If you’re looking for the ultimate appetizer to upgrade your game day spread or impress guests during movie night, these Air Fryer Potato Skins are about to become your newest obsession. Crunchy, cheesy, generously loaded with bacon, crowned with cool sour cream and fresh green onions, each bite is the perfect balance of comfort food bliss and party-ready snack. What’s even better? The air fryer delivers that irresistible crispy texture in a fraction of the usual time, making these potato skins delightfully simple to whip up, any night of the week.

Air Fryer Potato Skins Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Air Fryer Potato Skins truly lies in their simplicity, but each ingredient plays a key role in turning humble potatoes into a show-stopping treat. This short list is the foundation of both classic flavors and irresistible textures.

Russet potatoes: Their sturdy skins and fluffy interiors make them the perfect choice for potato skins that hold up to all the toppings.
Olive oil: Brushing the skins with oil helps them get that crave-worthy golden crispiness in the air fryer.
Salt: A sprinkle of salt is a must to enhance both the potato and the toppings.
Black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle bite and depth of flavor.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melty and flavorful, cheddar brings rich, classic cheesiness that just can’t be beat here.
Cooked bacon, crumbled: Salty, smoky bacon is non-negotiable for most, but you can swap in vegetarian options if desired.
Sour cream: A cool, creamy dollop balances all the savory notes – don’t skip this finishing touch.
Green onions, sliced: These brighten each bite with a fresh pop of color and subtle sharpness.

How to Make Air Fryer Potato Skins

Step 1: Prep and Cook the Potatoes

Start by giving your russet potatoes a good scrub to remove any dirt, then dry them well. Using a fork, pierce each potato several times to allow steam to escape as they cook. Place them directly in your air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for 35 to 40 minutes, until the potatoes are tender enough to pierce easily with a fork. Let them cool just enough to handle safely.

Step 2: Halve and Scoop

Once the potatoes are cool enough, use a sharp knife to slice each one lengthwise. With a spoon, carefully scoop out much of the flesh, leaving about a quarter-inch of potato attached to the skin. This creates perfect little boats ready to hold all that cheesy goodness. Save the extra potato for another recipe—think mashed potatoes or potato pancakes!

Step 3: Crisp the Skins

Brush both sides of each potato skin with olive oil, then season them with salt and pepper for maximum flavor. Return the skins, skin side down, to the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for another 5 minutes. This gives the skins a head start on the crispy factor that makes Air Fryer Potato Skins so addictive.

Step 4: Fill and Melt

Take your hot, toasty potato skins and fill each one generously with shredded cheddar cheese and a hearty sprinkle of crumbled bacon. Pop them back into the air fryer for 3 to 4 more minutes, just until the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Top and Serve

Once your Air Fryer Potato Skins emerge golden and irresistible, all that’s left is to crown each with a dollop of cool sour cream and a handful of sliced green onions. Serve these beauties up while they’re piping hot for full effect!

How to Serve Air Fryer Potato Skins

Garnishes

Crowning your Air Fryer Potato Skins with the right garnishes brings them from good to unforgettable. Classic sour cream and sliced green onions are a must, but you can also throw on some chopped parsley, a drizzle of hot sauce, or even a sprinkle of smoked paprika if you’re feeling creative.

Side Dishes

These crispy potato skins pair beautifully with a bright green salad to contrast their rich flavors, but they’re also right at home alongside sliders, chicken wings, or a juicy burger. For a game day feast, offer them with bowls of chili, fresh salsas, or a creamy ranch dip.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to get a little fancy, consider serving Air Fryer Potato Skins on a big wooden platter, garnished with extra toppings on the side for a DIY bar. You can also slice them into smaller pieces for a bite-sized party snack, or layer them in a skillet for a “potato nachos” twist that always gets rave reviews.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Air Fryer Potato Skins (a rare occurrence!), let them cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The skins and toppings will hold together well, making them perfect for reheating.

Freezing

Air Fryer Potato Skins can be frozen for longer storage. Arrange cooled, filled (but untopped) skins on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container for up to two months. Wait to add sour cream and green onions until after reheating, so everything stays fresh and vibrant.

Reheating

To revive leftover or frozen potato skins, pop them back into the air fryer at 375°F for 4 to 6 minutes, until hot and crispy. Add your fresh toppings right before serving to recapture all that first-day flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Appetizer

While russet potatoes are ideal for Air Fryer Potato Skins because of their sturdy skins and fluffy texture, you can experiment with Yukon Golds or even sweet potatoes for a twist. Just note that smaller potatoes may require less cook time and might be a little trickier to scoop.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply leave out the bacon and replace it with sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or black beans. You still get loads of flavor and crunch, and the cheese remains perfectly melty and satisfying.

What’s the best way to keep the potato skins crispy?

The key to super crispy Air Fryer Potato Skins is brushing both sides generously with olive oil before crisping them up in the air fryer. Serve immediately after the final air fry for best crunch—after topping with sour cream and green onions, dig in right away!

Can I prepare Air Fryer Potato Skins ahead of time?

Definitely! You can bake, scoop, and stuff the potato skins in advance, then store them in the fridge until ready to air fry. Add a couple extra minutes to the air fryer time if starting from chilled. Just remember to top with sour cream and green onions right before serving for the freshest flavor.

Can I use turkey bacon or omit it entirely?

Of course. Both turkey bacon and plant-based bacon work well as lighter alternatives, or you can skip the bacon altogether for a delicious, vegetarian-friendly snack. The toppings are endlessly customizable to fit your tastes.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re searching for an appetizer to wow a crowd or just want to treat yourself to something extra delicious, these Air Fryer Potato Skins truly deliver. Give this recipe a try—the crispy texture and savory toppings will have you reaching for seconds, and maybe even thirds. Enjoy every cheesy, bacon-studded bite!

Air Fryer Potato Skins Recipe

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4.9 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 8 potato skins (serves 4) 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Air Fryer Potato Skins are crispy and loaded with cheese, bacon, sour cream, and green onions. Perfect as an appetizer or party snack!

Ingredients

Scale

Potato Skins:

4 medium russet potatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Toppings:

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
1/2 cup sour cream
2 green onions, sliced

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Instructions

Prepare Potatoes: Scrub the potatoes clean and pierce them with a fork. Cook in the air fryer at 400°F for 35-40 minutes until tender. Allow to cool slightly.
Make Skins: Cut each potato in half lengthwise, scoop out most of the flesh, leaving a thin layer inside. Brush skins with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and air fry skin side down at 400°F for 5 minutes until crisp.
Add Toppings: Fill skins with cheddar cheese and bacon. Air fry for an additional 3-4 minutes until cheese melts.
Serve: Top with sour cream and green onions before serving.

Notes

You can save the scooped-out potato flesh for other dishes.
For a different flavor, try different cheese varieties like pepper jack or mozzarella.
To make this dish vegetarian, omit bacon and add black beans or vegetables.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Air Fryer
Cuisine: American