Golden Air Fryer Twice Baked Delight

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these incredible Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes! Imagine perfectly crispy potato skins generously loaded with a creamy, cheesy, and utterly delicious filling, all made incredibly easy and quick in your air fryer. This recipe transforms humble russet potatoes into a show-stopping side dish or a hearty appetizer that’s packed with flavor and sure to impress without the fuss of traditional oven baking.

Air fryer twice baked potatoes topped with melty cheddar cheese and a garnish of chives on a white plate.

Contents

Why You’ll Love This Easy Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe

Making twice baked potatoes in the air fryer isn’t just a clever trick; it’s a game-changer! This method delivers all the classic flavor and texture you crave with unparalleled convenience and efficiency. Here’s why these air fryer twice baked potatoes will become your new favorite:

Unmatched Efficiency: Say goodbye to heating up your entire kitchen for an hour! The air fryer cooks potatoes surprisingly fast and efficiently, keeping your home cool, especially during warmer months. This means less waiting and more enjoying your delicious meal.
Crispy Skins, Creamy Filling: The air fryer excels at creating that coveted crispy potato skin on the first bake, providing a perfect contrast to the rich, fluffy, and incredibly creamy interior. It’s the ideal textural combination that defines a truly great twice baked potato.
Effortlessly Delicious: While twice baked potatoes might sound like a gourmet endeavor, this air fryer recipe simplifies the process dramatically. The air fryer handles the primary baking, and the filling comes together with simple, wholesome ingredients like butter, cheese, seasoning, and bacon. Even novice cooks can achieve impressive results.
A Versatile Culinary Star: Whether you need an elegant side dish for a holiday feast, a comforting accompaniment to a weeknight dinner, or a hearty appetizer for entertaining, these air fryer twice baked potatoes fit every occasion. They’re substantial enough to satisfy and elegant enough to impress.
Customization at Your Fingertips: This recipe serves as a fantastic base for endless variations. Easily adapt it to your taste preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. It’s a dish that truly allows you to be the chef!

Essential Chef’s Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

Achieving the perfect air fryer twice baked potatoes is simple with a few expert tips. Follow these guidelines to ensure your potatoes are consistently delicious, creamy, and wonderfully crispy every time:

Customize Your Flavors: The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different cheeses – a sharp cheddar, creamy Monterey Jack, or a smoky gouda would all be fantastic. Want a kick? Add a pinch of smoked paprika, a dash of cayenne pepper, or finely chopped jalapeños to the filling. For an herbier note, mix in fresh chives, parsley, or dill. You can even swap bacon for crumbled sausage, ham, or roasted vegetables.
Avoid Overcrowding the Air Fryer: For optimal results, ensure there’s enough space around each potato for the hot air to circulate freely. Overcrowding will steam the potatoes rather than crisp them, leading to uneven cooking and less desirable texture. If you’re making a large batch or using larger potatoes, cook them in multiple batches. Patience is key for perfectly crispy air fryer potatoes.
Crucial Ventilation Holes: Before the first bake, meticulously poke holes all over the surface of each potato with a fork. This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a critical step! These holes act as vents, allowing steam to escape during cooking. This prevents your potatoes from bursting in the air fryer and ensures they cook evenly and thoroughly from the inside out, resulting in a fluffy interior.
Choosing the Right Potatoes: Russet potatoes are highly recommended for twice baked potatoes due to their high starch content and thick skins. This combination results in a fluffy interior when baked and a sturdy skin that holds up well to scooping and refilling. While other potatoes can work, russets truly deliver the best texture for this classic dish.
Room Temperature Ingredients for Creaminess: For the smoothest, creamiest potato filling, ensure your butter, sour cream, and milk are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can make the filling lumpy and harder to mix evenly. Planning ahead to let these ingredients sit out for 30 minutes to an hour will make a noticeable difference in the final texture.
Scooping the Flesh: When hollowing out your potatoes, be gentle. Leave a thin rim of potato flesh attached to the skin to provide structural support for the re-filled potato. You want enough potato to hold the shape, but also plenty of room for your delicious filling. A small spoon or a grapefruit spoon can be particularly helpful for this task.
Seasoning to Perfection: Taste the potato filling before you re-stuff the skins! Adjust the seasoned salt, black pepper, or any other spices to suit your preference. Remember, you can always add more seasoning, but you can’t take it away. This step ensures your twice baked potatoes are perfectly flavored every time.

Twice baked potatoes in an air fryer basket. The potatoes are topped with a layer of melted cheddar and a garnish of chives.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

Making these decadent air fryer twice baked potatoes is simpler than you think! Follow these detailed steps to achieve perfectly crispy skins and a fluffy, flavorful filling.

