There is something truly magical about Making Twice Baked Potatoes Using an Air Fryer Recipe that elevates comfort food to a whole new level. Imagine crispy potato skins hugging a fluffy, cheesy, and flavorful filling, all cooked to perfection with less fuss and in less time thanks to the air fryer. This dish brings together creamy sour cream, sharp cheddar, smoky bacon, and vibrant green onions, creating a harmony of textures and tastes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you serve it as a hearty side or a satisfying main, these twice baked potatoes showcase how simple ingredients can shine with a little technique and a trusty air fryer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a specific role, enhancing flavor, texture, or visual appeal without overpowering the rest. From the russet potatoes’ perfect starchy base to the tangy sour cream and crispy bacon, every component is essential to hitting that classic twice baked potato note.
- 4 medium-sized russet potatoes: The ideal potato choice for fluffy insides and sturdy skins that hold their shape.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and creaminess to the potato filling.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Brings tang and moisture, balancing the richness of butter and cheese.
- 1/4 cup milk: Ensures a smooth, mashable texture without heaviness.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharpness and melty goodness that makes the dish irresistible.
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled: Adds smoky crunch and depth of flavor.
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced: Provides fresh color and a mild onion bite.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning to bring all flavors together perfectly.
How to Make Making Twice Baked Potatoes Using an Air Fryer Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Potatoes
Start by giving your russet potatoes a good scrub under running water to remove any dirt. Then, pierce each potato several times with a fork—this allows steam to escape during cooking and helps them cook evenly in the air fryer.
Step 2: First Air Fry
Place the pierced potatoes in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. Set your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) and cook them for 35 to 40 minutes until a fork slides in easily, indicating the potatoes are perfectly tender.
Step 3: Cool and Prepare for Scooping
Once cooked, carefully remove the potatoes and allow them to cool for a few minutes so they are easy to handle without being too hot. This resting time also helps the skins firm up, making scooping easier.
Step 4: Scoop Out the Flesh
Slice each potato in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, gently scoop out the inside flesh into a bowl, leaving a thin layer attached to each skin to maintain structure. This step sets the stage for the creamy filling to shine.
Step 5: Mix the Filling
In your bowl of scooped potato, add the softened butter, sour cream, milk, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, half of the crumbled bacon, half of the green onions, along with salt and pepper. Mash everything together until it’s smooth, creamy, and well combined.
Step 6: Stuff the Potato Skins
Carefully spoon the cheesy, flavorful filling back into your potato skins, piling it high but keeping it neat. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the tops for that irresistible melty finish.
Step 7: Final Air Fry for Melting and Crisping
Return the stuffed potatoes to your air fryer basket. Lower the temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) and cook for another 10 to 12 minutes. This ensures the cheese melts perfectly and the tops get deliciously golden and bubbly.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
To add that final pop of flavor and color, sprinkle the remaining bacon crumbles and sliced green onions on top just before serving. Your Making Twice Baked Potatoes Using an Air Fryer Recipe is now ready to delight everyone at the table!
How to Serve Making Twice Baked Potatoes Using an Air Fryer Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh green onions and bacon bits are classic garnishes, but you can also add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives to brighten the dish visually and enhance the flavor complexity.
Side Dishes
This hearty potato dish pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or something light and fresh to balance the cheesy richness. For a full meal, consider adding grilled chicken, steak, or sautéed shrimp on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Try presenting these twice baked potatoes in individual ramekins or on a rustic wooden board. You can also crank up the wow factor by serving mini versions as appetizers or party bites, using small baby potatoes cooked the same way.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover twice baked potatoes should be refrigerated in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. They will keep well for 3 to 4 days and remain delicious when reheated properly.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this dish later, you can freeze the stuffed potato halves in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months but note that the texture might be slightly softer upon thawing.
Reheating
The best way to reheat is in the air fryer again at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for 8–10 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the potatoes soggy.
FAQs
Can I use sweet potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes provide a lovely sweetness that contrasts nicely with savory bacon and cheese. Just adjust cooking times depending on their size and how tender they get in your air fryer.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake the potatoes in a conventional oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 45 minutes initially, then again at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes after stuffing. The air fryer just speeds up cooking and crisps the skins beautifully.
Can I make these vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the bacon or replace it with vegetarian bacon bits or sautéed mushrooms for a meaty texture without the meat.
Is it okay to prepare the filling in advance?
Definitely! You can prepare the filling a day ahead and store it in the fridge. When ready, scoop it into your potato skins and air fry as directed for a quick meal.
What cheese works best if I don’t have cheddar?
While cheddar is classic, feel free to use other cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a smoky gouda. Just keep the melting properties and flavor profile in mind.
Final Thoughts
Making Twice Baked Potatoes Using an Air Fryer Recipe is one of those delightful dishes that is as fun to make as it is to eat. With its creamy, cheesy heart and perfectly crisp skin, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a comforting treat any day of the week. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy potatoes!
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Making Twice Baked Potatoes Using an Air Fryer Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 52 minutes
- Total Time: 62 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make twice baked potatoes prepared using an air fryer for a crispy skin and creamy, cheesy filling enhanced with bacon and green onions. This method delivers a perfect blend of textures and flavors in a fraction of the traditional cooking time.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 4 medium-sized russet potatoes
Filling
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Potatoes: Scrub the potatoes clean and pierce them several times with a fork. Place them in the air fryer basket to prepare for cooking.
- Air Fry Potatoes: Air fry the potatoes at 400°F (200°C) for 35-40 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork, indicating they are thoroughly cooked.
- Cool Potatoes: Remove the cooked potatoes from the air fryer and allow them to cool slightly for easier handling and scooping of the flesh.
- Slice and Scoop: Slice each potato in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the potato flesh, leaving a thin layer attached to the skin to maintain structure.
- Make Filling: In a mixing bowl, mash the scooped-out potato flesh with softened butter, sour cream, milk, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, half of the crumbled bacon, half of the sliced green onions, and season with salt and pepper to taste, creating a creamy and flavorful mixture.
- Stuff Potatoes: Stuff the potato skins with the mashed potato mixture, ensuring even distribution, then sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top for a cheesy finish.
- Final Air Fry: Return the stuffed potato halves to the air fryer basket and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the tops are slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the twice baked potatoes with the remaining crumbled bacon and sliced green onions for extra flavor and a visually appealing presentation before serving.
Notes
- Ensure potatoes are pierced before air frying to allow steam to escape and ensure even cooking.
- You can customize the filling by adding ingredients like chives, garlic powder, or shredded chicken for variation.
- Allow potatoes to cool enough after the first air frying so they are safe to handle but still warm to help melt the cheese during the second cooking.
- Use medium-sized russet potatoes for best texture and even cooking.
- Cover the air fryer basket with foil if cheese starts browning too quickly during the final air frying.
