Easy Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes: Your Go-To Recipe for Fluffy, Cheesy Perfection
Get ready to elevate your side dish game with these incredible Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes! Imagine a fluffy, creamy interior bursting with cheesy goodness and savory bacon, all nestled within a perfectly crispy potato skin. And the best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make, even on your busiest weeknights, taking just 45 minutes from start to finish. This recipe is also a fantastic way to transform leftover baked potatoes into something extraordinary, making it both delicious and practical.
Whether you’re planning a festive holiday feast for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter, or simply looking for an impressive yet effortless dish for game day gatherings like Super Bowl Sunday, these stuffed potatoes are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Their rich flavor and satisfying texture make them a versatile addition to any meal, promising comfort and joy with every bite.
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For years, I’ve been known in my family for bringing the ultimate twice-baked potatoes to holiday gatherings. While I certainly didn’t invent this culinary masterpiece, my version quickly earned me significant recognition and appreciation at every shared family dinner. The secret to my success? This particular recipe, which has proven to be the easiest and fastest way to achieve that classic, comforting dish.
The real game-changer here is the air fryer. It drastically reduces the cooking time compared to traditional oven methods, making these stuffed potatoes accessible for everyday meals without sacrificing any of the rich flavor or perfect texture. You’ll achieve golden-brown, crispy skins and a perfectly creamy, well-seasoned interior that far surpasses a simple baked potato.
These cheesy, bacon-topped delights are equally at home on a sophisticated dinner table or as a comforting side for a busy weeknight meal. If you share my love for delicious food that’s also incredibly convenient, then this Air Fryer Twice Baked Potato recipe is destined to become one of your new go-to favorites.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Twice Baked Potato Recipe
Beyond being incredibly delicious, there are so many reasons to make these twice-baked potatoes a staple in your meal rotation. Here’s why this recipe stands out:
- Irresistibly Delicious: This recipe offers a symphony of textures and flavors. You get the satisfying crunch of a perfectly crispy potato skin, followed by a luxuriously creamy and fluffy mashed potato filling, all generously studded with melty cheese and savory bacon bits. It’s a combination that’s truly hard to resist and will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Effortlessly Easy & Quick: Forget lengthy oven baking! Thanks to the magic of the air fryer, this entire process takes just about 45 minutes. This makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you want something homemade and hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a simple recipe with impressive results.
- A Kid-Friendly Favorite: Even the pickiest eaters will find something to love about these twice-baked potatoes. The cheesy, comforting flavor is a universal hit, and you can easily get your kids involved by letting them choose and add their favorite toppings, making dinner a fun and interactive experience.
- Perfect for Any Crowd or Occasion: From casual family dinners to elaborate holiday feasts, these stuffed potatoes are always a showstopper. They’re a guaranteed hit at parties, potlucks, and special events. Plus, they can be easily prepared ahead of time, which is a huge advantage when you’re entertaining and juggling multiple dishes. Their versatility makes them a beloved side dish for any gathering.
- Utilizes Leftovers Beautifully: If you often find yourself with leftover baked potatoes, this recipe is a brilliant solution. It transforms them into a brand new, exciting dish, preventing food waste and giving those humble potatoes a delicious second life.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Twice Baked Potatoes
Crafting the perfect Air Fryer Twice Baked Potato starts with selecting the right ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why each component is crucial for achieving that irresistible flavor and texture:
- Russet Potatoes: These are the star of our dish and are undeniably the best choice for twice-baked potatoes. Their high starch content means they become incredibly fluffy and light when baked or air-fried, creating the perfect creamy interior for our filling. While Yukon Gold or red potatoes can be used, be aware that their lower starch content may result in a slightly different, denser texture and a less traditional flavor profile. For this recipe, I used medium-sized russets, but larger potatoes can also be used; just adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Olive Oil: A light coating of olive oil on the potato skins serves multiple purposes. It helps them crisp up beautifully in the air fryer, adding a delightful texture, and also contributes a subtle, savory flavor. If olive oil isn’t on hand, you can successfully substitute with other cooking oils like vegetable oil, avocado oil, canola oil, or even melted butter for an extra rich exterior.
- Cheddar Cheese: This cheese is a cornerstone of classic twice-baked potatoes, providing a wonderfully creamy texture and a robust, sharp flavor to both the potato mixture and the golden-brown topping. For best results and melt, I recommend grating your own cheese from a block. Other excellent melting cheeses like mozzarella, Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even a sharp white cheddar would also work wonderfully.
- Sour Cream: Essential for that signature tangy flavor and luxurious creaminess, sour cream helps bind the potato filling into a smooth, decadent mixture. For alternatives, consider Greek yogurt for a similar tang and protein boost, cream cheese for an even richer consistency, or a splash of whole milk or heavy cream to adjust texture. Dairy-free yogurt alternatives can be used for a vegan option.