1. Prepare the Potatoes for the First Bake:

Preheat your air fryer to 400° Fahrenheit (200°C).
Thoroughly rinse and scrub 4 medium russet potatoes under running water to remove any dirt. Pat them completely dry with paper towels or a clean dish towel.
Using a fork, gently poke small holes all over the entire surface of each potato. This crucial step prevents the potatoes from bursting in the air fryer and ensures even cooking.
Drizzle 2 tablespoons of neutral oil (like avocado or olive oil) over the potatoes and rub it in, ensuring the entire surface is coated. Sprinkle coarse sea salt generously over all sides of each potato.
Place the salt-crusted potatoes in the air fryer basket. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, which can hinder even cooking. Return the basket to the preheated air fryer.

2. First Air Fryer Bake:

Air fry the potatoes for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, begin checking their doneness by gently pressing the tines of a fork into the skin. Continue cooking, checking every 5 minutes, until the fork easily pierces through the skin and into the inner flesh. The fork should not pierce completely through to the other side of the potato.
Once the potatoes are ready, carefully remove the basket from the air fryer. Using tongs, transfer the cooked potatoes to a cutting board. Handle with caution, as they will be very hot.

3. Create the Creamy Filling:

Using a sharp knife, slice each potato in half lengthwise. Carefully use a fork to scoop the inner flesh of the potatoes into a medium mixing bowl, leaving a thin rim of potato flesh intact around the edge of the skin for support. Be mindful not to tear the potato skins. Return the empty potato shells to the cutting board.
To the scooped potato flesh, add ½ cup unsalted butter (at room temperature), ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon, and ½ cup sour cream (at room temperature). Use a potato masher or a fork to smash and combine these ingredients until smooth and well incorporated.
Add 1 cup shredded fresh cheddar cheese (or a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack, at room temperature), ½ cup whole milk (or 2% milk, at room temperature), 1 teaspoon seasoned salt, ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper, and 2 thinly sliced green onions to the mixing bowl. Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well incorporated. Taste the mixture and adjust seasonings as desired.

4. Stuff and Second Bake:

Using a large spoon or a cookie scoop with a release handle, portion the creamy potato mixture into the hollowed-out potato skins. Fill each potato half evenly and mound the filling generously.
Top each filled potato half with additional shredded cheese, if desired. Carefully place the stuffed potato skins back into the air fryer basket, again working in batches to prevent overcrowding.
Return the basket to the air fryer. Air fry the filled potatoes for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly, and the filling is heated through.
Once ready, carefully transfer the hot twice baked potatoes from the air fryer basket to a serving platter or individual plates. Repeat with any remaining filled potato skins.
Garnish your air fryer twice baked potatoes with finely chopped chives, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

Here are some common questions about making and enjoying these delicious air fryer twice baked potatoes:

Can I Make Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! Twice baked potatoes are excellent for making in advance. Prepare them up to the point of the second bake (before adding the final cheese topping). Let them cool completely, then cover and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. When ready to serve, top with extra cheese and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted and golden.

How Do I Store and Reheat Leftover Twice Baked Potatoes?

Store any leftover air fryer twice baked potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use your air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, microwave for 1-2 minutes until warm, though the skin won’t be as crispy. For best results, the air fryer is recommended for reheating to restore crispiness.

What Kind of Potatoes Are Best for Twice Baked Potatoes?

Russet potatoes (also known as Idaho potatoes) are ideal for twice baked potatoes. Their high starch content leads to a wonderfully fluffy interior, and their thick skin holds its shape well after baking and scooping, providing a sturdy vessel for the creamy filling. While other varieties can be used, russets deliver the classic texture and structure.

Can I Add Other Ingredients to the Potato Filling?

Yes, the filling is highly customizable! Feel free to incorporate other cooked ingredients like sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, steamed broccoli florets, or even shredded cooked chicken for a heartier meal. Different cheeses like pepper jack, smoked cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses can also introduce new flavor dimensions.

Why Did My Potato Explode in the Air Fryer?

This usually happens if you skip the crucial step of poking ventilation holes in the potato skins before the first bake. As the potatoes cook, steam builds up inside. Without escape routes, the pressure can cause the potato to burst. Always make sure to thoroughly prick the potatoes with a fork!

Serving Suggestions and Variations

These air fryer twice baked potatoes are incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas to make them a star at any meal:

As a Side Dish: They pair wonderfully with a variety of main courses. Serve them alongside grilled steak, roasted chicken, pan-seared salmon, or a juicy pork chop. Their rich flavor complements almost any protein.
Appetizer Extravaganza: Cut the finished halves into smaller portions for easy grabbing. They are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at parties, potlucks, or game day gatherings.
Flavor Boosters:
- Spicy Kick: Add finely diced jalapeños, a pinch of chili powder, or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
- Herbaceous Twist: Mix in fresh rosemary, thyme, or a blend of your favorite herbs.
- Loaded Style: Top with extra crispy bacon bits, a dollop of sour cream, and more fresh chives right before serving.
- Vegetable Infusion: Fold in finely chopped steamed broccoli, corn, or sautéed spinach into the potato mixture.
- Protein Power-Up: For a more substantial dish, mix in shredded cooked chicken, pulled pork, or even seasoned ground beef.
Cheesy Alternatives: Explore different cheese combinations like a Monterey Jack and Colby blend, or a hint of Parmesan for a nutty flavor.

