Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes are a delightful twist on a classic favorite. This recipe combines the creamy, cheesy goodness of twice-baked potatoes with the efficiency of an air fryer. They make for a fantastic side dish for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or simply as a comforting snack at home. Each bite offers a crispy exterior and a rich filling, making them irresistible.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: These potatoes can be ready in just 45 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Cheesy Goodness: Packed with melted cheddar cheese and creamy sour cream, each bite is flavorful and satisfying.
Versatile Topping Options: Customize your potatoes with various toppings like bacon bits or green onions to suit your taste.
Healthier Option: Cooking in the air fryer means less oil than traditional frying methods while still delivering that crispy texture.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday feast or a casual dinner, these potatoes fit right in.

Tools and Preparation

To make Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes efficiently, you’ll need some essential tools. Gathering them beforehand will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Air fryer
Sharp knife
Mixing bowl
Potato masher or electric mixer

Importance of Each Tool

Air fryer: This tool cooks the potatoes quickly while giving them a crispy skin that you can’t achieve in the oven.
Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to mix all ingredients thoroughly without making a mess.
Potato masher or electric mixer: This helps achieve the perfect creamy texture for the filling, ensuring an enjoyable eating experience.

Ingredients

To create these delicious Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes, you’ll need the following ingredients:

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

Wash and dry the whole potatoes with a paper towel. Brush each potato with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Poke each potato several times with the tines of a fork.

Step 2: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400ºF (204°C) for at least 3 minutes, or according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 3: Cook the Potatoes

Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket and cook for 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Check doneness by piercing them with a toothpick or fork; they should be tender when fully cooked.

Step 4: Cool Down

Let the cooked potatoes cool for about 10 minutes until they are easy to handle.

Step 5: Scoop Out Potato Flesh

With a sharp knife, cut each potato in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out most of the potato flesh, leaving a thin layer to keep the skin intact.

Step 6: Mash Potato Insides

In a large bowl, mash the scooped potato insides using an electric mixer, hand mixer, or potato masher.

Step 7: Mix Ingredients

Add softened butter, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, and sour cream. Mix until smooth.

Step 8: Fill Potato Shells

Fill each potato shell with the mashed mixture. Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese and bacon bits evenly over each half.

Step 9: Final Cook

Place stuffed potatoes back in the air fryer basket and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until cheese is melted and heated through.

Step 10: Serve

Serve these delightful twice baked potatoes hot and garnish with chopped green onions if desired. Enjoy!

How to Serve Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes can be a delightful addition to any meal. Their creamy, cheesy filling pairs well with various dishes and can be served in numerous ways.

As a Main Dish

Add a side salad for a complete meal. A fresh garden salad with vinaigrette complements the richness of the potatoes.
Serve alongside grilled chicken or steak. The savory flavors work perfectly together.

With Toppings

Top with extra cheese and sour cream. This adds an indulgent touch and enhances the flavor.
Sprinkle with fresh herbs like chives or parsley. It brings freshness and a pop of color.

As an Appetizer

Cut into smaller portions for bite-sized appetizers. These can be great for parties or gatherings.
Serve with dipping sauces like ranch or BBQ. The added flavors will surprise your guests.

For Meal Prep

Store leftovers in airtight containers for easy meals later in the week. Simply reheat them in the air fryer for quick servings.
Pair with different proteins throughout the week to keep meals interesting.

How to Perfect Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

To achieve the best results with your Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes, follow these tips for perfect texture and flavor every time.

Choose the right potatoes: Use medium-sized russet potatoes for the best texture; they are fluffy when baked.
Preheat your air fryer: Always preheat to ensure even cooking of your potatoes, resulting in a crispy skin.
Don’t overfill: When stuffing the potato skins, leave some space at the top; this allows cheese to melt without spilling over.
Experiment with flavors: Add spices or different cheeses to customize your filling according to taste preferences.
Check doneness carefully: Use a fork or toothpick to test if potatoes are tender before removing from the air fryer.
Let cool slightly before serving: Allowing them to cool for a few minutes helps set the filling and makes it easier to eat.

Best Side Dishes for Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

Pairing your Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal experience. Here are some fantastic options.

Grilled Asparagus: Lightly seasoned grilled asparagus adds a crisp contrast to creamy potatoes.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Caramelized Brussels sprouts provide a nutty flavor that balances rich fillings well.
Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad offers crunch and tanginess, making it an excellent refreshing side.
Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any additional toppings you may add on your potatoes.
Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds brightness and sweetness, creating a delightful combination with savory potatoes.
Stuffed Mushrooms: Flavorful stuffed mushrooms can serve as an elegant pairing that enhances your dinner presentation.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw can provide crunch and acidity, cutting through the richness of twice baked potatoes.
Baked Beans: Smoky baked beans add heartiness and depth, complementing the flavors beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes, a few common pitfalls can lead to less than perfect results. Here’s how to steer clear of them.

Skipping the Poking: Failing to poke holes in the potatoes can cause them to explode during cooking. Always poke them several times with a fork to allow steam to escape.
Not Preheating the Air Fryer: Skipping the preheating step can result in uneven cooking. Preheat your air fryer for optimal results and a perfectly cooked potato.
Overfilling the Potato Skins: Stuffing the skins too much can lead to messy results. Fill them generously but leave a bit of space for the cheese and toppings to melt without spilling over.
Ignoring Cooking Time: Cooking potatoes for too long or too short affects texture. Monitor cooking time closely and check for doneness by piercing them with a fork.
Forgetting Garnishes: Neglecting toppings like green onions can make your dish less appealing. Don’t skip this step; garnishes add both flavor and presentation.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

Wrap each potato tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

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 regularly until hot.
Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes, along with their answers.

Can I use other types of potatoes?

Yes, you can use Yukon Gold or sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile.

How do I make Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes healthier?

Consider using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and reducing cheese quantity for a lighter version.

What toppings can I add to Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes?

Feel free to customize with toppings like jalapeños, chives, or different types of cheese according to your taste!

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare and stuff the potatoes, then store them in the fridge before reheating when ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize them with your favorite ingredients or toppings. Whether as an everyday side dish or a festive treat, they are sure to impress your family and friends. Give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!

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Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

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Author: Tina
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes are a delicious and innovative take on the classic dish that combines convenience with flavor. This recipe offers a creamy, cheesy filling encased in a perfectly crispy skin, all thanks to the air fryer. Ideal for family dinners, holiday feasts, or as a comforting snack, these potatoes are sure to impress everyone at the table. With quick preparation and customizable toppings, they are not just easy to make but also versatile enough to suit any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

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
Optional: crumbled bacon and chopped green onions for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat the air fryer to 400ºF (204°C).
Wash the potatoes, brush with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and poke holes with a fork.
Cook in the air fryer for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Cool for 10 minutes, then cut in half and scoop out most of the flesh.
In a bowl, mash the potato flesh and mix with butter, seasonings, cheese, and sour cream until smooth.
Fill each potato skin with the mixture and top with remaining cheese and bacon bits.
Return to the air fryer for an additional 5-7 minutes until cheese is melted.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American