Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes
Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes are a delightful side dish that combines crispy potato skin with rich fillings of cheese, sour cream, and bacon. Perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or as a comforting snack, this recipe elevates the classic twice-baked potato. The air fryer makes preparation quick and easy while delivering that irresistible crispy texture we all love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This recipe takes only 45 minutes from start to finish, making it a speedy choice for any meal.
- Flavor-Packed: Each bite is bursting with cheesy goodness and savory bacon, appealing to all taste buds.
- Versatile Side Dish: Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes pair well with countless main dishes, from grilled meats to salads.
- Healthier Cooking Method: Using an air fryer reduces the amount of oil needed compared to traditional frying methods.
- Customizable Toppings: You can easily modify the recipe by adding your favorite toppings like chives or different cheeses.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into making your Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes, ensure you have the right tools ready. Using the right equipment simplifies the cooking process and enhances your results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Sharp knife
- Electric mixer or potato masher
- Paper towels
Importance of Each Tool
- Air fryer: This tool cooks potatoes evenly while giving them a crispy exterior without excessive oil.
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl is essential for combining ingredients smoothly and efficiently.
- Sharp knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts when halving the potatoes for easy stuffing.
- Electric mixer or potato masher: These tools make mashing the potatoes quick and help achieve a creamy consistency.
Ingredients
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.
For the Potatoes
- 3 medium russet potatoes
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- Kosher salt (to taste)
For the Filling
- 2 tablespoons butter (softened)
- 1/4 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))
How to Make Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
- Wash, then dry the whole potatoes using a paper towel.
- Brush each potato with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt.
- Poke several holes in each potato with a fork.
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes
- Preheat your air fryer to 400ºF (204°C) for at least 3 minutes.
- Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket and cook for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Check doneness by piercing with a toothpick; they should be tender when fully cooked.
Step 3: Cool and Scoop
- Let the cooked potatoes cool for about 10 minutes until easy to handle.
- Cut each potato in half lengthwise with a sharp knife.
- Carefully scoop out most of the potato flesh, leaving a thin layer inside to keep skins intact.
Step 4: Make the Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the scooped potato insides using an electric mixer or potato masher.
- Add softened butter, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, and sour cream.
- Mix until smooth.
Step 5: Stuff and Cook Again
- Fill each potato shell with the mashed mixture evenly.
- Sprinkle remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese and bacon bits on top of each half.
- Place stuffed potatoes back in the air fryer basket; cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until cheese melts.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve your delicious Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes hot, garnished with chopped green onions if desired!
How to Serve Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes
Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes are a versatile side dish that can complement many meals. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
For a Cozy Family Dinner
- Pair with Meatloaf: The creamy texture of the potatoes pairs perfectly with the savory flavor of meatloaf.
- Serve with Roast Chicken: These potatoes add a delightful crunch to your juicy roast chicken.
As a Party Appetizer
- Mini Twice Baked Potato Bites: Cut the potatoes into smaller pieces for easy snacking during parties.
- Buffalo Chicken Dip: Serve alongside buffalo chicken dip for a spicy and creamy contrast.
A Festive Touch
- Holiday Ham: These potatoes make an excellent side for glazed ham, adding richness to your festive meal.
- Grilled Steak: Pair with grilled steak for a hearty and satisfying dinner option.

How to Perfect Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes
To make your Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes even better, follow these simple tips.
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Select medium russet potatoes for the best texture and flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Oil: Brushing with olive oil helps achieve that crispy skin everyone loves.
- Season Generously: Use enough salt and spices in both the potato flesh and skin for maximum flavor.
- Be Careful When Scooping: Leave enough potato flesh in the skin to keep it sturdy while filling.
- Experiment with Toppings: Try adding different cheeses or toppings like jalapeños for extra zing.
- Check Doneness Frequently: Every air fryer is different; check your potatoes often to avoid overcooking.
Best Side Dishes for Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes
Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes can shine even brighter when paired with complementary side dishes. Here are some great options.
- Garlic Green Beans: These crisp green beans add a fresh touch that balances the richness of the potatoes.
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad provides a crunchy, tangy contrast to creamy twice baked potatoes.
- Coleslaw: The crunchiness of coleslaw enhances your meal and adds vibrant color to your plate.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn perfectly complements the savory flavors of the potatoes, making for a delightful pairing.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The slight bitterness of Brussels sprouts contrasts nicely with cheesy potatoes.
- Baked Macaroni and Cheese: For cheese lovers, this combination creates an indulgent comfort food experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Skipping the Poking Step: Not poking holes in the potatoes can cause them to burst in the air fryer. Always poke several holes with a fork before cooking.
- Not Preheating the Air Fryer: Failing to preheat your air fryer can lead to uneven cooking. Take the time to preheat for better results.
- Overstuffing the Potatoes: Filling the potato skins too much can cause spillage during cooking. Aim for a generous but manageable amount of filling.
- Using Cold Ingredients: Adding cold sour cream or butter can affect the consistency of the mashed mixture. Ensure these ingredients are at room temperature for smooth mixing.
- Neglecting Seasoning: Underseasoned potatoes can taste bland. Don’t forget to add salt and spices to elevate flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes in an airtight container.
- They can stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes
- Wrap each stuffed potato tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
- Store them in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, checking after each minute.
- Stovetop: Heat on medium-low in a skillet, covered, until warmed through, flipping occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes:
How do I know when my potatoes are done?
The potatoes are done when you can easily pierce them with a fork or toothpick, indicating they are tender inside.
Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for varied flavors.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake these twice baked potatoes in a conventional oven at 400°F (204°C). Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare and stuff the potatoes ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes are not only delicious but also versatile! You can customize them by adding ingredients like spinach, jalapeños, or different meats. This recipe is perfect as a side dish for any meal and will surely impress your guests. Give it a try today!

Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6 (3 potato halves per serving) 1x
Description
Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes are a deliciously crispy and cheesy side dish that will elevate any meal. These fluffy potato skins are filled with a rich mixture of creamy sour cream, melted cheddar cheese, and savory bacon bits, making them perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or as a comforting snack. In just under an hour, you can enjoy this gourmet twist on the classic twice-baked potato with minimal fuss thanks to the air fryer. This recipe is highly customizable; feel free to add your favorite toppings or spices for a personal touch!
Ingredients
- 3 medium russet potatoes
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter (softened)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 2 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Black pepper
- Kosher salt
- Chopped green onions (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for 3 minutes.
- Wash and dry the potatoes, brush with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and poke holes in each.
- Cook in the air fryer for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through until tender.
- Let cool for 10 minutes, cut in half lengthwise, and scoop out most flesh.
- Mash the scooped potato with butter, spices, sour cream, and 1½ cups cheese until smooth.
- Fill each shell with the mixture, top with remaining cheese and bacon bits.
- Return to air fryer for an additional 5-7 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 potato half (140g)
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 25mg