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Nothing says comfort food quite like crispy, cheesy, and savory potato skins done right, and that is exactly what you get with this fabulous Air Fryer Potato Skins Recipe. These golden, perfectly crisp potato skins are loaded with melted cheddar and smoky bacon, all made effortlessly in the air fryer for a quick, healthier twist on a classic appetizer. Whether you’re craving a snack for game day or a tasty side for dinner, these potato skins deliver satisfying crunch and flavor in every bite. I just love how easy and rewarding this recipe is—it quickly becomes a family favorite once you try it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, accessible, and each one plays a crucial role in building the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and aroma. From the humble russet potato’s fluffy interior to the bold seasoning and melty cheese, every addition counts.
- 8 small russet potatoes: Choose firm potatoes with smooth skins for the best crispiness and easy scooping.
- 2 tablespoons Roasted Garlic Infused Oil, divided: Adds a subtle roasted garlic aroma and helps achieve that crispy golden finish.
- 1½ teaspoons Garlic Pepper Seasoning, divided: A zesty seasoning to highlight the savory notes and add a little kick.
- 2 cups shredded mild Cheddar cheese: Melted cheddar brings creamy richness and irresistibly gooey texture.
- ½ pound bacon slices, cooked and crumbled (about 1 cup): Crispy bacon pieces add smoky, salty perfection that complements the potatoes beautifully.
- Sliced green onions and sour cream (optional): Classic garnishes to brighten and cool each savory bite with fresh flavor and creaminess.
How to Make Air Fryer Potato Skins Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Start by scrubbing your russet potatoes thoroughly and pierce each one several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during cooking. Then, brush them with one tablespoon of that delightful roasted garlic infused oil and sprinkle one teaspoon of garlic pepper seasoning evenly over the skins. This simple step seals in flavor and sets the stage for crispy, well-seasoned skins.
Step 2: Air Fry the Potatoes
Place the prepared potatoes directly in your air fryer basket—there’s no need to preheat the air fryer, which saves you a bit of time. Set the temperature to 400°F and air fry for 40 minutes until fork-tender. This slow roast creates a fluffy interior while crisping up the skin beautifully. Once done, let them cool enough to handle safely.
Step 3: Scoop and Season the Skins
Carefully halve each potato and scoop out most of the flesh, leaving just a thin layer to keep the skins sturdy. Set the spooned-out potato meat aside for another use like creamy mashed potatoes or hash browns. Then, brush the inside of each potato half with the remaining tablespoon of roasted garlic infused oil, and finish with the last half teaspoon of garlic pepper seasoning for that extra flavor pop inside the skins.
Step 4: Crisp the Potato Skins
Return the potato halves to the air fryer, skin-side down. Air fry again at 400°F for 3 to 4 minutes until the insides turn golden brown and start to crisp. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect crunch and enhancing the flavor depth of the skins.
Step 5: Add Toppings and Finish
Remove the skins briefly, then generously load each one with shredded mild cheddar and crumbled cooked bacon. Return them to the air fryer for another 2 to 3 minutes to melt the cheese until it’s bubbly and slightly golden. The combination of warm, melted cheese and crispy bacon is pure magic and makes the potato skins totally irresistible.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Top your hot potato skins with fresh sliced green onions and a dollop of sour cream if you like. These garnishes add a refreshing contrast in both flavor and texture, rounding out the savory richness perfectly. Serve immediately while everything is warm and the skins are at their crispiest.
How to Serve Air Fryer Potato Skins Recipe
Garnishes
Sliced green onions bring a vibrant pop of color and a mild onion bite that complements the smoky bacon and cheese beautifully. Sour cream adds a silky, cooling effect that balances the savory intensity and invites you to savor each rich bite even more.
Side Dishes
This Air Fryer Potato Skins Recipe pairs wonderfully with fresh garden salads, tangy coleslaw, or roasted veggies to add some lighter greens alongside the rich potato skins. For a heartier meal, try serving with grilled chicken or a juicy burger—the potato skins act as a perfect crispy sidekick.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the potato skins on a slate board or wooden platter with small bowls of various dips like guacamole, salsa, or ranch dressing. Layered with different colored cheeses or sprinkle smoked paprika or chives on top for visual pop and flavor variety. These ideas make the dish party-ready and inviting for any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers—though unlikely—they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep garnishes like sour cream separate until ready to serve to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked potato skins, but for best texture, freeze only after the potato halves have been air fried and cooled. Wrap each piece tightly and store in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw in the fridge before reheating to ensure even warming.
Reheating
Reheat leftover potato skins in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve that original crunch and cheesy melt.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of potato for this recipe?
Russet potatoes are preferred for their fluffy interior and sturdy skin perfect for crisping, but you can experiment with other baking potatoes like Yukon Gold. Just note that thinner skins may not hold up as well in the air fryer.
Do I need to preheat my air fryer before cooking?
No need to preheat your air fryer for this dish. You can place the potatoes directly in the basket and set the temperature; this saves time and still yields fantastic results.
Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, the ingredients in the Air Fryer Potato Skins Recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check that your seasoning blends and bacon don’t contain any gluten additives to be safe.
Can I make these potato skins vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and consider adding sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or black beans for extra flavor and texture without the meat.
How crunchy do the potato skins get in the air fryer?
Using the air fryer yields beautifully crispy skins that are crunchy on the outside yet tender inside, thanks to the hot circulating air. This makes the skins pleasantly crisp without excess oil.
Final Thoughts
Whipping up this Air Fryer Potato Skins Recipe is one of those kitchen wins that feels both indulgent and perfectly doable. Whether you’re entertaining friends or just treating yourself, these skins bring all the warmth, crunch, and melty cheesiness you want from a classic snack. Give this recipe a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without such an effortlessly delicious, crowd-pleasing treat!
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Air Fryer Potato Skins Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These crispy Air Fryer Potato Skins make a perfect appetizer or snack. With a crunchy exterior and savory toppings of cheddar cheese, bacon, and optional green onions and sour cream, they deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort. Using an air fryer ensures a crispy, golden texture without the need for deep frying.
Ingredients
Potatoes and Seasoning
- 8 small russet potatoes, scrubbed
- 2 tablespoons Roasted Garlic Infused Oil, divided
- 1½ teaspoons Garlic Pepper Seasoning, divided
Toppings
- 2 cups shredded mild Cheddar cheese
- ½ pound bacon slices, cooked and crumbled (about 1 cup)
- Sliced green onions, optional for garnish
- Sour cream, optional for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Potatoes: Pierce each scrubbed russet potato several times with a fork. Rub or brush each potato with 1 tablespoon of Roasted Garlic Infused Oil and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of Garlic Pepper Seasoning evenly over the surface.
- Air Fry Potatoes: Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket or on the lowest rack of the air fryer. Set the air fryer temperature to 400°F and air fry for 40 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Once cooked, remove and allow the potatoes to cool enough to handle.
- Scoop and Season: When cooled, slice each potato in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out the flesh, reserving it for another use like mashed potatoes. Brush the inside of the potato skins with the remaining 1 tablespoon of Roasted Garlic Infused Oil and sprinkle with the remaining ½ teaspoon of Garlic Pepper Seasoning.
- Crisp the Skins: Place the potato skins skin-side down back into the air fryer basket or rack. Air fry again at 400°F for 3 to 4 minutes, until the inside surfaces are nicely browned and crispy.
- Add Toppings: Remove the skins from the air fryer and top each with shredded mild Cheddar cheese and the crumbled cooked bacon. Return to the air fryer and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the air fryer and garnish with sliced green onions and a dollop of sour cream as desired. Serve the potato skins warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Russet potatoes work best for crispy skins due to their thick skin and starchy texture.
- You can substitute bacon with cooked sausage or omit for a vegetarian version.
- Leftover scooped potato flesh can be used to make mashed potatoes or added to soups.
- Adjust air fryer times slightly based on the size of your potatoes and your particular air fryer model.
- For extra crispy skins, flip and air fry briefly after adding toppings.
