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You'll be hooked on these Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes! They've got crispy edges, a dreamy cheesy center, and lots of crunchy, savory bacon. They come together super fast, so they're awesome for busy days or when friends pop by. Everybody will want seconds!
What Makes This Awesome
Don't box these potatoes in—they fit anywhere in your meal plan. You can whip them up in about 45 minutes. They're top-notch for low-key dinners, big family gatherings, or bringing to a party. Super crispy, extra cheesy, and loved by kids and adults alike.
You Need These Ingredients
- Russet potatoes: 4 medium ones work best—they're sturdy and turn soft inside.
- Cheddar cheese: 2 cups shredded for gooey filling and a cheesy crust on top.
- Bacon: 4 cooked slices, crumbled up for lots of crunch and smokiness.
- Butter: 2 tablespoons softened, adds a rich buttery flavor.
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons for that famous crispy skin.
- Sour cream: ½ cup for a bit of zing in the mash.
- Green onions: 2 thinly sliced, for a pop of fresh taste and garnish.
- Seasonings: 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon black pepper—all for building tasty layers.
Step 1: Get the Potatoes Ready
- Pierce with Fork
- Stick a fork in each potato a few times so steam can get out while they're cooking.
- Rub with Olive Oil
- Swipe potatoes with oil and shake on salt so they come out crunchy outside.
Step 2: Time to Air Fry
- Cook Potatoes
- Set the potatoes into your air fryer basket, let them go for 30 minutes at 400°F (204°C), flipping them about halfway in.
- Preheat Air Fryer
- Turn on your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) and let it warm up for a few minutes.
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Step 3: Scoop Out the Centers
Let the potatoes cool off around 10 minutes so you don’t burn your hands. Cut them in half, then gently scoop the inside out, leaving a little bit (about ¼ inch) around the edge to keep the shell sturdy.
Step 4: Mix the Mash
- Add Ingredients
- Dump in sour cream, most of the cheese (about 1 ½ cups), butter, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then mix it all up until it’s creamy.
- Mash Potatoes
- Throw the potato insides into a bowl and mash them until they’re fluffy.
Step 5: Stuff ‘Em Back In
Spoon the cheesy mash into your potato shells. Share the filling evenly—not too much, not too little—just the right amount in each one.
Step 6: One Last Blast
- Cook in Air Fryer
- Set the filled potato halves back in the air fryer at 350°F (177°C) and cook for 5–7 minutes—wait for the cheese to bubble up.
- Top with Cheese and Bacon
- Sprinkle with the rest of the cheddar and all the bacon crumbles so they get even toastier.
Step 7: Add Finishing Touches
Take the potatoes out of the air fryer, toss on some fresh green onion slices, and serve straight away. Pair ‘em with your favorite dips or just dig in as they are.
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How to Store Leftovers
Pop any extra stuffed potatoes in a sealed container and stash them in the fridge for up to four days. Need them to last longer? Freeze in a tight container for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge before reheating.
How to Heat Them Back Up
If they're in the fridge, throw the potatoes in the air fryer at 350°F (177°C) for 10–15 minutes. For frozen potatoes, they'll need about 15–20 minutes to get hot all the way through.
Make-Ahead Game Plan
Get the potatoes ready up to the last air fry. You can keep them assembled in the fridge for up to two days. When it’s time to eat, pop them into the air fryer at 350°F (177°C) and heat for 15–20 minutes.
Can You Freeze Them?
Sure can! Lay prepared stuffed potatoes on a baking sheet and freeze until hard, then switch them to a freezer-safe container. When you want one, cook from frozen at 350°F (177°C) for 15–20 minutes.
Smart Tips
Russet potatoes are perfect because they get fluffy and crisp. When scooping, leave a little around the edge so the skins don’t fall apart. If your air fryer’s small, do a few potatoes at a time.
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Easy Custom Switches for Kids
Let the kids go wild topping their own potatoes—extra cheese, bacon, or even veggies. Dinner turns into a fun DIY project.
Vegan or Dairy-Free Swap
Go plant-based by using dairy-free cheese, vegan sour cream, and nondairy butter. For crunch, grab smoky tempeh bits or a vegan bacon substitute.
Try a Sweet Potato Spin
If you've got sweet potatoes, use those instead. Change up the filling with spices like smoked paprika or cinnamon, and pile on nuts or even some pulled pork on top.
Party-Perfect Crowd-Pleasers
Bring these loaded potatoes to a get-together and watch them disappear. They’re so cheesy and crisp, everyone will be reaching for more.
Final Thoughts
You can toss these Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes together any time—they’re simple, packed full of flavor, and work for just about any meal. Try them for a holiday, bring them to a potluck, or just treat yourself on a weeknight. Bet they’ll be a regular in your house!
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Wrap-Up
Dig into these easy stuffed air fryer potatoes. You get crunchy skins, a fluffy cheesy mash and they're perfect for any meal when you're short on time.
Recipe FAQs
- → Is it okay to make these in advance?
Totally! Fill the potatoes, pop 'em in the fridge, then just heat them up in your air fryer at 350°F for around 10-15 minutes when you're ready.
- → What’s the deal with poking holes in potatoes?
It lets steam escape so your potatoes don’t explode or get mushy. Helps everything cook evenly, too.
- → Can I freeze stuffed baked potatoes?
Yep, stash them in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just thaw them fully and reheat in the air fryer for the best crunch.
- → Got tips for scooping the potato out?
Try to leave a thin layer of potato around the skin so it doesn’t fall apart. Use a spoon gently so that skin stays intact.
- → What else tastes good as a topping?
Go wild! Throw on stuff like chopped jalapeños, new cheeses, sub ham for bacon—whatever sounds tasty. Just cook any meat first.