Description
Crispy Air Fryer Potato Skins are the perfect game night bites, featuring golden, crunchy russet potato skins loaded with melted cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and topped with cool sour cream and fresh chives. This easy-to-make snack combines crispy textures with savory flavors and comes together quickly using an air fryer for a healthier alternative to deep-frying.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 4 medium russet potatoes (baked)
Seasoning and Oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- ½ cup sour cream (for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons chives or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bake Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Bake 4 medium russet potatoes directly on the oven rack for 45-50 minutes, or until a fork easily pierces through them. Allow potatoes to cool slightly to handle safely.
- Prepare Potato Skins: Slice each potato in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out most of the flesh, leaving about a ¼-inch thick potato layer to keep the skin intact and sturdy. Reserve the scooped potato flesh for another recipe or use later.
- Season and Oil Skins: Lightly brush both the interior and exterior surfaces of the potato skins with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly on all sides to enhance flavor.
- Air Fry Skins: Arrange the seasoned potato skins in a single layer in the air fryer basket, placing them skin side down. Air fry at 400°F (204°C) for 5-7 minutes until they become golden brown and crispy.
- Add Cheese and Bacon: Remove the basket carefully, then evenly distribute 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and ½ cup of crumbled bacon over the inside of each potato skin. Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.
- Garnish and Serve: Carefully remove the finished potato skins from the air fryer. Top each with a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle with chopped chives or green onions for brightness and freshness. Serve immediately for best crispness.
Notes
- To save time, bake the potatoes ahead or use leftover baked potatoes.
- You can substitute cheddar cheese with your favorite melting cheese like mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon or substitute with vegetarian bacon bits.
- Ensure skins are dry before brushing with oil to maximize crispiness.
- Adjust air fryer time slightly based on your model to avoid burning.
- Saved potato flesh can be mashed or added to soups and stews for zero waste.
