Potato skins are the ultimate comfort food. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with flavor, they make for a perfect appetizer, snack, or even a light meal. As someone who loves cooking, I’m always searching for ways to make classic recipes easier without sacrificing taste. Enter the Air Fryer! It’s the secret to achieving that perfectly crispy texture without deep frying. The best part? It’s quick, healthier, and easy to make.
If you love potato skins as much as I do, this air fryer version is a total game-changer. With minimal prep and just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a batch of crispy, golden potato skins in no time. Whether you’re preparing for a family gathering or just craving a savory snack, this recipe will surely become a go-to in your kitchen!
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Potatoes: These are the star of the show. Choose medium-sized russet potatoes as they have the perfect balance of starchiness and texture, allowing them to crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
Olive Oil: A light drizzle of olive oil will help achieve that golden, crispy skin. It also adds a hint of richness and flavor to the potato skins. You can substitute with any other cooking oil you prefer.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar is the classic cheese for potato skins. It melts beautifully and gives the skins a nice sharp flavor that pairs perfectly with the potato’s mildness.
Bacon Bits: Bacon bits give a smoky, savory crunch to every bite of your potato skins. If you want an extra touch of flavor, cook and chop your own bacon for a fresher taste.
Sour Cream: For a cool and creamy finish, sour cream is a must. It adds a tangy balance to the richness of the cheese and bacon.
Green Onions: Fresh green onions add a pop of color and a mild oniony flavor that complements the other ingredients. They also make for a great garnish!
Ingredients List
- 4 medium-sized russet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon bits
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
How to Make Air Fryer Potato Skins
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Start by washing and scrubbing the potatoes thoroughly. Pat them dry with a towel, then poke a few holes in each potato with a fork. This allows steam to escape while cooking. Rub the potatoes with olive oil, ensuring they’re evenly coated, then season them with a pinch of salt.
Step 2: Air Fry the Potatoes
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the whole potatoes into the air fryer basket and cook for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. The potatoes should be fork-tender when done.
Step 3: Scoop Out the Flesh
Allow the potatoes to cool for a few minutes after cooking. Once they’re cool enough to handle, slice them in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out most of the flesh, leaving a thin border of potato around the skin.
Step 4: Air Fry the Potato Skins
Brush the hollowed-out potato skins with more olive oil and season with salt. Place them back into the air fryer basket, skin side up, and cook at 400°F (200°C) for an additional 5-7 minutes, until they’re golden and crispy.
Step 5: Add the Toppings
Once the skins are crispy, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese and bacon bits into each potato skin. Return the skins to the air fryer for another 2-3 minutes, until the cheese has melted.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the potato skins from the air fryer and top with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of green onions. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Choose the right potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe due to their texture. Avoid waxy potatoes as they won’t crisp up as nicely.
- Customize the toppings: Feel free to get creative with the toppings. Add a little jalapeño for spice, or try a different cheese, like Monterey Jack for a milder flavor.
- Crispiness: For extra crispy skins, air fry them a little longer, but be careful not to burn them.
- Reheat leftovers: Leftover potato skins can be reheated in the air fryer for a quick crisp-up. Just set it to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use frozen potato skins?
Yes, you can use frozen potato skins, but be sure to follow the instructions on the package for air frying. If you’re using homemade ones, they can be frozen before baking, and then air fried when you’re ready to eat.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover potato skins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. You can reheat them in the air fryer to bring back the crispy texture.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the potato skins and toppings in advance, then store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just pop them in the air fryer to melt the cheese and crisp up the skins.
Can I make these without bacon?
Yes, you can easily omit the bacon for a vegetarian version. Add extra vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for added flavor!