Looking for the ultimate side dish that’s crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and bursting with flavor? These Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes are a game-changer! Combining fluffy mashed potatoes with melted cheddar, bacon, and a touch of seasoning, they’re a guaranteed hit for dinner, parties, or any occasion.
This recipe takes the classic twice-baked potato and makes it even easier and faster with the help of an air fryer. Let’s dive in and learn how to make this mouthwatering dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: The air fryer speeds up cooking while delivering perfectly crisp potato skins.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like extra cheese, sour cream, or chives for a personal touch.
- Perfect Texture: The crispy exterior pairs beautifully with the creamy, cheesy filling.
Recipe for Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes
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:
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- Wash and dry the potatoes thoroughly. Brush each potato with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt.
- Use a fork to poke several holes into each potato to allow steam to escape during cooking.
- Cook in the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for about 3 minutes.
- Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket and cook for 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
- Check doneness by piercing the potatoes with a fork; they should be tender.
- Cool and Scoop:
- Let the potatoes cool for 10 minutes until they are safe to handle.
- Slice each potato in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the flesh, leaving a thin layer to maintain the potato shell’s structure.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the scooped-out potato flesh using a potato masher or electric mixer.
- Add softened butter, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, 1 ½ cups of cheddar cheese, and sour cream. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Stuff the Potatoes:
- Spoon the mashed potato mixture back into the potato shells, mounding it slightly.
- Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon evenly over the stuffed potato halves.
- Final Cook in the Air Fryer:
- Place the stuffed potatoes back in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the potatoes are heated through.
- Serve:
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot as a side dish or snack.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes
- Don’t Overfill the Air Fryer: Cook the potatoes in batches if your air fryer basket is small.
- Use Fresh Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-packaged shredded cheese.
- Add Extra Toppings: Customize with jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or a dollop of sour cream for additional flavor.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
Air fryer twice-baked potatoes are not just delicious; they’re versatile, easy to prepare, and require minimal cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights, weekend gatherings, or meal prep, these potatoes are sure to become a household favorite.
For more delicious and innovative recipes, visit iwuvcooking.com and explore endless culinary inspiration!
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