More Air Fryer Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re enjoying the convenience and delicious results of air fryer cooking, be sure to check out some of our other fantastic air fryer recipes:

Air Fryer Chicken Patties (from Frozen!)
Air Fryer Quesadilla
10-Minute Air Fryer Salmon
Air Fryer Egg Rolls
Easy, Crispy Air Fryer Falafel
Air Fryer Pecan Crusted Chicken

Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

Prep:
15 minutes

Cook:
55 minutes

Total:
1 hour 10 minutes

Easy air fryer twice baked potatoes are creamy, cheesy, and so delicious!

Cheryl Malik

Pin
Print

8
twice-baked potato halves

Ingredients

For the Potatoes

4
medium
russet potatoes
approximately 8 ounces each
2
tablespoons
neutral oil
avocado oil, olive oil, etc.
coarse sea salt
to taste

For the Potato Filling

½
cup
unsalted butter
1 stick, at room temperature
½
cup
cooked and crumbled bacon
½
cup
sour cream
at room temperature
1
cup
shredded fresh cheddar cheese
or jack cheese, or combination; at room temperature
½
cup
whole milk
or 2% milk, at room temperature
1
teaspoon
seasoned salt
more or less to taste
¼
teaspoon
freshly cracked black pepper
more or less to taste
2
green onions
thinly sliced

Servings Suggestions (All Optional)

additional shredded cheese
finely chopped chives

Equipment

Air Fryer
vegetable brush
or clean dish towel
Paper towels
Cutting board
or large plate or bowl
Fork
Tongs
sharp chef’s knife
medium mixing bowl
Potato masher
or fork
large spoon
or cookie scoop with release handle

Instructions

For the Potatoes

Preheat air fryer to 400° Fahrenheit.
Rinse and scrub 4 medium russet potatoes under running water, removing all surface dirt from potato skins. Once potatoes are completely rinsed, pat skins dry with paper towels or clean dish towel and place on cutting board.
Use fork to gently poke small holes over entire surface of each potato. Do not skip this step – vent holes are very important to cooking potatoes thoroughly, and to keep potatoes from exploding in air fryer.
Once all potatoes have been well-ventilated, drizzle 2 tablespoons neutral oil over potatoes. Rub oil into potato skins, covering entire surface of potatoes completely. Sprinkle coarse sea salt over all sides of each potato to taste.
Remove basket from preheated air fryer. Place salt-crusted potatoes in air fryer basket, working in batches as needed if all 4 potatoes do not fit. Return basket to preheated air fryer.
Air fry potatoes 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, begin checking doneness of potatoes by gently pressing tines of fork into skins of potatoes. Continue cooking potatoes, checking doneness every 5 minutes, until tines of fork easily pierce through skin of potatoes and into inner flesh. Fork should not pierce completely through potato to other side of potato skin.
When potatoes are ready, carefully remove basket from air fryer. Use tongs to carefully transfer cooked potatoes from basket to cutting board. Note: potatoes will be very hot. Use caution when handling potatoes moving forward.

For the Potato Filling

Use sharp knife to slice each potato in half lengthwise. Use fork to scrape inner flesh of potatoes into mixing bowl, leaving thin rim of potato flesh intact around edge of potato for support. Be very careful not to tear potato skins. Return empty potato shells to cutting board and set aside.
When all potato flesh has been scooped into mixing bowl, add ½ cup unsalted butter, ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon, and ½ cup sour cream. Use potato masher or fork to smash ingredients together until fully combined.
Add 1 cup shredded fresh cheddar cheese, ½ cup whole milk, 1 teaspoon seasoned salt, ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper, and 2 green onions to mixing bowl. Mix all ingredients together until well incorporated, then taste mixture and adjust seasonings as desired.
Using large spoon or cookie scoop with release handle, portion potato mixture into hollowed-out potato skins. Fill each potato skin evenly and with as much filling as possible, shaping filling into heaping mound.

For the Twice-Baked Potatoes

Top each potato half with additional shredded cheese as desired. Place filled potato skins in air fryer basket, again working in batches as needed to avoid crowding basket.
Return basket to air fryer. Air fry filled potatoes 5 minutes or until cheese is completely melted. Once cheese is melted, carefully transfer twice-baked potatoes from air fryer basket to serving platter or plates. Repeat with remaining filled potato skins.
Garnish twice-baked potatoes with finely chopped chives if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

Cook Times: Exact cook times will vary depending on the size and thickness of your potatoes and the make, model, and age of your air fryer. Adjust cook times as needed, especially the first time you make the recipe, to avoid over- or under-cooking the potatoes.

Nutrition Information

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.