- Butter: Butter is crucial for adding richness and contributing to the silky-smooth texture of the mashed potato filling. Softened butter blends seamlessly, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful. Margarine or a high-quality dairy-free butter substitute can be used if preferred.
- Seasonings: Our simple yet effective seasoning blend includes salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. These pantry staples enhance the natural flavors of the potato and cheese, creating a well-rounded and savory profile. Don’t hesitate to adjust the amounts to your personal taste preferences, or even add a pinch of paprika for color and a hint of smokiness.
- Bacon: Crispy, cooked bacon bits bring a delightful smoky, salty crunch that perfectly complements the creamy potato and cheese. You can easily cook and crumble your own bacon, or use pre-cooked bacon bits for a quicker prep. For dietary preferences, turkey bacon offers a leaner alternative, and vegetarian bacon bits are an excellent plant-based option.
- For Garnish: Fresh green onions (scallions) are the traditional garnish, offering a mild, crisp onion flavor and a vibrant pop of color that makes the dish visually appealing. Chopped fresh chives or parsley are also excellent choices for a similar fresh, herbaceous finish.
For precise measurements and a complete list, please refer to the detailed recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Recommended Equipment for Success:
Having the right tools can make preparing these Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes even easier and more enjoyable:
- Air Fryer: Whether you own a basket-style or a toaster oven-style air fryer, both will work perfectly for this recipe. Oven-style models are often preferred when dealing with toppings, as they tend to circulate air more gently, preventing lighter ingredients from being blown around.
- Electric Mixer: While not strictly necessary, an electric hand mixer or stand mixer will make mashing and thoroughly combining the potato filling incredibly effortless, resulting in a perfectly smooth and creamy consistency. A regular potato masher or even a sturdy whisk can also get the job done with a little more elbow grease.
- Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for comfortably mashing the potato flesh and mixing in all the delicious ingredients without spillage.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes
Follow these simple steps to create perfectly fluffy, cheesy, and crispy twice-baked potatoes in your air fryer. We’ll guide you through each stage, from baking the initial potato to stuffing and finishing them to golden perfection.
Step One: Prepare the Potatoes for Baking. First, thoroughly wash and dry your russet potatoes. This helps ensure a crispy skin. Rub each potato evenly with 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil, which contributes to a golden, crisp exterior. Then, generously sprinkle them with kosher salt to taste. Finally, use the tines of a fork to poke each potato several times. This allows steam to escape during cooking, preventing them from bursting.
Step Two: Air Fry the Potatoes. Preheat your air fryer to 400ºF (204ºC) for at least 3-5 minutes to ensure it’s at the optimal temperature. Carefully place the prepared potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook them for 30 minutes, making sure to flip them halfway through (around the 15-minute mark) to promote even cooking and crisping on all sides. You’ll know they’re perfectly baked when they are tender throughout when pierced with a fork.
Step Three: Prep the Potato Shells. Once the potatoes are cooked, carefully remove them from the air fryer. Allow them to cool for about 10 minutes, or until they are comfortable enough to handle. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each potato in half lengthwise. Then, with a spoon or an ice cream scoop, gently scoop out most of the soft, fluffy potato insides. Be mindful to leave a thin layer (about ¼ inch) of potato flesh attached to the skin all around to ensure the shell remains sturdy and intact. This creates the perfect vessel for our creamy filling.
Preparing the Irresistible Filling
Now for the heart of the twice-baked potato – the flavorful and creamy filling!
Step Four: Combine the Filling Ingredients. Transfer the scooped-out potato flesh into a large mixing bowl. Using a potato masher, electric hand mixer, or a sturdy fork, mash the potato thoroughly until mostly smooth. Next, add the softened butter, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Finally, incorporate 1 ½ cups of your shredded cheddar cheese into the mixture.
Step Five: Mix Until Smooth and Creamy. Mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined and the filling is smooth and creamy. An electric mixer works wonders for achieving a lump-free consistency with minimal effort. However, a strong whisk or a silicone spatula will also get the job done effectively. Taste the mixture and adjust seasonings if necessary.
The Second Air Frying Stage
Time to stuff and finish our delicious potatoes for that perfect golden, melty top!
Step Six: Stuff the Potato Shells. Evenly distribute the prepared potato filling back into the empty potato shells. You can use a spoon or a piping bag for a neater presentation. Don’t be shy; heap that delicious mixture high! Once filled, carefully place the stuffed potato halves into your air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches to avoid overcrowding, ensuring proper air circulation for even cooking.
Step Seven: Add Toppings and Finish Cooking. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the tops of the stuffed potatoes, followed by the cooked and crumbled bacon bits. Return the air fryer basket to the preheated air fryer (still at 400ºF/204ºC) and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on them; the goal is for the cheese to be beautifully melted and bubbly, and the entire potato heated through to perfection. The skin should be perfectly crispy, and the filling warm and creamy.
