Indulge in a healthier take on a classic appetizer with these irresistible Air Fryer Potato Skins. Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, these potato skins are bursting with flavor and come together in a fraction of the time compared to traditional oven-baked methods.
They’re perfect for a quick and easy snack, a delicious game-day spread, or a fun addition to your next party platter.
Ingredients
- Russet potatoes (2-3)
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon)
- Salt
- Pepper
- Shredded cheese (1/2 cup) – cheddar, pepper jack, or your favorite
- Optional toppings: chopped bacon, chives, sour cream, ranch dressing
Instructions
1. Prep the Potatoes: Wash and dry the potatoes. Cut them in half lengthwise.
2. Scoop the Flesh: Use a spoon to scoop out most of the flesh from the potato halves, leaving a thin layer around the skin. You can save the scooped flesh for another recipe like mashed potatoes or potato soup.
3. Season the Skins: Drizzle the inside of each potato skin with olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper.
4. Pre-Cook the Skins (Optional): If you want extra crispy skins, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the empty potato skins for 5 minutes, skin side down.
5. Add Cheese (or Other Toppings): Remove the potato skins from the air fryer and fill them with your desired amount of shredded cheese. You can also add other toppings now, like crumbled bacon.
6. Cook Until Crispy: Reduce the air fryer temperature to 350°F (175°C) and cook the potato skins for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the skins are crispy.
7. Garnish and Serve: Watch closely to avoid burning. Once cooked through, remove the potato skins from the air fryer and garnish with chopped chives or green onions (optional). Serve immediately with sour cream or ranch dressing for dipping.
Tips
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the potato skins in batches if necessary for even crisping.
- Cooking times can vary depending on the size and thickness of your potato skins and your air fryer model. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of cooking to avoid burning.
- Experiment with different toppings! You can try shredded chicken, chili, or even crumbled sausage.
Enjoy your delicious Air Fryer Potato Skins!