Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes are a delightful twist on a classic comfort food. This recipe combines the fluffy texture of baked potatoes with rich toppings, all made in an air fryer for a quick and easy side dish. Perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or casual get-togethers, these potatoes are sure to impress with their cheesy goodness and crispy bacon bits.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: With minimal prep time and fast cooking in the air fryer, you can whip up this dish in no time.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of creamy cheddar cheese, savory bacon, and spices creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
Versatile Serving Options: These potatoes make a great side dish for any meal or can be served as a hearty snack.
Healthier Cooking Method: Using an air fryer reduces the amount of oil needed while still achieving that crispy texture.
Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or adjust seasonings to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Air fryer
Mixing bowl
Fork
Sharp knife
Potato masher or electric mixer

Importance of Each Tool

Air fryer: This tool cooks food quickly while achieving that perfect crispiness without deep frying.
Mixing bowl: A large bowl is essential for combining ingredients easily and thoroughly.
Fork: Great for poking holes in the potatoes before cooking to ensure even heat distribution.

Ingredients

To make these delicious Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes, gather 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: 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 and Scoop Out Potatoes

Let the cooked potatoes cool for about 10 minutes, or until they are easy to handle. 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 5: Mash Potato Filling

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

Step 6: Stuff Potato Shells

Fill each potato shell with the mashed potato mixture. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese and bacon bits evenly over the six potato halves.

Step 7: Air Fry Stuffed Potatoes

Place the stuffed potatoes back in the air fryer basket. Cook them for 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and they are heated through.

Step 8: Serve Hot

Serve this perfect side dish hot and garnished 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 a delightful and versatile side dish that can complement many meals. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

With a Fresh Salad

Garden Salad – A refreshing mix of greens, cucumbers, and tomatoes balances the richness of the potatoes.
Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce with creamy dressing pairs well with the cheesy flavors.

As a Standalone Snack

Topped with Salsa – Adding fresh salsa gives a zesty kick that enhances the flavor profile.
With Guacamole – Creamy guacamole provides a delicious contrast to the cheesy filling.

Alongside Protein Dishes

Grilled Chicken – Juicy grilled chicken complements the rich flavors of the potatoes beautifully.
Steak or Pork Chops – Heartier meats like steak or pork chops make for a satisfying meal when served with these potatoes.

For a Holiday Feast

As a Thanksgiving Side – These potatoes are perfect for Thanksgiving, offering comfort and flavor alongside turkey.
Christmas Dinner Addition – They make an excellent choice for Christmas dinner, adding warmth to your holiday spread.

How to Perfect Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

To ensure your Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

Choose the Right Potatoes – Using medium russet potatoes guarantees a fluffy texture inside.
Don’t Skip Poking Holes – Poking holes in the potatoes allows steam to escape while cooking, preventing them from bursting.
Check for Doneness – Always pierce the potatoes to check if they’re tender before removing them from the air fryer.
Mix Ingredients Well – Ensure all ingredients are mixed thoroughly for an even distribution of flavor in your potato filling.
Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh herbs and toppings can elevate the taste significantly compared to dried or stale options.

Best Side Dishes for Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

Pairing your Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes with complementary side dishes can enhance your meal. Here are some great options:

Roasted Vegetables – A mix of seasonal veggies roasted to perfection adds color and nutrition.
Coleslaw – Crunchy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast that balances out the richness of the potatoes.
Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn brings a delightful sweetness that pairs well with savory baked potatoes.
Baked Beans – Hearty baked beans offer protein and flavor that complements this classic side dish.
Garlic Bread – Crispy garlic bread makes for an indulgent pairing that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Stuffed Peppers – Colorful stuffed peppers add variety and nutrition alongside your twice-baked potatoes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can help you create the best Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

Not Preheating the Air Fryer: Failing to preheat may lead to uneven cooking. Always preheat your air fryer as per the manufacturer’s instructions for optimal results.
Overcooking the Potatoes: Cooking them too long can result in dry potatoes. Check for doneness after 30 minutes to ensure they remain tender.
Ignoring Seasoning: Skipping seasoning can make your potatoes bland. Be generous with salt and spices for a flavorful dish.
Using Cold Ingredients: Cold sour cream or cheese can affect the texture. Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.
Not Scooping Enough Potato Flesh: Leaving too much potato inside the skin can lead to dense filling. Scoop out enough to create a creamy texture while keeping the shell intact.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store your Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes in an airtight container.
They will last in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

Wrap each potato tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
You can freeze them for up to 3 months.

Reheating Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place potatoes on a baking sheet and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Place potatoes on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat for 2-3 minutes or until hot.
Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes.

Can I use other types of potatoes?

Yes, while russet potatoes work best, you can use Yukon Gold or red potatoes as alternatives.

How do I make my filling creamier?

For creamier filling, add more sour cream or cream cheese to your mashed potato mixture.

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

Absolutely! Prepare them ahead and store them in the refrigerator or freezer, then reheat when ready to serve.

What toppings can I add?

You can customize with toppings like chives, jalapeños, or different types of cheese for added flavor.

Final Thoughts

Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes are not just delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them with different fillings and toppings to suit your taste. Try this recipe today for a comforting side dish that everyone will love!

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Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

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Author: Ana
Total Time: 52 minutes
Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes are a delightful and modern twist on a classic comfort food. This recipe captures the fluffy texture of baked potatoes and combines it with creamy cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, and a medley of spices, all cooked to perfection in an air fryer for a quick and easy side dish. Ideal for family dinners, holiday feasts, or casual get-togethers, these cheesy delights are sure to impress every palate. Enjoy the harmony of flavors as you savor each bite of these loaded potato skins!

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
Kosher salt
Black pepper

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Instructions

Preheat the air fryer to 400ºF (204ºC) for 3 minutes.
Wash and dry the russet potatoes; brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Poke holes with a fork.
Cook the potatoes in the air fryer for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Let them cool slightly; then cut in half and scoop out most potato flesh into a bowl.
Mash the scooped potato with butter, half of the cheese, sour cream, and spices until smooth.
Fill each potato skin with the mixture, topping with remaining cheese and bacon bits.
Return to air fryer and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until heated through.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 37 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American