Serving Your Masterpiece
The final touch for a truly restaurant-worthy presentation!
Step Eight: Garnish and Serve Immediately. Carefully remove the hot twice-baked potatoes from the air fryer. For a fresh finish, generously garnish them with thinly sliced green onions. You can also add an extra sprinkle of bacon bits, a dollop of sour cream, or any of your other favorite toppings. Serve these delightful potatoes immediately as a show-stopping side dish that’s sure to impress!
Storage and Reheating Tips for Twice Baked Potatoes
One of the many advantages of these Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes is how well they store and reheat, making them perfect for meal prep or enjoying later. Here’s how to keep them fresh:
Storing Leftovers: Allow any leftover stuffed potatoes to cool completely to room temperature before storing. Transfer them to an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. They will stay fresh and delicious in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you wish to store them longer, they freeze beautifully!
Reheating Twice-Baked Potatoes: To bring your refrigerated twice-baked potatoes back to life, preheat your air fryer to 350ºF (177ºC). Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until they are thoroughly heated through and the cheese is re-melted and bubbly. The air fryer is excellent for reheating as it helps to crisp up the skin again!
Make-Ahead and Freezing Instructions
Planning a big meal or just want to save time during the week? These twice-baked potatoes are perfect for making ahead! Here’s how to prepare them in advance and store them for future enjoyment:
Preparing Ahead (Refrigeration):
- Assemble the Potatoes: Follow steps one through six of the recipe. Cook the potatoes, scoop out the insides, prepare the flavorful filling, and carefully stuff the potato shells.
- Refrigerate: Place the fully assembled, but untopped, potatoes in an airtight container. If you plan to bake them within the next 4 hours, you can add the shredded cheese and bacon toppings now. Otherwise, store toppings separately to prevent sogginess.
- Storage Duration: Keep refrigerated for up to 48 hours.
- Cook When Ready: When you’re ready to serve, if toppings were stored separately, add them now. Preheat your air fryer to 350ºF (177ºC) and cook the potatoes for 15-20 minutes, or until they are heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Freezing Twice Baked Potatoes:
Freezing is an excellent option for long-term storage, ensuring you always have a delicious side dish ready to go!
- Assemble and Cool: Prepare the twice-baked potatoes according to steps one through six, stopping before the final air frying step. Ensure they are completely cooled to room temperature after assembly.
- Flash Freeze: Arrange the assembled, untopped potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Place the baking sheet in the freezer until the potatoes are completely frozen solid (this prevents them from sticking together when stored).
- Store Long-Term: Once frozen, transfer the individual loaded potatoes to a freezer-safe airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Label with the date.
- Freezer Duration: They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months for best quality.
- Thaw Before Cooking: To cook from frozen, it’s best to thaw the desired amount of potatoes overnight in the refrigerator.
- Final Cooking: Once thawed, add your toppings (cheese, bacon) if they weren’t added before freezing. Cook in an air fryer preheated to 350ºF (177ºC) for 15-20 minutes, or until fully heated through and the toppings are golden and bubbly.
Expert Tips for the Best Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes
Achieving perfectly fluffy, cheesy, and crispy twice-baked potatoes every time is easy with these expert tips and tricks:
- Choose the Right Potato: As mentioned, russet potatoes are your best friend for this recipe. Their high starch content guarantees that fluffy, light interior texture that’s crucial for a creamy filling, and their thick skins hold up well to scooping and re-baking. Look for medium to large potatoes that are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Careful Scooping is Key: After the initial bake, allow the potatoes to cool slightly so they are easier to handle. When scooping out the flesh with a spoon or an ice cream scoop, be gentle! The goal is to leave about ¼ inch (0.6 cm) of potato around the inside of the skin. This thin layer provides structural integrity, preventing the shell from tearing and ensuring it can hold the generous filling.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Air fryers work best when air can circulate freely around the food. If your potato halves don’t fit in a single layer without touching, work in batches. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and less crispy skins, which defeats the purpose of air frying!
- Season Generously: Potatoes love salt! Don’t be afraid to season the potato skins with salt before baking, and taste your mashed potato filling before stuffing to adjust the salt, pepper, garlic, and onion powder to your preference. A well-seasoned filling makes all the difference.
- Warm Ingredients for a Smoother Mix: Ensure your butter and sour cream are at room temperature. This allows them to blend much more smoothly into the mashed potato, preventing lumps and creating a truly creamy filling.
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Just like an oven, preheating your air fryer is essential. It ensures the potatoes start cooking immediately at the right temperature, leading to consistent results and a perfectly crispy skin from the get-go.
Creative Substitutions for Your Twice Baked Potatoes
This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Don’t be afraid to get creative with these delicious twists!
