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Crispy Air Fryer Loaded Potato Skins

crispy air fryer loaded potato skins - featured image

A quick and easy snack recipe featuring crispy potato skins loaded with melted cheddar cheese, bacon, and green onions, cooked to perfection in an air fryer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium russet potatoes, scrubbed and dried
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more for seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (or turkey bacon)
  • 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt, for serving
  • Optional toppings: jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or chives

Instructions

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C), about 5 minutes.
  2. Scrub and dry 4 medium russet potatoes. Pierce each a few times with a fork.
  3. Place whole potatoes in the air fryer basket and cook for 30-35 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork.
  4. Let potatoes cool until easy to handle. Slice each in half lengthwise.
  5. Using a spoon, carefully scoop out most of the potato flesh, leaving about ¼ inch (6 mm) of flesh attached to the skin.
  6. Lightly brush the potato skins with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon smoked paprika.
  7. Place the potato skins skin-side down in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8-10 minutes until edges are crisp and golden.
  8. Flip the skins over, fill with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon. Return to the air fryer for another 3-5 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Remove from air fryer, sprinkle with chopped green onions, and serve with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. Optionally, add jalapeños or diced tomatoes.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed for even crisping. If cheese isn’t melting well, a quick broil in the oven for 1-2 minutes works well. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving leftovers to prevent sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: potato skins, air fryer, loaded potato skins, crispy snack, cheddar cheese, bacon, appetizer, easy recipe