Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes are a quick and easy side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. These delicious potatoes are not only topped with melty cheese but also crispy bacon bits, making them a hit at dinner parties, holidays, or casual meals. Their unique preparation in the air fryer gives them a crispy exterior while keeping the inside fluffy and flavorful.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!PIN THIS!

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• How to Make Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes
• Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
• Step 2: Cook the Potatoes
• Step 3: Scoop Out Potato Flesh
• Step 4: Make the Filling
• Step 5: Stuff and Cook Again
• Step 6: Serve
• How to Serve Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes
• With a Fresh Salad
• As an Appetizer
• Drizzled with Sour Cream
• Accompanied by Chili
• Garnished with Avocado
• Paired with Grilled Vegetables
• How to Perfect Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes
• Best Side Dishes for Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes
• Reheating Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use other types of potatoes?
• How do I make them healthier?
• Can I customize the toppings?
• How do I know when they are done?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe takes less than an hour from start to finish, allowing you to serve up delicious potatoes without a long wait.
• Flavorful Toppings: The combination of cheddar cheese, butter, and bacon elevates the taste to make every bite irresistible.
• Versatile Dish: These potatoes work great as a side for grilled meats, at holiday gatherings, or even as a tasty snack.
• Easy Cleanup: Cooking in the air fryer means less mess compared to traditional baking methods.
• Customizable Options: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or ingredients for a personal twist.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools makes cooking Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes easier and more efficient. Here’s what you need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowl
• Potato masher or electric mixer
• Sharp knife
• Fork
• Paper towel

Importance of Each Tool

• Air fryer: This tool cooks the potatoes evenly while giving them a crispy texture without excess oil.
• Mixing bowl: A sturdy bowl is essential for combining all your ingredients smoothly.
• Potato masher or electric mixer: These tools help achieve that perfectly creamy mashed potato texture.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make tasty Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes:

• 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 kosher salt.
3. Poke each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during cooking.

Step 2: Cook the Potatoes

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400ºF (204°C) for at least 3 minutes.
2. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket and cook for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
3. Check doneness by piercing with a toothpick; they should feel tender when done.

Step 3: Scoop Out Potato Flesh

1. Let the cooked potatoes cool for about 10 minutes until they’re easy 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 of potato in the skin.

Step 4: Make the Filling

1. Mash the scooped potato flesh using an electric mixer, hand mixer, or potato masher until smooth.
2. Add softened butter, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese, and sour cream into mashed potatoes; mix until combined.

Step 5: Stuff and Cook Again

1. Fill each potato shell with the mashed mixture evenly.
2. Sprinkle remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon over each half.
3. Place stuffed potatoes back in the air fryer basket and cook for another 5-7 minutes until cheese melts.

Step 6: Serve

Serve your Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes hot, garnished with chopped green onions if desired. Enjoy your delicious creation!

How to Serve Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes are not only delicious but also versatile. They can be served in various ways to complement your meal or as a stand-alone treat.

With a Fresh Salad

• A crisp garden salad adds a refreshing crunch that pairs well with the creamy potatoes.
• Try a Caesar salad for a classic combination of flavors.

As an Appetizer

• Cut the potatoes into smaller pieces and serve them as bite-sized appetizers at parties.
• Add toothpicks for easy serving and enjoyment.

Drizzled with Sour Cream

• A drizzle of extra sour cream enhances the richness of the dish.
• Top with fresh herbs like dill or parsley for added flavor.

Accompanied by Chili

• Serve these potatoes alongside a hearty bowl of chili for a comforting meal.
• The combination of flavors will keep everyone satisfied.

Garnished with Avocado

• Sliced or diced avocado offers a creamy texture that complements the cheesy potatoes.
• This addition also boosts the healthy fats in your dish.

Paired with Grilled Vegetables

• Grilled vegetables add color and nutrition to your plate, balancing out the richness of the potatoes.
• Bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus are excellent choices.

PIN THIS!

How to Perfect Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

To ensure you get the best results from your Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes, follow these helpful tips.

• Choose the right potatoes: Opt for medium russet potatoes for a fluffy interior and sturdy skin.
• Don’t skip the oil: Brushing olive oil on the skins helps achieve that crispy texture you desire.
• Check doneness: Use a fork or toothpick to test if the potatoes are tender before removing them from the air fryer.
• Mix thoroughly: Ensure all ingredients are well-combined when mashing to achieve a smooth filling.
• Control cheese melting: Keep an eye on melted cheese during the final cook time; you want it bubbly but not burnt.
• Customize toppings: Feel free to experiment with different toppings like jalapeños, chives, or even different types of cheese.

Best Side Dishes for Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes make an excellent side dish. Here are some great options to serve alongside them.

1. Garlic Bread: A classic favorite that complements almost any meal with its rich flavor.
2. Grilled Chicken: Juicy grilled chicken breasts provide protein and pair well with cheesy potatoes.
3. Steamed Broccoli: This nutritious vegetable adds color and balance to your plate without overpowering flavors.
4. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed in creamy dressing makes for a refreshing contrast.
5. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn is a delightful addition that brings summer flavors to your table.
6. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These vegetables offer a crispy texture that goes perfectly with soft baked potatoes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the Poking: Not poking holes in the potatoes can lead to explosions in your air fryer. Always poke several holes to allow steam to escape.
• Overcrowding the Basket: Placing too many potatoes at once can cause uneven cooking. Make sure there’s enough space for air circulation around each potato.
• Ignoring Cooking Time: Cooking times may vary based on potato size and air fryer model. Always check for doneness by piercing with a fork.
• Not Letting Them Cool: Cutting into hot potatoes can result in burns and messy scooping. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before handling.
• Forgetting Seasoning: Under-seasoning can lead to bland flavor. Don’t skip salt, pepper, and other seasonings in the mashed filling.

PIN THIS!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

• Wrap each potato tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.

Reheating Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat; cover and heat for about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes:

Can I use other types of potatoes?

Yes, you can use Yukon Gold or sweet potatoes. However, cooking times may vary slightly.

How do I make them healthier?

You can reduce the amount of cheese and sour cream or use Greek yogurt as a substitute for a lighter version.

Can I customize the toppings?

Absolutely! Feel free to add ingredients like jalapeños, different cheeses, or even vegetables for extra flavor.

How do I know when they are done?

The potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork, and the cheese should be melted and bubbly.

Final Thoughts

Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes are a delightful side dish that combines creamy flavors with crispy textures. They offer room for customization, so feel free to get creative with your toppings! Whether it’s a holiday meal or a casual dinner, these potatoes are sure to impress everyone at your table.