- Sweet Potato Swap: For a delightful twist, swap the russet potatoes for sweet potatoes. The cooking time in the air fryer will be similar, but you’ll want to adjust your seasonings and toppings to complement the natural sweetness. Think about additions like black beans, corn, a sprinkle of chili powder, pulled pork, or even a dollop of salsa or guacamole for a fantastic savory-sweet combination.
- Cream Cheese for Extra Richness: If you desire an even richer, tangier, and denser filling, you can substitute the sour cream with 4 ounces of softened cream cheese. To maintain a creamy consistency, add about ½ cup of heavy cream or milk, mixing until smooth. This adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
- Vegan/Dairy-Free Adaptation: Making this recipe plant-based is straightforward! Replace the sour cream with your favorite vegan sour cream alternative (such as a cashew or oat-based variety). Swap the cheddar cheese for a good quality dairy-free shredded cheese that melts well. For the butter, use a plant-based butter spread. And, of course, omit the bacon bits or opt for a savory imitation bacon bit product. You can also add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor boost.
- Herb Variations: Elevate the flavor with fresh herbs! In addition to green onions, consider mixing finely chopped chives, fresh parsley, or even a hint of rosemary or thyme into the potato filling for an aromatic touch.
- Spicy Kick: For those who love a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce, or finely diced jalapeños (deseeded for less heat) to the potato filling.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes
Here are some common questions about making and enjoying these delicious stuffed potatoes:
Absolutely! If you prefer to omit the cheese, simply leave it out of the mashed potato mixture and don’t sprinkle any on top. The potatoes will still be wonderfully creamy and flavorful. For those with dairy sensitivities or following a vegan diet, you can substitute traditional cheese with a good quality vegan or dairy-free cheese alternative to achieve a similar texture and taste.
These versatile stuffed potatoes make an excellent side dish for almost any main course. They pair beautifully with grilled chicken, roasted turkey, steak, pork chops, or even hearty sausages. For a vegetarian meal, consider serving them alongside a vibrant green salad, a vegetable-based casserole, or grilled plant-based proteins. Their rich flavor complements both light and heavy dishes equally well.
The possibilities for toppings are endless! Beyond the classic bacon bits and green onions, popular choices include a dollop of extra sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh chives, a sprinkle of paprika, or even a drizzle of ranch dressing. For more adventurous flavors, try adding a spoonful of salsa, a scoop of guacamole, caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, cooked broccoli florets, or even a sprinkle of crumbled feta or blue cheese for a gourmet touch. The beauty of this dish is its customizable nature!
Yes, absolutely! While the air fryer significantly speeds up the process, you can certainly make these in a conventional oven. For the initial bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the whole potatoes for 45-60 minutes, or until tender. Once stuffed and topped, return them to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The air fryer simply provides a faster, often crispier result.
Several factors contribute to extra crispy skins. First, ensure your potatoes are completely dry before rubbing them with olive oil and salt. Don’t skip the pricking step, as it helps steam escape, leading to a crispier texture. Make sure your air fryer is preheated and avoid overcrowding the basket during both cooking stages. The circulating hot air is key to that desirable crunch.
More Easy & Delicious Side Dish Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed these Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes, you’re in for a treat! Here are more fantastic and easy side dish recipes that are perfect for any occasion:
- Parmesan Crusted Potatoes
- Roasted Ranch Potatoes
- Easy Funeral Potatoes Recipe
- Cheesy Vegetable Casserole
If you loved this incredibly easy and delicious recipe for Twice Baked Potatoes in the Air Fryer, please consider leaving a 5-star review in the recipe card below or sharing your feedback in the comments section! Your ratings and comments help other home cooks discover and enjoy this fantastic dish. Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram at @dashfordinner to show off your culinary creations!
Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes
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Equipment
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Air Fryer
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Large bowl
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Electric hand mixer
Ingredients
- 3 medium russet potatoes
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- Kosher salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter softened
- ¼ 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)
Instructions
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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.
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Preheat your air fryer to 400ºF (204°C) for at least 3 minutes, or according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
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Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket and cook for 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You can check the potatoes for doneness by piercing them with a toothpick or a fork; they should be tender when fully cooked.
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Let the cooked potatoes cool for about 10 minutes, or until they are easy to handle.
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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.
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In a large bowl, mash the scooped potato insides using an electric mixer, hand mixer, or a potato masher.
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Add the softened butter, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, 1 ½ cups of cheddar cheese, and sour cream. Mix all the ingredients into the mashed potatoes until smooth.
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Fill the potato shells with the mashed potato mixture and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese and bacon bits evenly over the 6 potato halves.
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Place the stuffed potatoes back in the air fryer basket and cook them for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and they are heated through.
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Serve this perfect side dish hot and garnished with green onions.
Notes
Reheat: Cook them in an air fryer that has been preheated to 350ºF (177ºC) air fryer for 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through.
Nutrition
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