Crispy Twice Baked Potatoes in the Air Fryer: Easy & Delicious

Forget everything you know about traditional potato recipes—the twice baked potatoes air fryer recipe is here to completely transform your kitchen. Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, these potato halves elevate a classic side dish into a gourmet experience. Imagine golden, perfectly seasoned potatoes that crunch with every bite, giving you maximum flavor with minimal effort. The best part? They’re easy to make, and with the air fryer, you can achieve that perfect texture every time.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

How to Make Perfect Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

1. Potato Preparation Stage

• Choose the Right Potatoes
  Select 4 medium-sized russet potatoes. Opt for uniform, large potatoes to ensure they cook evenly in the air fryer. This small step ensures your loaded baked potato air fryer recipe will turn out perfectly every time.
• Clean Thoroughly
  Wash the potatoes well under cool running water. Scrub gently with a vegetable brush to remove any dirt. Pat them completely dry with a clean kitchen towel—moisture is your enemy when aiming for a crispy exterior.
• Pierce the Potatoes
  Use a fork to pierce each potato 6-8 times, deep enough to allow steam to escape but not all the way through. This prevents the potatoes from bursting in the air fryer. Trust me—this simple trick will save you from kitchen disasters.
• Seasoning Magic
  Lightly brush the potatoes with olive oil using a pastry brush, ensuring an even coating. Sprinkle with kosher salt and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper. This step is essential for achieving that crisp, flavorful skin.

2. First Cooking Cycle

• Air Fryer Preparation
  Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Make sure the basket is clean and dry to avoid any unwanted flavors. Arrange the potatoes in a single layer with a little space between them—crowding them can lead to uneven cooking.
• Cooking Time
  Air fry for 40-45 minutes. Flip the potatoes halfway through (after 20 minutes) using tongs to ensure even cooking. Check the internal temperature of the potatoes—they should reach 210°F for that perfectly soft interior.

3. Filling Preparation

• Cooling the Potatoes
  Once your potatoes are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. This makes them easier to handle when scooping out the flesh.
• Cut and Scoop
  Use a sharp knife to slice the potatoes lengthwise. Gently scoop out the potato flesh, leaving about 1/4 inch along the edges to maintain the structure of the potato skin.
• Make the Filling
  Mash the scooped-out potato in a bowl. Add room-temperature butter, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and chives. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until smooth but don’t overwork the filling. The secret to creamy filling is to keep it light and fluffy!

4. Second Cooking Cycle

• Fill the Potato Skins
  Spoon the creamy filling back into the potato skins, mounding the mixture slightly for that extra indulgence.
• Final Air Fryer Touch
  Lower the air fryer temperature to 375°F. Air fry the potatoes for 10-12 minutes until the tops are golden brown and crispy. This final step is key to getting that irresistible crunch on top of the creamy filling.

Final Touches

1. Garnish
   For an extra boost of flavor, top with more shredded cheese and a sprinkle of fresh chives. Serve immediately for the best texture and taste.

Nutritional Breakdown

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Moisture Management

To achieve crispy potatoes, make sure the skins are completely dry before cooking. This simple tip prevents soggy skins and helps achieve that golden crisp.

Customizing Your Potatoes

• Mexican Style: Add jalapeños and top with sour cream for a spicy twist.
• Loaded Version: Add crispy bacon bits and extra cheese for a classic loaded baked potato air fryer upgrade.
• Vegetarian: Add roasted veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions for a healthier option.
• Spicy: A pinch of cayenne pepper can give your potatoes a delicious kick!

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration

Store leftover twice baked potatoes air fryer in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. For the best texture, separate the potato halves with parchment paper before refrigerating.

Reheating Twice Baked Potatoes in Air Fryer

To reheat, set the air fryer to 350°F and cook for 5-7 minutes. The air fryer restores the crispy texture, making it a much better option than the microwave, which can leave the potatoes soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use sweet potatoes for twice baked potatoes in the air fryer?

Yes, sweet potatoes work wonderfully in the air fryer and offer a unique, naturally sweet flavor. Follow the same preparation steps but adjust the cooking time, as sweet potatoes typically need a few extra minutes to soften fully.

2. Can I prepare the filling in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the filling up to 24 hours in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to assemble the potatoes, simply stuff the skins and air fry for the second cycle.

3. How do I get extra crispy skin on my twice baked potatoes?

For ultra-crispy skin, coat the potatoes thoroughly with olive oil before the first cooking cycle. Don’t skip the step of flipping them halfway through. The second air fry at 375°F will give you that irresistible crispy topping!

Conclusion

Air fryer twice baked potatoes are a true kitchen game-changer. They’re easy, delicious, and fully customizable to suit any craving. Whether you’re opting for a loaded baked potato air fryer version with bacon and cheese, or sticking with the classic, these potatoes are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Don’t wait—try this recipe today and discover the magic of perfectly crispy, creamy potatoes in your air fryer!