Air Fryer Potato Skins

I fell in love with these air fryer potato skins ready in minutes, and they work perfectly as an appetizer or a side dish for everyone. Got some baked potatoes leftover? BAM! Transform them into crispy and soft potato skins, generously piled with melted cheese, savory bacon bits, cool sour cream, and fresh green onions.

These homemade wonders are your go-to recipe for any game day. Seriously, they’re just like the ones at TGI Fridays, but way better since your air fryer does the work!

Let’s be real, air fryers make cooking SO MUCH EASIER. If you don’t have one yet, I’m telling you, GO GET ONE! I was a skeptic, too, but now? It’s my go-to kitchen gadget. I literally use it ALL the time. Some of my absolute favorite things to cook in it? Definitely my easy chicken recipe, or Frozen Meatballs and of course, the most AMAZING butternut squash.

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Why the Air Fryer is Your New Potato Skin Pal

Listen up: The air fryer is not JUST a trend; it’s a kitchen wizard! Think about it—perfect crispiness WITHOUT all that greasy, deep-fried guilt. When my husband first made these in the air fryer, I literally said “WOWWW,” that was quick. The magic of hot air is just perfect for making potato skins that are crispy on the outside and perfectly soft inside. I used to have them just when we went to pubs; now I have these weekly thanks to the air fryer and my friend’s tips. Plus, the prep and cook time is like, 20 MINUTES to prep AND cook. Can you say ‘WINNER WINNER’?!

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Ingredients You Need (Spoiler Alert: It’s NOT Complicated!)

Okay, before you run to the store or kitchen, check your cabinets and grab these super easy things:

• 4 medium-sized Russet potatoes (the BIG ones are best!).
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil (makes the skin extra crunchy)
• Salt and black pepper (I like a LOT of both).
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix; I’m ALL for Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack!)
• ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled (because…BACON).
• ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt for serving (adds a little oomph to your bite!).
• Optional: Chopped green onions, for garnish (they make them look FANCY)

See? Super easy ingredients for an ALL-STAR appetizer. It’s that SIMPLE. You will find ALL of this in your everyday supermarket, no stress needed, trust me!

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How To Make Air Fryer Potato Skins

Alright, I won’t keep you waiting; here is the rundown, like A B C EASY steps, are here to the PERFECT air fryer potato skins:

PREP THE POTATOES:

First, make sure you wash and scrub the potatoes good; we don’t need any surprises in our food. Dry those bad boys with a paper towel. Then use a fork, poke those babies multiple times—we don’t need explosions, right? After this is done, take about half tablespoon of olive oil per potato, add a little pinch of salt and black pepper, and massage the skin and potato. It feels so good doing it. This gets the potatoes ready for a HOT AIR adventure!

AIR FRY THOSE BAD BOYS:

Pre-heat your air fryer at 400°F (200°C). Place those oily potatoes into the air fryer basket. Set it to cook for 40 to 50 minutes. You’ll know when they’re done when a fork slides easily into the middle, nice and smooth, like BUTTER!

LET Air Fryer Potato Skins COOL:

Let those babies cool just a bit. Handle with care; these potatoes are HOT, remember?

SCOOP IT OUT:

Cut those taters lengthwise (the long way) then grab a spoon, and scoop out the inside of the potatoes. Leave about ¼ inch of potato with the skin, just enough for a good structure, but not too thick. We’re making edible bowls, guys. I always say you need some kinda technique, lol.

PREPARE FOR ROUND TWO OF AIR FRYING: 

Drizzle those potato skin bowls with more oil. If you feel fancy, brush a thin layer on them, I love a little extra crispiness; it is A MUST for a chef’s kiss type of flavor.

ADD THAT GOODNESS: 

It’s cheesy, bacony time; add cheese and bacon INSIDE and spread the mixture. And NOW, you’re set for the next round of cooking.

AIR FRY ROUND 2 :

Put your loaded skins back in that air fryer and let them bake for about 5 minutes. Set your time. The magic time should be enough to get the cheese melted and slightly brown.

PLATE IT, GRAB IT: 

Remove carefully from the fryer; those potatoes are HOT. You can even garnish with chopped green onions and serve them immediately with sour cream or yogurt (it just ties everything up, trust me).

ENJOY YOUR Air Fryer Potato Skins: 

BAAAM!! You just made THE MOST amazing air fryer potato skins! Time to share them… Or not! I understand… LOL!

See? It is like following a recipe for your bestie, no fancy things needed! I just shared the secrets and now it’s YOUR turn!

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Tips for SUPER AMAZING Air Fryer Potato Skins

• POTATO SIZE: Use larger potatoes so they make sturdy skin bowls. It’s kinda a game changer for good scoops!
• GO wild with Fillings: Don’t stop at cheese and bacon. Think jalapenos, chives, peppers, any toppings you want can go INSIDE! It’s the MOST creative step, you’ll love it!
• PRE-COOK THE BACON Use bacon pre cooked or use the ready-to-eat bacon option to make everything FASTER. It’s more simple like this!
• CRISP IT UP: You might need a few extra minutes to crisp the skins more (it’s different with all the machines), make them as CRISPY as YOU like it, always checking so you do not get a black potato.
• PREPARE in Advance: Bake potatoes ahead and scoop out. Keep them covered, you’ll save precious time when guests show up; I know it helps me a lot.
• KEEP YOUR CHEESE LEVEL AT 1/2 A CUP: Keep that quantity if you are new in the world of cooking; if not go ham on that! You want those babies super cheesy, right?

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Why This Recipe Works ?

Honestly, these air fryer potato skins are so great because they’re just plain SIMPLE. If you can do basic stuff, then this recipe is totally made for YOU! Plus, using an air fryer cuts out ALL the greasy part and helps create crispy results in less time. You can do it anytime, week night, parties; you NAME it. With very simple ingredients and minimal effort, you get a flavor packed, totally awesome appetizer (or MEAL if you’re like me!) every time. You also will save SO much time making these babies than just using the regular method! You won’t want anything else for your appetizer.

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Time to Feast!

So there it is, your official pass to AIR FRYER POTATO SKIN PARADISE! I mean, who wouldn’t love that? Easy to do and perfect to eat; what are you waiting for?

Remember to use that recipe when you can and experiment with toppings to make these your OWN little babies! Don’t forget to tell me in the comments below all your secret ingredient or tips! Share them with ME. Now, let’s get those air fryers HOT, and get ready for something GREAT!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

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