Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes are a delightful and versatile side dish that combines the rich flavors of cheese and bacon with the fluffy texture of perfectly baked potatoes. Ideal for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or casual weeknight meals, this recipe is sure to impress. With the air fryer, you can achieve crispy skins and creamy fillings in a fraction of the time compared to traditional baking methods.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: This recipe takes only 45 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy days.
Flavor-Packed: The combination of cheddar cheese, sour cream, and bacon creates an irresistible taste that everyone will love.
Versatile Serving Options: Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes can be served as a side dish or even as a main course with added protein.
Healthier Cooking Method: Using an air fryer reduces the amount of oil needed, offering a lighter alternative to traditional baking.
Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to swap out ingredients or add extras like vegetables for a personalized touch.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin making Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes, gather your tools and prepare your workspace. Having everything ready will streamline the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Air fryer
Mixing bowl
Electric mixer or potato masher
Sharp knife
Fork
Paper towels

Importance of Each Tool

Air fryer: It cooks the potatoes quickly while providing a crispy texture without excess oil.
Mixing bowl: This allows you to combine all ingredients easily for a smooth filling.
Electric mixer or potato masher: These tools help achieve the perfect creamy consistency for your mashed potatoes.
Sharp knife: Essential for safely cutting the potatoes in half without damaging the skin.

Ingredients

To prepare 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, then 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: Cook the Potatoes

Preheat your air fryer to 400ºF (204°C) for at least 3 minutes.
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; they should be tender when fully cooked.

Step 3: Cool and Scoop

Let the cooked potatoes cool for about 10 minutes until they are easy to handle.
With a sharp knife, cut each potato in half lengthwise.
Carefully scoop out most of the potato flesh, leaving a thin layer to keep the skin intact.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

In a large bowl, mash the scooped potato insides using an electric mixer or potato masher.
Add softened butter, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese, and sour cream.
Mix all ingredients into the mashed potatoes until smooth.

Step 5: Stuff and Cook Again

Fill the potato shells with the mashed potato mixture evenly.
Sprinkle remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese and bacon bits over each potato half.
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 6: Serve

Serve these perfect side dishes hot and garnish with chopped green onions if desired. Enjoy your delicious Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes!

How to Serve Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes are versatile and can be served in many delightful ways. Whether you want a simple meal or an elegant side dish, these potatoes fit the bill perfectly.

As a Main Dish

You can enjoy them as a hearty main course by adding proteins like grilled chicken or steak on the side for a complete meal.

With Salad

Pair them with a fresh garden salad for a light and refreshing touch. The crispness of the salad complements the creamy filling beautifully.

At Gatherings

Serve these potatoes at parties or family gatherings. They are easy to share and always a crowd-pleaser, making them perfect for potlucks.

Topped with Extras

Consider adding toppings such as sour cream, chives, or jalapeños. This customization allows guests to add their favorite flavors.

As Holiday Side Dishes

These potatoes make excellent holiday side dishes, especially during Thanksgiving and Christmas. Their comforting nature fits festive meals perfectly.

On Game Day

Serve them at game-day parties alongside your favorite dips and snacks. They add heartiness to the snack table that everyone will enjoy.

How to Perfect Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

To achieve the best Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes, consider these helpful tips. They will enhance the flavor and texture of your dish.

Choose quality potatoes: Opt for medium russet potatoes for the best texture. They provide a fluffy interior when baked.
Don’t skip seasoning: Adding kosher salt before cooking enhances the overall flavor. It helps draw out moisture and improves taste.
Use room temperature ingredients: For smoother mashed potatoes, ensure butter and sour cream are at room temperature before mixing.
Mix thoroughly: Blend the potato filling until smooth to avoid any lumps. This creates a creamy consistency that is more enjoyable.
Watch cooking time: Keep an eye on the second cooking phase to prevent overcooking. You want the cheese melted but not burnt.
Experiment with toppings: Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Try different cheeses or spices for unique variations.

Best Side Dishes for Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes pair well with many side dishes that elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider.

Grilled Vegetables: A medley of seasonal veggies adds color and nutrients to your plate.
Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine combined with creamy dressing complements the richness of twice baked potatoes.
Steamed Broccoli: This healthy option provides crunch and balances out the heaviness of cheesy potatoes.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of your dish.
Garlic Bread: This classic choice satisfies carb lovers and adds extra flavor to your meal.
Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brings a bit of sweetness that pairs nicely with savory stuffed potatoes.
Baked Beans: Hearty baked beans offer protein and sweetness, making them a great accompaniment.
Crispy Chicken Wings: For those who love finger foods, wings add excitement and flavor variety to your dinner table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes, it’s easy to make a few missteps that can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes to watch for:

Skipping the Poking – Not poking holes in the potatoes can lead to exploding skins. Always poke several times with a fork before cooking.
Overcooking or Undercooking – Cooking time varies based on potato size. Use a toothpick to check for tenderness; if it doesn’t easily pierce through, cook longer.
Not Mashing Enough – Leaving large chunks in the potato mixture can result in uneven texture. Ensure you mash until smooth and creamy for best results.
Ignoring Seasoning – Failing to season properly means missing out on flavor. Be generous with salt and spices to enhance the taste.
Using Cold Ingredients – Adding cold butter or sour cream can cool the potatoes down. Always use ingredients at room temperature for a better mix.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
They will last about 3-5 days in the fridge.

Freezing Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

Allow them to cool completely before freezing.
Wrap each potato tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep for up to 3 months.

Reheating Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

Oven – Preheat to 350ºF (175ºC) and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave – Place on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through.
Stovetop – Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, covering with a lid to retain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes:

Can I make Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare them ahead of time. Assemble the stuffed potatoes and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before air frying.

What types of potatoes work best for this recipe?

Russet potatoes are ideal due to their fluffy texture when baked. They hold up well during the twice-baked process.

How do I customize my Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes?

Feel free to add different toppings like jalapeños, different cheeses, or even vegetables like broccoli or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.

Are Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes healthy?

They can be healthier than traditional baked potatoes since they use less oil and fat when made in an air fryer. Adjust ingredients as needed for dietary preferences.

Can I use pre-cooked bacon bits?

Absolutely! Using pre-cooked bacon bits saves time. Just sprinkle them on top before air frying for added crunch and flavor.

Final Thoughts

Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with your favorite toppings or adjust the seasoning as you like. This recipe is perfect as a side dish for any meal or even as a tasty snack. Give it a try—your taste buds will thank you!

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Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

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Author: Jessica
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: Serves 6 (3 potatoes cut in half) 1x

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Description

Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes are the perfect blend of creamy and crispy, making them an irresistible side dish or main course. With a delectable filling of cheese, sour cream, and crumbled bacon, these potatoes are quick to prepare and can be customized with your favorite toppings. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to satisfy everyone at the table. The air fryer not only speeds up the cooking process but also ensures perfectly crisp skins and fluffy interiors without excess oil. Enjoy these delightful potatoes fresh from the air fryer, topped with green onions or any of your preferred garnishes.

Ingredients

Scale

3 medium russet potatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter (softened)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
1 cup sour cream
2 slices cooked bacon (crumbled)
Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper

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Instructions

Wash and dry the potatoes. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Poke holes in each potato.
Preheat the air fryer to 400ºF (204ºC). Cook the potatoes for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Let cool for 10 minutes; cut each potato in half and scoop out most of the flesh.
In a bowl, mash the scooped potato with butter, sour cream, spices, and 1.5 cups of cheese until smooth.
Fill potato skins with the mixture, top with remaining cheese and bacon bits, then return to the air fryer for an additional 5-7 minutes until heated through.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American