Air Fryer Potato Skins Recipe
If you have a soft spot for crispy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying snacks, you are in for a treat with this Air Fryer Potato Skins Recipe. This dish takes humble russet potatoes and transforms them into crispy, flavorful skins loaded with melted cheddar and smoky bacon, all perfectly cooked in the air fryer for that unbeatable crunch. It’s the ideal appetizer or side that feels indulgent without any fuss, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at game days, casual dinners, or cozy nights in with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Air Fryer Potato Skins Recipe calls for simple, straightforward ingredients that come together beautifully to create layers of flavor and texture. Each one is key to getting that crispy, savory, and cheesy goodness just right.
- Russet potatoes: These are the perfect spuds for crispy skins and fluffy interiors due to their starchy makeup.
- Roasted Garlic Infused Oil: Adds a gentle, aromatic boost of garlic flavor while helping the skins crisp up nicely.
- Garlic Pepper Seasoning: A zesty kick that complements the richness of the cheese and bacon.
- Shredded mild Cheddar cheese: Melts to a gooey, golden topping that brings signature comfort food vibes.
- Bacon slices: Cooked and crumbled for a smoky crunch that sings in every bite.
- Sliced green onions and sour cream: Optional but highly recommended garnishes that brighten and balance the rich flavors.
How to Make Air Fryer Potato Skins Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Potatoes
Begin by scrubbing your russet potatoes thoroughly. Pierce each one several times with a fork to ensure they cook evenly and don’t burst in the air fryer. Next, brush or rub them with 1 tablespoon of roasted garlic infused oil and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of garlic pepper seasoning to infuse flavor right from the start.
Step 2: Air Fry Potatoes
Arrange the potatoes in the air fryer basket or on the lowest rack of your air fryer. No need to preheat — just set it to 400°F and air fry for 40 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re tender all the way through and easily pierced with a fork. Remove them and let them cool down so you can handle them comfortably.
Step 3: Scoop and Season
Once cool enough to work with, cut each potato in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the flesh, leaving a sturdy shell to hold your toppings. Don’t toss that potato flesh; it’s perfect for mashed potatoes or soup later! Brush the inside of each potato half with the remaining tablespoon of roasted garlic oil, then sprinkle on the leftover ½ teaspoon of garlic pepper seasoning for an extra hit of flavor.
Step 4: Crisp the Skins
Place the potato halves back into the air fryer, skin-side down. Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes. This step crispens the skins beautifully, creating that irresistible crunch foundation for your toppings.
Step 5: Add Toppings and Melt Cheese
Remove the skins again and generously pile on shredded mild cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon. Return the loaded skins to the air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes to let the cheese melt into a bubbly, golden delight. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish your Air Fryer Potato Skins Recipe with a sprinkle of bright sliced green onions and a dollop of cool sour cream if you like. Serve these vibrant potato skins warm for a snack or appetizer that never fails to impress.
How to Serve Air Fryer Potato Skins Recipe
Garnishes
The classic combo of sliced green onions and sour cream adds fresh pops of color and flavor that cut through the richness. You can also experiment with chopped chives, a drizzle of hot sauce, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika to make the dish uniquely yours.
Side Dishes
This Air Fryer Potato Skins Recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp garden salads, tangy coleslaw, or hearty chili. For a full meal, serve alongside grilled chicken or a fresh vegetable medley to balance the indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, serve these potato skins on a large wooden board with various dips on the side like guacamole, ranch dressing, or a zesty salsa. You can also turn them into a shared platter by adding different cheeses or swapping bacon for crispy pancetta or spicy sausage for variety.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Air fryer potato skins store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the garnishes separate and add them fresh when you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked potato skins, but for best texture, freeze them before adding cheese and bacon toppings. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month, then add toppings and air fry again to heat through when ready.
Reheating
Reheat leftover potato skins in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 to 7 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. This method revives their crunch far better than the microwave.
FAQs
Can I use another type of potato for this Air Fryer Potato Skins Recipe?
Russet potatoes are preferred because of their thick skins and fluffy interiors, but Yukon Gold or other medium-starch potatoes can work if prepared similarly.
Do I have to cook the bacon beforehand?
Yes, cooking and crumbling the bacon ahead of time ensures it’s crispy and fully cooked before topping the potato skins in the air fryer.
What if I don’t have roasted garlic infused oil?
No worries! Regular olive oil or melted butter mixed with a little garlic powder can be a great substitute to keep that garlicky flavor.
Can I make these potato skins vegan or vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use dairy-free cheese alternatives and swap crumbled tempeh bacon or smoked mushrooms for the bacon to enjoy a plant-based version.
How long do the potato skins take to cook in the air fryer?
The whole process totals about 45 to 50 minutes: 40 minutes to cook the potatoes, then a few minutes each to crisp up the skins and melt the cheese and bacon.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about biting into a perfectly crispy, cheesy potato skin that makes this Air Fryer Potato Skins Recipe a favorite in my kitchen. It’s straightforward to prepare, uses familiar ingredients, and delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re serving friends or just treating yourself, these skins are guaranteed to become a go-to snack you’ll reach for again and again. Give them a try and watch the smiles appear!
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Air Fryer Potato Skins Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
Crispy and delicious air fryer potato skins loaded with melted cheddar cheese, savory bacon, and a hint of roasted garlic seasoning. This easy appetizer or snack is perfect for gatherings or a flavorful treat any time.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 8 small russet potatoes, scrubbed
- 2 tablespoons Roasted Garlic Infused Oil, divided
- 1½ teaspoons Garlic Pepper Seasoning, divided
Toppings
- 2 cups shredded mild Cheddar cheese
- ½ pound bacon slices, cooked and crumbled (about 1 cup)
- Sliced green onions, optional for garnish
- Sour cream, optional for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Potatoes: Pierce each scrubbed potato multiple times with a fork. Rub or brush the potatoes with 1 tablespoon of Roasted Garlic Infused Oil and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of Garlic Pepper Seasoning to evenly season the skins.
- Air Fry Potatoes: Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket or on the lowest rack, set the air fryer to 400°F without preheating. Air fry for 40 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender. Remove and allow to cool.
- Scoop and Season: Once cooled, slice the potatoes in half and scoop out the flesh carefully, reserving it for another dish like mashed potatoes. Brush the inside of each potato half with the remaining 1 tablespoon of Roasted Garlic Infused Oil and sprinkle with the remaining ½ teaspoon of Garlic Pepper Seasoning.
- Crisp the Skins: Place the potato skins skin-side down back into the air fryer basket or rack. Air fry at 400°F for 3-4 minutes until the insides are nicely browned and crispy.
- Add Toppings: Remove the skins and top each with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon. Return to the air fryer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions and a dollop of sour cream if desired. Serve the potato skins warm as a tasty appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Do not discard the scooped potato flesh; save it for mashed potatoes or another recipe.
- If your air fryer basket is small, cook the potatoes in batches to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust the cheese and bacon quantities based on preference for a heavier or lighter topping.
- To make it vegetarian, omit the bacon or substitute with vegetarian bacon bits.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the seasoning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
