Perfect Twice Baked Potatoes in Air Fryer – Family Favorite Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with the most incredible twice baked potatoes in air fryer! These creamy, cheesy delights are crispy on the outside and perfectly fluffy inside.
Using your air fryer cuts cooking time in half while delivering restaurant-quality results. They’re surprisingly simple to make and absolutely irresistible!
What are Twice Baked Potatoes?
Ever wondered why they’re called “twice baked”? It’s quite literal – these potatoes get baked twice! First, we bake the whole potato, then scoop out the flesh, mix it with delicious ingredients, and bake again until golden. As they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and these potatoes definitely prove that point! Ready to master this classic comfort food?
Why You’ll Love This Twice Baked Potatoes in Air Fryer Recipe
Unbeatable Texture and Flavor
These twice baked potatoes deliver the perfect combination of crispy skins and ultra-creamy centers. The air fryer creates beautifully golden exteriors while keeping the inside light and fluffy. Every bite is loaded with rich, buttery goodness that melts in your mouth.
Budget-Friendly Home Cooking
Making twice baked potatoes at home costs a fraction of restaurant prices. You can feed your entire family for under $10, compared to $8-12 per serving at restaurants. Plus, you control the quality and quantity of ingredients.
Endless Customization Options
Top these beauties, fresh chives, sharp cheddar cheese, or sour cream. Unlike our popular loaded baked potato soup, these give you individual portions perfect for customizing to everyone’s taste. The possibilities are endless!
Ready to create magic in your kitchen? Let’s get started with this foolproof recipe!
How to Make Twice Baked Potatoes in Air Fryer
Quick Overview
This recipe transforms ordinary russet potatoes into extraordinary comfort food in just 45 minutes. The air fryer method ensures perfectly crispy skins while maintaining fluffy, creamy interiors. You’ll love how simple yet impressive these potatoes are!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Serves: 4 people
Key Ingredients for Twice Baked Potatoes in Air Fryer
- 4 large russet potatoes (8-10 oz each)
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)
- 3 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh chives for garnish
Pro tip: Choose potatoes that are similar in size for even cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly. Pat them dry with paper towels. Pierce each potato 8-10 times with a fork to prevent bursting. Rub olive oil and salt all over the skins for extra crispiness.
Step 2: Air Fry the Potatoes
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch. Cook for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through. They’re done when easily pierced with a fork.
Step 3: Cool and Scoop
Let potatoes cool for 10 minutes until safe to handle. Cut each potato in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out the flesh, leaving about 1/4 inch of potato in the skins to maintain structure.
Step 4: Make the Filling
In a large bowl, mash the scooped potato flesh with butter until smooth. Gradually add sour cream and milk, mixing until creamy. Stir in 1 cup of cheese, green onions, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Step 5: Stuff and Air Fry Again
Spoon the mixture back into the potato shells, mounding it high. Top with remaining cheese. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes until golden and cheese is bubbly.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove from air fryer and let cool for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with fresh chives and serve immediately while hot and crispy.
What to Serve Twice Baked Potatoes in Air Fryer With
These hearty potatoes pair beautifully with grilled steak, roasted chicken, or pork chops. For a lighter meal, serve alongside a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables. They’re also fantastic with barbecue dishes or as a satisfying vegetarian main course with a side of roasted broccoli.
Top Tips for Perfecting Twice Baked Potatoes in Air Fryer
Choose the Right Potatoes
Russet potatoes work best due to their high starch content and fluffy texture. Avoid waxy potatoes like red or fingerlings, as they won’t achieve the desired creamy consistency.
Don’t Skip the Oil and Salt
Rubbing the skins with oil and salt before the first bake creates incredibly crispy, flavorful shells that are almost as delicious as the filling itself.
Avoid Overmixing
When mashing the potato flesh, stop as soon as it’s smooth. Overmixing can make the potatoes gluey and dense instead of light and fluffy.
Temperature Matters
Let the potatoes cool slightly before handling, but don’t let them get completely cold. Warm potatoes mix better with butter and dairy ingredients.
Customize Your Toppings
Try different cheese varieties like Gruyère, pepper jack, or blue cheese. Add jalapeños for heat, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover twice baked potatoes covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Wrap individually in plastic wrap or store in airtight containers.
Freezing: These potatoes freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap individually in aluminum foil, then place in freezer bags. Label with the date for easy identification.
Reheating from Refrigerated: Air fry at 350°F for 8-10 minutes until heated through and crispy. Alternatively, bake in a conventional oven at 375°F for 15-20 minutes.
Reheating from Frozen: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then follow refrigerated reheating instructions. For faster reheating, air fry frozen potatoes at 325°F for 15-18 minutes.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 485 |
| Protein | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 52g |
| Fat | 24g |
| Fiber | 6g |
| Sodium | 825mg |
| Calcium | 285mg |
| Iron | 3.2mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make twice baked potatoes ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare them completely through step 5, then cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, air fry as directed in step 5, adding an extra 2-3 minutes if needed.
What’s the best way to tell if potatoes are done in the first baking?
The potato should give slightly when gently squeezed (use an oven mitt!) and a fork should pierce through easily with minimal resistance.
Can I use different types of potatoes?
While russets work best, you can use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture. Avoid red potatoes or fingerlings as they don’t have the right starch content.
How do I prevent the potato skins from breaking?
Leave about 1/4 inch of flesh in the skins when scooping, and handle them gently. If a skin does crack, you can patch it with extra filling.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the butter with vegan butter, use unsweetened plant milk instead of dairy milk, and skip the sour cream or use a dairy-free alternative.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can make these in a conventional oven. Bake at 425°F for the first bake (45-60 minutes) and 375°F for the second bake (15-20 minutes).
How can I make these potatoes extra crispy?
Brush the stuffed potatoes with melted butter before the final air frying, and increase the temperature to 400°F for the last 2-3 minutes.
Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Definitely! Sautéed mushrooms, roasted bell peppers, or steamed broccoli make excellent additions. Just make sure to drain excess moisture first.
Pro Chef Secrets for Extra Delicious Results
Season the Skins: Before the first bake, try seasoning the skins with garlic powder, paprika, or herbs for extra flavor depth.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your sour cream, butter, and cheese come to room temperature before mixing. This creates a smoother, more cohesive filling.
Add Cream Cheese: For ultra-rich potatoes, substitute half the sour cream with softened cream cheese. This creates an incredibly decadent texture.
Layer the Cheese: Place some cheese in the bottom of the scooped potato shells before adding the filling, then top with more cheese. This creates delicious cheese layers throughout.
Fresh Herb Magic: Try adding fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or dill to the filling for gourmet flavor profiles that will impress your guests.
These twice baked potatoes in air fryer are guaranteed to become your new go-to comfort food. They’re perfect for busy weeknight dinners, special occasions, or whenever you’re craving something indulgent and satisfying. The Twice Baked Potatoes in Air Fryer method saves time while delivering incredible results that rival any restaurant. Give this recipe a try – your family will be asking for these potatoes every week!
