil helps the skins crisp up during the air frying process and adds flavor.

Sour Cream

Sour cream adds richness and a tangy flavor to the mashed potato filling. It also contributes to the creamy texture.

Cheese

Cheddar cheese is a classic choice, offering both flavor and a creamy texture. However, you can experiment with other cheeses such as Mozzarella, Swiss, or Monterey Jack.

Milk and Butter

These ingredients contribute to a smooth, creamy texture for the filling. They also enhance the flavor of the mashed potatoes.

Green Onions

Green onions or chives add a mild, savory flavor that complements the richness of the cheese and sour cream.

Bacon (Optional)

Crispy bacon bits can be added for extra flavor. Bacon provides a savory, smoky taste that pairs wonderfully with the creamy potatoes.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to make these delicious Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes. Follow these simple steps for perfect results:

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Wash the Potatoes: Scrub the russet potatoes thoroughly, as the skin is edible and should be clean before cooking.
Poke Holes: Use a fork to poke holes all over each potato. This allows steam to escape during cooking and prevents the potatoes from bursting.
Oil and Salt: Coat the potatoes in olive oil and sprinkle with salt to help crisp the skin and enhance the flavor.

Step 2: Air Fry the Potatoes

Cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 35 to 40 minutes. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket and cook them until fork-tender. The potatoes should be soft inside but firm enough to hold the filling.

Step 3: Cool and Cut the Potatoes

Once the potatoes are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes.
Cut the Potatoes: Slice each potato in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out most of the potato flesh, leaving a small border along the skin to help hold the filling in place.

Step 4: Make the Filling

Mash the Potato Flesh: In a large bowl, mash the scooped-out potato with a potato masher or fork. Add sour cream, butter, milk, green onions, and cheddar cheese. Continue mashing until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Refill the Potato Skins

Carefully spoon the creamy potato mixture back into each potato skin, packing the filling in gently. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese.

Step 6: Air Fry Again

Air Fry at 350°F (175°C) for about 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the potatoes are heated through.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

Choose Similar-Sized Potatoes: To ensure even cooking, pick potatoes that are about the same size.
Scrub the Potatoes Well: Since the skin is part of the dish, make sure it’s clean before cooking. Dry them well after washing to help the oil and seasonings stick better.
Customize the Filling: Feel free to get creative with the filling. Add caramelized onions, garlic, or even jalapeños to give your Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes a unique flavor.
Don’t Skip the Second Air Fry: The second round of air frying helps melt the cheese and ensures everything is heated through perfectly.

How to Make Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

Now that you know why Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes are the perfect side dish, let’s walk through the steps to make them. This easy recipe will have your potatoes cooked to perfection in no time.

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Wash the Potatoes: Scrub the russet potatoes thoroughly, as you’ll be eating the skin too. This helps remove any dirt and ensures the skin is clean for crisping.
Poke Holes: Use a fork to poke a few holes in each potato. This allows steam to escape and prevents the potatoes from bursting while cooking.
Oil and Salt: Drizzle the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. This helps crisp up the skin and enhances the flavor.

Step 2: Air Fry the Potatoes

Cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 35-40 minutes. Arrange the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry until the potatoes are fork-tender, with the skin crisping up nicely.

Step 3: Cool and Cut the Potatoes

Once the potatoes are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for 5-10 minutes.
Cut the Potatoes: Slice each potato in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out most of the potato flesh, leaving a small amount attached to the skin to help hold the filling.

Step 4: Make the Filling

Mash the Potato Flesh: Transfer the scooped-out potato flesh to a large bowl. Add sour cream, butter, milk, green onions, and cheddar cheese. Mash everything together until the filling is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Refill the Potato Skins

Spoon the creamy mashed potato mixture back into each potato skin. Fill them up generously and top with the remaining cheddar cheese for a cheesy, melty topping.

Step 6: Air Fry Again

Air Fry at 350°F (175°C) for another 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the potatoes are heated through.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

Evenly Sized Potatoes: For consistent cooking, use potatoes that are roughly the same size. This ensures they cook evenly in the air fryer.
Pat Dry: After washing the potatoes, be sure to dry them well. This helps the oil and salt stick and contributes to the crispiness of the skin.
Add More Toppings: Customize your filling with extra ingredients like crispy bacon, caramelized onions, or garlic. These add-ins enhance the flavor and texture of the potatoes.
Second Air Frying Step: Don’t skip the second round of air frying. This melts the cheese and helps the filling set perfectly.

Customizing Your Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

Here are some delicious ideas to customize your potatoes:

Cheese Options: While cheddar is the go-to cheese, you can mix it up with Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Swiss, or Parmesan. Each type of cheese will bring a unique flavor and texture to the filling.
Adding Bacon: For a smoky, savory twist, mix crispy bacon bits into the filling. You can also sprinkle extra bacon on top before the second air fry for even more crunch.
Spicy Kick: Want to add some heat? Mix in jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to the filling. This adds a spicy element that pairs perfectly with the creamy potatoes.
Vegetarian Options: If you prefer a vegetarian version, skip the bacon and try adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or caramelized onions for a rich, flavorful filling.
Herbs and Spices: Elevate the flavor by adding herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives. A dash of garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika can also bring an extra depth of flavor.

How to Store and Reheat Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

Making extra Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes? No problem! Here’s how to store and reheat them for later:

Storing Leftovers:

Once the potatoes have cooled, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This makes them perfect for meal prepping or saving leftovers.

Freezing Twice Baked Potatoes:

To freeze your Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes, allow them to cool to room temperature. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.

Reheating Twice Baked Potatoes:

Air Fryer: To reheat, simply place the potatoes back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until they’re heated through.
Oven: Alternatively, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the potatoes are warmed all the way through.
Microwave: If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave individual potatoes for 1-2 minutes or until hot.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

These Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes are a perfect side dish for nearly any main course. Here are some ideas for what to serve them with:

Grilled Meats: Pair your potatoes with grilled steaks, chicken breasts, or barbecue ribs for a complete meal.
Roast Chicken: These potatoes are a fantastic side dish for a juicy roast chicken or air fryer whole chicken.
Salads: Serve your potatoes with a fresh green salad or coleslaw for a balanced meal.
Vegetarian Dishes: These potatoes also work well with vegetarian main dishes, like grilled vegetable skewers or vegetarian chili.

Final Thoughts on Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes are a quick, easy, and versatile side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a casual weeknight dinner or serving them at a special holiday meal, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone. The combination of crispy skin and creamy, cheesy filling is unbeatable, and with the air fryer, they cook in a fraction of the time it would take in the oven.

Experiment with different fillings and toppings to make these potatoes your own. They’re perfect for meal prep and leftovers, too, making them a great choice for busy days.

So, grab your russet potatoes and air fryer, and get ready to enjoy this comforting, flavorful dish that will become a staple in your kitchen.