Ultimate Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes: Crispy, Creamy & Effortlessly Delicious

Prepare to elevate your side dish game with these incredible Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes! Imagine a potato that’s perfectly crispy on the outside, yet unbelievably soft and creamy on the inside, bursting with savory flavors. This recipe transforms a classic comfort food into an easy, quick, and undeniably delicious dish, perfect as a satisfying side or a light, flavorful meal.

There’s something truly special about a twice-baked potato. Historically reserved for fancy restaurant dinners, this indulgent side dish has long been a favorite. But what if you could recreate that gourmet experience in your own kitchen with minimal effort? Thanks to the air fryer, you can! Now, you can easily pair a perfectly soft and fluffy twice-baked potato with a juicy air fryer filet mignon steak, flaky salmon, or crispy air fryer chicken wings for an elevated weeknight meal or a special occasion at home.

Using your air fryer simplifies the process, making these decadent potatoes accessible whenever a craving strikes. No more waiting for a special dinner out – bring the restaurant experience right to your dining table.

Why Air Fryer is Perfect for Twice Baked Potatoes

If you’re wondering why the air fryer is the go-to appliance for this recipe, the answer is simple: efficiency and superior texture. An air fryer circulates hot air rapidly, cooking potatoes faster and creating an incredibly crispy skin that a traditional oven often struggles to achieve in the same timeframe. This method also results in a perfectly cooked, fluffy interior, which is essential before scooping it out for the second bake. Plus, it uses less energy and doesn’t heat up your kitchen like a conventional oven, making it ideal for any season.

More Delicious Air Fryer Potato Inspirations

Potatoes are incredibly versatile, and the air fryer unlocks their full potential. If you’re looking to explore more potato recipes, we’ve got you covered. For a side with a little kick, try our air fryer home fries – they’re the perfect accompaniment to any breakfast or dinner. Craving something heartier? Our easy air fryer steak fries, comforting air fryer potato wedges, and nostalgic air fryer tater tots are all fantastic options that prove just how amazing potatoes can be when air-fried.

You’ll fall in love with this recipe not just for its incredible flavor and texture, but also for its sheer simplicity. It’s much easier and quicker to achieve that perfect “twice baked” result in the air fryer compared to lengthy oven baking. Moreover, it’s incredibly customizable; you can fill them with whatever delightful mix-ins your heart desires!

These potatoes are also fantastic for meal prepping. You can bake the potatoes and prepare the filling ahead of time, storing them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, simply scoop the filling back into the skins and air fry until heated through and golden. They pair wonderfully with this frozen chicken breast recipe for a convenient and delicious meal.

Essential Ingredients for Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

To create these delightful potatoes, you’ll need a reliable air fryer. For this recipe, I personally use my Cosori 5.8 quart basket-style air fryer, which consistently delivers excellent results. Beyond the air fryer itself, gather these simple yet flavorful ingredients:

• Russet Potatoes: These are ideal for baking due to their high starch content, which results in a fluffy interior.
• Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the potato filling.
• Olive Oil: Used to coat the potato skins, helping them achieve that irresistible crispness.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Basic seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the potato and filling.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Provides a sharp, cheesy flavor and creamy texture to the filling, melting beautifully on top.
• Crumbled Bacon: Offers a salty, smoky crunch that perfectly complements the creamy potato.
• Sour Cream: Contributes a tangy creaminess, making the filling extra smooth and flavorful.

Optional additions: Fresh chives or green onions for a pop of color and a mild oniony flavor, perfect for garnish.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

Follow these simple steps to create perfectly crispy and creamy twice-baked potatoes in your air fryer:

1. Prepare the Potatoes: Begin by thoroughly washing and scrubbing each Russet potato under cold water to remove any dirt. Pat them completely dry with a paper towel. This is crucial for achieving a crispy skin. Using a fork, pierce each potato about 10 to 12 times all over. These small holes allow steam to escape during cooking, preventing the potatoes from bursting and ensuring even cooking.
2. First Air Fryer Cook: Place the prepared potatoes in the air fryer basket. Gently brush each potato generously with olive oil to coat the outer skin; this is key to a golden, crispy exterior. Then, sprinkle them evenly with salt and black pepper. Return the basket to the air fryer and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 40 to 45 minutes. Cooking time may vary depending on the size of your potatoes and your specific air fryer model. You’ll know they’re done when they are fork-tender and the skin is visibly crispy.
3. Scoop Out the Filling: Once the potatoes are cooked through, carefully remove them from the air fryer and place them on a cutting board to cool slightly. Once they’re cool enough to handle, cut each potato lengthwise in half. Using a large spoon or a portion scoop, gently remove the soft baked potato filling from each half. Be careful not to tear the potato skin; leave about a quarter of an inch of potato flesh inside the skin to maintain its structural integrity for refilling.




4. Prepare the Filling: Transfer the scooped-out potato filling into a medium-sized mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer or a large fork to mash the potato until it’s smooth and fluffy, just like mashed potatoes. Then, add in the softened butter, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon. Stir all the ingredients together until they are well combined and evenly distributed, creating a rich and creamy mixture.




5. Second Air Fryer Cook: Generously scoop the potato mixture back into the empty potato skins until each one is filled and mounded. Arrange the filled potatoes back into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not stacked or overlapping. This allows the hot air to circulate properly and cook them evenly. Air fry again at 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the topping is slightly golden. Cooking times can vary, so keep an eye on them.

What to Serve with Your Twice Baked Potatoes

These versatile air fryer twice baked potatoes are a show-stopping side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Consider serving them alongside:

• Grilled or Roasted Meats: Steak, chicken, pork chops, or lamb are classic pairings.
• Seafood: Baked salmon, pan-seared scallops, or even air fryer scallops offer a lighter but equally satisfying combination.
• Hearty Vegetarian Meals: They can even be the star of the plate, perhaps alongside a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.

For more easy side dish ideas to complement any meal, explore our recipes for air fryer Red Robin steak fries, delicious air fryer Babybel cheese, or adventurous air fryer armadillo eggs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

To store any uneaten potatoes, allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for 3-4 days. While they are always best when fresh and hot, reheating them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes will bring back their crispiness and warmth. You can also reheat them in a conventional oven.

Do I have to use Cheddar Cheese?

Absolutely not! While I personally love using high-quality Tillamook cheeses for their rich flavor in this recipe, you have full creative freedom. Cheeses like Swiss, Monterey Jack, Colby, or a spicy Pepper Jack would all add distinct and delicious flavors to your twice-baked potatoes. Feel free to experiment with your favorite melting cheese!

Do I have to add bacon? What other mix-ins can I use?

Bacon adds a fantastic smoky and salty element, but it’s entirely optional. This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to customize it with your favorite mix-ins. Consider adding finely chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick, diced bell peppers for sweetness and color, sautéed mushrooms for an earthy depth, or caramelized onions for a savory touch. Other popular additions include shredded cooked chicken, leftover pulled pork, or a sprinkle of herbs like fresh rosemary or thyme. The possibilities are endless – let your creativity guide you!

More Must-Try Air Fryer Potato Recipes

Ready for more potato perfection from your air fryer? Check out these other fantastic recipes:

• Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes
• Air Fryer Loaded Baked Potatoes
• Air Fryer Potato Skins
• Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes
• Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes

New to the world of air frying? If you’re just getting started, our comprehensive article on What is an Air Fryer is a fantastic resource. It covers everything from what you can cook, to how to effectively use your new appliance, and much more.

Looking for the BEST accessories to enhance your air frying experience? We’ve compiled a list of our favorite Air Fryer Accessories to help you make the most of your culinary adventures.

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