Air Fryer Twice Baked Potato
Recipe Snapshot
PREP + COOK TIME: 20 minutes
METHOD: Air fryer
OTHER TOOLS: mixing bowl for filling
TOTAL INGREDIENTS: 8
Love twice baked potatoes but don’t love the extra time in and out of the oven? Try the air fryer for crispy skins and a cheesy, flavorful filling that heats through in minutes!
What’s To Love About This Recipe
- This is such a fun and versatile recipe for the air fryer. It’s perfect for using up leftover baked potatoes, or you can easily make baked potatoes in your instant pot or air fryer specifically for this recipe. Not only is it quick to make potatoes with these methods, but I think they turn out better as well!
- Who doesn’t love a cheesy, creamy potato filling? Plus, you can try out so many combinations of mix-in seasonings and toppings for this recipe. It’s super family-friendly!
- Sometimes, it’s nice to cook a large meal and prep ahead, but there are also times you just want to make a serving or two. It’s so simple to make a tasty twice baked potato in the air fryer without lots of ingredients and the time involved to prep a large pan.
- The air fryer can create a toasty, crispy skin in just a few minutes vs. 20 or more minutes in the oven. When you also count preheating and baking the filling, your time is more than cut in half with this method.
Ingredients Needed
- Pre-cooked potatoes – You will need 2 medium-to-large potatoes (about 8 ounces each). I used russet potatoes for the shape and texture. Russets have a starchy inside, which helps to create a fluffy filling, and the skins will get slightly crispy.
- Sour cream – Sour cream is necessary for fluffy mashed potatoes and works here to add creaminess and a little bit of tang.
- Butter – Butter adds to the richness of the filling and adds some saltiness.
- Cream cheese – Softened cream cheese works with the sour cream to make a creamy and cheesy filling.
- Ranch seasoning – Mix up your own homemade ranch seasoning or use a store-bought blend to add the best savory flavor to the filling.
- Shredded cheddar cheese – If you have the time, I recommend shredding your own cheese from the block since the flavor tends to be bolder and it melts better. Choose your favorite – mild, medium, or sharp cheddar.
- Toppings – You can get as elaborate or as simple as you’d like here! Top with cooked, crumbled bacon, chopped green onions or chives, and more.
How To Make Twice Baked Potatoes In The Air Fryer
- Cut potatoes in half lengthwise.
- Scoop out the filling, leaving just enough for the potatoes to keep their shape.
- Place the skins in the air fryer and let them cook for about 4-5 minutes at 400 ℉.
- Meanwhile, mash the scooped-out potato filling with sour cream, butter, cream cheese, 1 ounce of the shredded cheese, and the seasoning.
- Carefully spoon the filling into the potato halves, top with the remaining cheese, and cook for 4-5 more minutes in the air fryer at 400 ℉.
Pro Tips
- Make sure the potatoes are both around the same size to ensure even cooking. If they are larger or smaller than 8 ounces, then adjust the cooking time up or down a few minutes.
- It’s best to stick with 2 average-sized potatoes in the air fryer at one time to allow the air to fully circulate and crisp up the potato skins. You could easily make more in batches and fry some while you fill the others.
- Sometimes, twice-baked potatoes can get a gummy texture in the filling when they are overbaked or overmixed. Try to use a fork to lightly mix the filling with the other ingredients and cook for just a few additional minutes at a time in the air fryer, if needed.
Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- Russet potatoes work best for this recipe, but Yukon gold would be another option to try for different results. The skin is more waxy than a russet, so it won’t be as crispy.
- Try different cheeses such as Monterey Jack, pepper Jack, or a mix of cheeses.
- If you like, you can mix fresh chopped green onions or chives into the filling. You could also try a bit of finely chopped spinach.
- Mix up the potato filling with other seasoning mixes and ingredients to change the flavor profile. Other ideas are taco seasoning and salsa or Greek seasoning and feta cheese. Discover new favorites for different meals!
How To Serve Twice Baked Potatoes
Twice baked potatoes from the air fryer would be a tasty lunch option or a hearty side for a larger meal.
Serve a potato with a portion of grilled salmon or the BEST ribeye steak. Use your air fryer to grill corn on the cob for a complete meal, or add a fresh cucumber and tomato salad on the side.
Choose a variety of toppings to layer your potato with even more tasty elements! Here are some options to get you started:
- Bacon made in the oven
- Shredded cheeses or parmesan
- Chopped green onion or chives
- Fresh chopped cilantro
- Pico de gallo, salsa, or hot sauce
- Ranch dressing
- Buffalo sauce
- And more!
Storing and Reheating
If you want to save a potato for later, store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. You will need to make sure the potatoes are wrapped tightly to prevent any air from getting in and drying them out.
Reheat in the air fryer at 300 ℉ until warmed through (about 5 minutes), or you can reheat in the microwave.
Air Fryer Twice Baked Potato
Love twice baked potatoes but don’t love the extra time in and out of the oven? Try the air fryer for crispy skins and a cheesy, flavorful filling that heats through in minutes!
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cooked potatoes about 8 ounces each
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon cream cheese softened
- 1 teaspoon ranch seasoning
- 2 oz shredded cheddar cheese
- Top with cooked bacon, green onions, chives, etc.
Instructions
- Cut potatoes in half lengthwise
- Scoop out the filling, leaving just enough for the potatoes to keep their shape
- Place skins in air fryer and let them cook for about 4-5 minutes at 400 ℉
- Meanwhile, mash scooped-out potato filling with sour cream, butter, cream cheese, 1 ounce of shredded cheese, and seasoning
- Carefully spoon filling into potato halves, top with remaining cheese, and cook for 4-5 more minutes in air fryer at 400 ℉
Notes
- Store leftovers tightly wrapped or sealed in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the air fryer at 300 ℉ (about 5 minutes) or in the microwave.
- Make sure the potatoes are similarly sized to ensure even cooking.
