You know those nights when you’re craving something cozy but don’t want to fuss with the oven? That’s exactly how I discovered these air fryer twice-baked potatoes! I was exhausted after work but desperately wanted that crispy-skinned, creamy-centered comfort food magic. My trusty air fryer saved the day – no preheating the big oven, no babysitting, just perfect golden potatoes in half the time. Now these babies are my go-to side for everything from steak dinners to lazy movie nights. Trust me, once you try this method, you’ll never go back to baking them the old way!
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Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Twice-Baked Potatoes
Oh my gosh, where do I even start? These potatoes are pure magic! First off, that air fryer gives you the most incredible crispy skin – like, crackly-perfect every single time. And inside? Creamy, dreamy filling that melts in your mouth. The best part? They cook in half the time of oven-baked ones. Plus, you can totally customize them – throw in bacon, swap cheeses, go wild! Honestly, they’re so good I’ve caught myself eating them straight from the air fryer basket. No shame.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Twice-Baked Potatoes
Okay, let’s talk ingredients – and I mean the good stuff! You’ll need two large russet potatoes (trust me, size matters here – go for ones that fit nicely in your air fryer basket). For that creamy filling, grab 1/4 cup sour cream (full-fat for extra richness!), 1/4 cup packed shredded cheddar (the sharper the better), and 2 tbsp softened butter (none of that cold butter business – we want it creamy!). Finish with fresh chives, salt, pepper, and a glug of olive oil for that perfect crispy skin. Simple, right? But oh-so-delicious!
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“5-Star Air Fryer Twice-Baked Potatoes – Irresistibly Crispy & Creamy!”
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, these air fryer twice-baked potatoes are a delicious twist on a classic side dish.
Ingredients
- 2 large russet potatoes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp chopped chives
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Rub potatoes with olive oil and prick with a fork.
- Air fry potatoes for 40 minutes, turning halfway.
- Cut potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop out flesh.
- Mix potato flesh with sour cream, cheese, butter, chives, salt, and pepper.
- Spoon mixture back into potato skins.
- Air fry for 10 more minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- Choose potatoes of similar size for even cooking.
- Let potatoes cool slightly before handling.
- Add cooked bacon bits for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Equipment You’ll Need
Don’t worry – you won’t need any fancy gadgets for these! Just your trusty air fryer (obviously!), a medium mixing bowl for that dreamy filling, a fork for pricking those potatoes (crucial step!), and a sturdy spoon for scooping and filling. That’s it! See? I told you this was easy.
If you’re a true potato lover, you’ll also want to try our golden 15-Minute Crispy Smashed Potatoes—a quick, crunchy side dish that pairs perfectly with any meal.
How to Make Air Fryer Twice-Baked Potatoes
Alright, let’s get cooking! I promise this is easier than it sounds – just follow these simple steps and you’ll have the most amazing twice-baked potatoes in no time. The air fryer does most of the work for you!
Step 1: Preparing the Potatoes
First things first – preheat that air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. While it’s heating up, give your potatoes a good scrub and pat them dry. Here’s my secret: rub them all over with olive oil and prick each one a few times with a fork. This helps them cook evenly and prevents any potato explosions (yes, that’s a real thing!). Pop them in the air fryer basket and let them cook for 20 minutes, then flip them over for another 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re fork-tender.
Step 2: Scooping and Mixing
Careful now – those potatoes will be HOT! Let them cool just enough so you can handle them (about 5 minutes). Cut them in half lengthwise and scoop out the insides into a bowl, leaving about a 1/4-inch border so the skins hold their shape. Mash the potato flesh with all your delicious mix-ins – sour cream, cheese, butter, chives, salt and pepper. Mix until it’s creamy but still has some texture. Don’t overmix or it’ll get gluey!
Step 3: Final Air Frying
Now the fun part! Spoon that creamy mixture right back into the potato skins – pile it high! Return them to the air fryer (you might need to work in batches depending on your fryer size) and cook for another 10 minutes at 400°F until the tops are golden brown and slightly crispy. Oh, that smell! You’ll know they’re ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let them cool for just a minute before digging in – trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Twice-Baked Potatoes
Listen up, because these little tricks make all the difference! First, pick potatoes that are roughly the same size – this way they’ll cook evenly (no half-raw potatoes here!). Second, resist the urge to scoop them hot – let them rest 5 minutes or you’ll burn your fingers and tear the skins. And my favorite tip? Toss in some crispy bacon bits before the final air fry – that salty crunch takes these from good to “oh my god, give me the whole batch!”
Variations for Air Fryer Twice-Baked Potatoes
Oh, the possibilities! That’s the beauty of these potatoes – you can mix them up a million ways. Not a sour cream fan? Try Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. Feeling spicy? Throw in some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. I’ve even swapped the cheddar for pepper jack when I’m craving extra kick! For a veggie boost, stir in sautéed mushrooms or spinach. Honestly, once you’ve got the basic technique down, the sky’s the limit with flavors!
Serving Suggestions
These potatoes are basically the best wingman ever for any meal! I love serving them alongside juicy grilled steaks or roasted chicken – that crispy-cheesy combo is magic with savory meats. For lighter meals, they’re fantastic with a crisp green salad (the contrast in textures is everything!). Don’t forget the finishing touches – extra chives, a dollop of sour cream, or even a sprinkle of crispy fried onions takes them over the top!
Storing and Reheating
Good news – these potatoes keep beautifully! Store leftovers (if you have any!) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When cravings hit, just pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes – they’ll come out crispy and warm, like you just made them! Pro tip: add a tiny pat of butter before reheating for extra magic.
Nutrition Information
Just so you know, these numbers are estimates and might change based on your exact ingredients. But for a general idea, each half potato serving has about 220 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated), and 25g carbs. Not too shabby for such a deliciously indulgent side dish, right? Enjoy every bite!
For more crispy air fryer magic and crowd-pleasing comfort foods, check out our Pinterest boards, where we share daily recipes that keep your table exciting.
FAQ About Air Fryer Twice-Baked Potatoes
Can I use sweet potatoes instead?
Absolutely! Just know they’ll cook faster – check for doneness at 30 minutes. The filling might be slightly sweeter, so I often add a pinch more salt to balance it. My kids love when I make half regular, half sweet potato – fun color contrast on the plate!
How do I prevent dry filling?
Two secrets: First, don’t overbake the initial cook – fork-tender is perfect. Second, that sour cream and butter combo is your best friend for creaminess. If your mixture seems stiff, add another tablespoon of sour cream until it’s nice and spoonable.
Can I prep these ahead?
You bet! Do everything up to the final air fry, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, just add 2-3 extra minutes to the final cook time since they’re going in cold. Works great for dinner parties!
Share Your Results!
I can’t wait to hear how your air fryer twice-baked potatoes turn out! Did you add any fun twists to the recipe? Maybe some crispy bacon or spicy jalapeños? Snap a photo and tell me all about it in the comments below – I read every single one! Your feedback helps me create even more delicious recipes for you. And if you loved these as much as I do (I know you will!), be sure to give the recipe a rating. Nothing makes my day like seeing those five shiny stars!