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    Home » Recipes » Air Fryer Recipes

    Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

    Published: Oct 3, 2023 · Modified: Oct 25, 2023 by Dorothy Bigelow · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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    An air fryer basket with twice baked potato halves inside.
    Three stuffed potatoes topped with cheese and bacon.
    An air fryer basket filled with potato halves and topped with cheese and bacon.

    These Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes are fluffy, cheesy, and delicious - yet easy enough for busy weeknights. They only take 45 minutes to make and are a great way to use up leftover baked potatoes.

    They are also perfect for holidays and events like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Super Bowl Sunday.

    Three stuffed potatoes on a plate, with an air fryer in the background.
    Jump to:
    • Reasons to Love This Recipe:
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Storage and Reheating
    • Make Ahead Instructions
    • Expert Tips
    • Substitutions
    • Recipe FAQ's
    • More Easy Side Dish Recipes
    • Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

    Years ago, I quickly became famous in my family for introducing the idea of the twice-baked potato. It's not because I invented them (I would never make such a claim!), but I was definitely given some holiday dinner clout after bringing them for the first time to a shared family dinner.

    I've been making them ever since, and this twice-baked potato recipe has to be the easiest version yet. Why, you ask? Well, because the cooking time is just a fraction of the original recipe. And that's all thanks to the magic of an air fryer!

    Golden brown, delicious, and so much better than a regular baked potato, this stuffed potatoes recipe is just as well suited for a busy weeknight as a fancy dinner. If you're anything like me, this is sure to become one of your new favorite easy recipes.

    Reasons to Love This Recipe:

    1. It's delicious! The combination of crispy potato skins, creamy mashed potatoes, and melty cheese makes this recipe irresistible.
    2. It's so easy to make. This simple recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, as it only takes 45 minutes to make in the air fryer.
    3. It's kid-friendly. Your kids will love twice-baked potatoes! Have them add their favorite toppings to get them involved in the dinner process.
    4. It's a crowd-pleaser. These are always a hit at parties and potlucks and can even be made ahead.

    Ingredients

    The ingredients needed to make air fried baked potatoes: russets, cheese, sour cream, butter, olive oil, etc.
    • Russet Potatoes: Russet potatoes are the best potatoes for this potato recipe because they have a high starch content and have a fluffy texture when Air-fried or baked. You can use other types of potatoes like Yukon gold potatoes or red potatoes, but be aware that the texture and flavor may vary slightly. I used medium potatoes for this recipe but you can use large potatoes.
    • Olive Oil: Olive oil adds flavor and helps to crisp up the potato skins. You can use other cooking oils like vegetable oil, avocado oil, butter, or canola oil.
    • Cheddar Cheese: This adds creaminess and a rich, cheesy flavor to the potato mixture and topping. Any good melting cheese like mozzarella, gruyere, or Monterey Jack will work.
    • Sour Cream: Sour cream also provides creaminess, and tanginess, and helps make the filling smooth. Greek yogurt, cream cheese, whole milk, or a dairy-free yogurt alternative can be used instead.
    • Butter: Butter adds richness and a creamy texture to the potato filling. You can use margarine or dairy-free butter as a substitute.
    • Seasonings: You'll need salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Feel free to adjust the amount of each seasoning to your taste.
    • Bacon: Cooked bacon adds a smoky, savory element as well as a crunchy texture to the topping. You can use turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon instead.
    • For garnish: Green onions (scallions) give a fresh, mild onion flavor and add color and visual appeal as a garnish. You can also use chopped chives or parsley for garnish.

    Check the recipe card for a full list of ingredients and the quantities needed. 

    Equipment:

    • Air fryer: Either a basket or a toaster oven-style model can be used. The oven-style models are better for items with toppings, as they don't blow them around quite as much.
    • Electric mixer: Using an electric hand mixer helps make the mashing and mixing of the potato filling effortless.

    Instructions

    An air fryer with potatoes inside.
    Baked potatoes in an air fryer basket.

    Step one: Rub your potatoes with olive oil, and sprinkle them with salt to your taste. Poke each one in several places with the tines of a fork.

    Step two: Cook in an air fryer that has been preheated to 400ºF (204ºC) for 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

    Scooping the insides from a baked potato.

    Step three: Remove the potatoes from the air fryer and let them cool for about 10 minutes. Slice them in half and scoop out the insides with a spoon, leaving some of the potato in place around the skin, being careful not to tear it.

    Preparing the Filling

    A bowl with mashed potato, cheese, sour cream, and spices.
    A bowl of cheesy mashed potato.

    Step four: Add the potato to a large bowl and mash well. Then add in the sour cream, softened butter, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, salt, and 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese.

    Step five: Mix everything until smooth. An electric mixer works well, but a regular whisk or silicone spatula will do the trick.

    Air Frying the Potatoes

    Potato shells filled with stuffed potato mixture.
    Twice baked potatoes in an air fryer basket, topped with shredded cheese and bacon.

    Step six: Distribute the filling between the empty potato shells, then place them into the air fryer (working in batches if needed).

    Step seven: Top with the remaining shredded cheese and crumbled bacon, then cook in the air fryer for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through.

    Serving

    A plate with a single stuffed potato on it, topped with cheese and bacon.

    Step eight: Remove from the air fryer and garnish with sliced green onion, additional bacon, or the toppings of your choice.

    Storage and Reheating

    Storing: Add any leftover stuffed potatoes to an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months (thaw before reheating).

