Description
Potato lovers rejoice with this delightful air fryer twice baked potatoes recipe that combines crispy exteriors and rich, creamy centers. Cheese, bacon, and green onions elevate these potatoes into a crowd-pleasing side dish you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 medium russet potatoes
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
Seasoning and Flavoring:
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Kosher salt to taste
Toppings and Garnish:
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (or 6 tablespoons bacon bits)
- Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Meticulously cleanse potatoes, patting completely dry. Generously massage olive oil across surfaces, then puncture multiple times with a sharp utensil. Sprinkle with kosher salt for enhanced flavor.
- Activate air fryer at precisely 400F (204C), allowing minimum 3 minutes preheating time to ensure optimal cooking environment.
- Carefully position potatoes inside air fryer basket, ensuring minimal contact. Roast for 30 minutes, rotating midway to guarantee uniform caramelization. Verify tenderness by inserting toothpick – it should glide smoothly.
- Remove potatoes and rest for approximately 10 minutes, permitting safe handling temperature.
- Slice potatoes longitudinally, then delicately extract interior flesh using a spoon. Maintain thin potato skin wall to preserve structural integrity.
- Transfer potato flesh into mixing vessel. Pulverize using potato masher or electric mixer until achieving silky, lump-free consistency.
- Incorporate butter, seasonings, cheddar cheese, and sour cream into mashed potato mixture. Blend thoroughly until achieving creamy, homogeneous texture.
- Generously repopulate potato skins with prepared mixture. Lavishly sprinkle remaining cheese and crumbled bacon atop each potato boat.
- Return stuffed potatoes to air fryer. Cook 5-7 minutes until cheese transforms into molten golden layer and potato filling reaches steaming temperature.
- Transfer to serving platter, optionally garnishing with freshly chopped green onions for vibrant presentation.
Notes
- Potato Selection Choose medium-sized russet potatoes with uniform shape for consistent cooking and easy stuffing.
- Oil Coating Ensure thorough olive oil coverage by using a pastry brush, which helps create a crispy exterior and even browning.
- Cheese Variation Experiment with different cheese blends like sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles.
- Dietary Modifications Swap bacon with turkey bacon or omit for vegetarian version, and use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for lower-fat alternative.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 37 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg