Twice-Baked Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food, combining the creaminess of mashed potatoes with the crispy outer shell of a baked potato. This recipe for Air Fryer Twice-Baked Potatoes takes your traditional dish to the next level by incorporating the speed and efficiency of the air fryer. With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal preparation time, you can create a dish that is perfect for dinner, a savory snack, or even as an impressive appetizer for guests.
The air fryer ensures the potatoes are cooked evenly with a crispy, golden exterior, while the creamy filling melts in your mouth. Best of all, this recipe is customizable! You can add your favorite toppings and mix-ins to make it truly your own. Let’s dive into this foolproof recipe that is as easy to make as it is delicious.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
To make six servings of these mouthwatering potatoes, you will need:
- 6 large russet potatoes, scrubbed clean
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt (to taste)
- ½ cup (1 stick) butter, softened
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced (plus more for garnish)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Potatoes
- Start by patting the scrubbed potatoes dry with paper towels. This ensures a crispy skin.
- Poke the potatoes all over with a fork. This helps release steam while cooking.
- Rub the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle generously with kosher salt for a flavorful, crispy crust.
Step 2: Air Frying the Potatoes
- Place the potatoes in the basket of your air fryer, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Cook the potatoes at 400°F (200°C) for 40 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
- Once the potatoes are tender (easily pierced with a fork), transfer them to a baking sheet to cool until they are safe to handle.
Step 3: Preparing the Filling
- Slice a thin layer off the top of each potato lengthwise.
- Scoop out the inside of each potato, leaving about a ½-inch border to maintain structure.
- Place the scooped-out potato insides in a large mixing bowl. Save the tops as an optional roasted snack!
- To the bowl, add the butter, milk, and sour cream. Mash the mixture until it is creamy and mostly smooth, leaving a few chunks for texture.
Step 4: Adding Flavor
- Stir 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and the sliced scallions into the mashed potato mixture.
- Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 5: Stuffing and Finishing
- Spoon the potato mixture back into the potato shells, overfilling slightly to create a mound.
- Sprinkle the tops with the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 6: Final Air Fry
- Return the stuffed potatoes to the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 400°F (200°C) for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden and crispy.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
- Remove the potatoes from the air fryer and let them cool slightly.
- Garnish with additional scallions for a pop of color and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Choosing the Right Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe due to their starchy, fluffy interior and sturdy skin.
- Make It Your Own: Customize the filling by adding cooked bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or even a dollop of cream cheese for extra creaminess.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Prepare the potatoes ahead of time, refrigerate, and reheat in the air fryer for a quick meal or snack.
Why Air Fryer Twice-Baked Potatoes?
Cooking these potatoes in an air fryer not only saves time but also gives them a perfectly crispy skin without needing to heat up your entire kitchen. The compact design of the air fryer ensures even cooking, while the high heat creates that irresistible crunch we all love. Compared to the oven, the air fryer uses less energy and reduces the total cooking time, making it a practical choice for busy weeknights.
Nutritional Information
Here’s what you can expect per serving:
- Calories: 606
- Protein: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 67g
- Fiber: 7g
- Sugar: 5g
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Sodium: 682mg
Air Fryer Twice-Baked Potatoes are more than just a side dish—they’re a show-stopping comfort food that can be tailored to suit any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, preparing a quick snack, or bringing a unique appetizer to a potluck, this recipe has you covered. The creamy, cheesy filling combined with the crispy skin will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Next time you’re looking for an easy yet impressive recipe, turn to your air fryer and give these Twice-Baked Potatoes a try. Not only will they save you time, but they’ll also bring smiles to your table with their unbeatable taste and texture. Don’t forget to experiment with different toppings to make them your own!