    Reheating twice-baked potatoes: Cook them in an air fryer that has been preheated to 350ºF (177ºC) air fryer for 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through.

    Three loaded potato halves topped with cheese, bacon, and green onions.

    Make Ahead Instructions

    • Assemble. Cook the potatoes as directed, scoop out the insides, and prepare the filling.
    • Refrigerate. Place the assembled potatoes in an airtight container, along with the toppings (if baking within the next 4 hours).
    • Store. Keep refrigerated for up to 48 hours.
    • Cook. Add the toppings (if needed) and cook in an air fryer that has been preheated to 350ºF (177ºC) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

    Freezing

    1. Assemble the twice-baked potatoes.
    2. Place the assembled loaded potatoes on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer.
    3. Once frozen solid, transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag.
    4. Freezer for up to 2 months.
    5. To bake, thaw the desired amount of potatoes overnight in the refrigerator.
    6. Cook in an air fryer preheated to 350ºF (177ºC) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
    A fork pulling from a twice baked potato, with a nice cheese pull.

    Expert Tips

    • The best type of potato to use. Russet potatoes are the best type of potato to use for twice-baked potatoes because they are large, fluffy, and have a high starch content, which helps them hold their shape.
    • Scooping the centers out. Once the potatoes are baked and slightly cool, I usually use a spoon or ice cream scoop to scoop out the flesh. When you do, be careful not to break the shells and leave about ¼" of the potato insides in the shell.
    • Work in batches. If you can't comfortably fit all of the potato halves into your air fryer work in batches of 2-3 halves.
    An air fryer basket filled with 5 potato halves filled with a cheesy and bacon topped filling.

    Substitutions

    With sweet potatoes: You can swap the russet potatoes for sweet potatoes, but you may want to play around with the seasonings and toppings to be more complementary to sweet potatoes (like salsa, black beans, pulled pork, etc.).

    With cream cheese: Swap the sour cream for 4 ounces of softened cream cheese + ½ cup of heavy cream.

    Vegan/Dairy-free: Swap the sour cream for your favorite Vegan sour cream, the cheese for dairy-free cheese, the butter for a plant-based spread, and omit the bacon bits (or use an imitation bacon bit).

    Half of a stuffed potato, topped with bacon and cheese.

    Recipe FAQ's

    Can I make twice-baked potatoes without cheese?

    Yes, you can make twice-baked potatoes without cheese. Simply omit the cheese from the mashed potato mixture. You can substitute the cheese with vegan or dairy-free cheese if preferred.

    What do you serve with twice-baked potatoes?

    Since this side dish is so versatile, it can be served with virtually any main dish. Chicken, beef, pork, turkey, sausage, and even meatless mains all pair well with loaded potatoes.

    What toppings can I add?

    Popular toppings include bacon pieces, chives, a dollop of sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and barbecue sauce. You can also add cooked veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, and spinach.

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    If you loved this recipe for Twice Baked Potatoes in the Air Fryer, let me know by leaving a 5-star review in the recipe card or comment below! You can also tag me on Instagram @dashfordinner.

    An air fryer basket filled with loaded twice-baked potato halves.

    Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

    Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes are a quick and easy side dish that's perfect for any occasion. Topped with melty cheesy and crispy bacon bits.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Air Fryer, Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Cooling time: 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 45 minutes minutes
    Servings: 6 servings
    Calories: 401kcal
    Author: Dorothy Bigelow

    Equipment

    • Air Fryer
    • Large bowl
    • Electric hand mixer

    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)
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    • Wash, then dry the whole potatoes with a paper towel. Brush each potato with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Poke each potato several times with the tines of a fork.
      An air fryer with potatoes inside.
    • Preheat your air fryer to 400ºF (204°C) for at least 3 minutes, or according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
    • Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket and cook for 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You can check the potatoes for doneness by piercing them with a toothpick or a fork; they should be tender when fully cooked.
      Baked potatoes in an air fryer basket.
    • Let the cooked potatoes cool for about 10 minutes, or until they are easy to handle.
    • With a sharp knife, cut each potato in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out most of the potato flesh, leaving a thin layer to keep the skin intact.
      Scooping the insides from a baked potato.
    • In a large bowl, mash the scooped potato insides using an electric mixer, hand mixer, or a potato masher.
    • Add the softened butter, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, 1 ½ cups of cheddar cheese, and sour cream. Mix all the ingredients into the mashed potatoes until smooth.
      A bowl with mashed potato, cheese, sour cream, and spices.
    • Fill the potato shells with the mashed potato mixture and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese and bacon bits evenly over the 6 potato halves.
      Potato shells filled with stuffed potato mixture.
    • Place the stuffed potatoes back in the air fryer basket and cook them for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and they are heated through.
      Twice baked potatoes in an air fryer basket, topped with shredded cheese and bacon.
    • Serve this perfect side dish hot and garnished with green onions.
    Did you try this recipe?Tag me at @dashfordinner and share your photos!

    Notes

    Storage: Add any leftover stuffed potatoes to an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months (thaw before reheating).
    Reheat: Cook them in an air fryer that has been preheated to 350ºF (177ºC) air fryer for 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 401kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 75mg | Sodium: 343mg | Potassium: 547mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 737IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 322mg | Iron: 1mg

    Please note that some of my blog posts here at Dash for Dinner may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. Please see my Disclaimer for more information.

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    Dash for Dinner was started when I had my first child, as an effort to help other families who were struggling with cooking delicious meals while balancing it all. 

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