Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes: Crispy, Creamy, and Perfectly Fluffy Every Time

Few comfort foods evoke the warmth of home cooking quite like a perfectly baked potato. From simple weeknight dinners to festive holiday tables, baked potatoes are a timeless staple beloved for their versatility and satisfying heartiness. But when you take the humble spud and turn it into a twice baked potato, you transform it into something extraordinary—an irresistible marriage of crisp skin, fluffy interior, and creamy, cheesy filling.

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Now, imagine achieving this ideal without hours in the oven or the hassle of complicated preparation. Enter the air fryer: a kitchen game-changer that delivers crispy, golden exteriors and tender, fluffy interiors with speed and precision. This recipe brings together the best of both worlds—the indulgent decadence of twice baked potatoes with the efficiency and convenience of air frying.

The magic of twice baked potatoes lies in their texture contrasts and flavor layers. First, you bake the potatoes until their skins are delightfully crisp and the insides are soft enough to scoop out. Then, the flesh is mashed and blended with butter, sour cream, cheese, herbs, and seasonings to create a rich, flavorful filling. Stuffed back into the skins and air fried to perfection, these potatoes emerge piping hot with a slightly crispy top and a luscious, creamy center.

What’s more, this recipe is highly adaptable. Whether you prefer a classic blend of cheddar and chives, or you want to experiment with bold flavors like bacon, smoked paprika, or even green chilies, twice baked potatoes offer a perfect canvas. They can be tailored to suit vegetarian diets or supercharged with protein for a hearty side or main dish.

Beyond the satisfying taste and texture, air frying twice baked potatoes offers practical advantages. The faster cooking time saves precious minutes without compromising flavor or quality. The air fryer’s circulating heat creates a beautifully crisp skin that’s difficult to replicate in a conventional oven without drying out the interior. Plus, cleanup is a breeze, making this an ideal recipe for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.

In this detailed guide, we’ll explore everything you need to create air fryer twice baked potatoes that wow every time—from selecting the best potatoes and prepping the perfect filling, to mastering air fryer techniques and offering creative topping ideas. You’ll learn how to customize the recipe to suit your tastes, accommodate dietary preferences, and store or reheat leftovers without losing that signature crispness.

So whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting to experiment with your air fryer, get ready to elevate a classic comfort food into a show-stopping side or satisfying meal. With the right ingredients, thoughtful preparation, and a little air fryer magic, twice baked potatoes become an effortless indulgence you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients

Before diving into the process, here is a basic list of ingredients you’ll need to make about 4 servings:

• 4 large Russet potatoes (ideal for baking due to their starchy texture)

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)

• ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for tang and creaminess)

• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)

• 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (optional, for smoky flavor)

• 2 green onions or chives, thinly sliced

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• Cooking spray or a little oil (to lightly coat the skins for crisping)

Detailed Instructions

Step 1: Selecting and Preparing the Potatoes

Start with good-quality Russet potatoes. Their high starch content creates a fluffy interior perfect for mashing, and their thick skins crisp nicely when air fried.

1. Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt since you’ll be cooking them with the skins on. Pat dry with a clean kitchen towel.

2. Using a fork, pierce each potato several times all over. This allows steam to escape during cooking and prevents bursting.

Tip: For extra crispy skins, lightly rub the potatoes with a little oil and sprinkle with salt before cooking.

Step 2: First Bake – Cooking the Potatoes

Traditionally, potatoes are baked in the oven for about an hour, but the air fryer speeds this up.

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.

2. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch for even air circulation.

3. Air fry the potatoes at 400°F for 35-45 minutes, turning them halfway through cooking.

   • Potatoes are done when the skins are crispy and a fork easily pierces the flesh.

Check doneness: Insert a skewer or fork; it should slide in without resistance.

Step 3: Scooping the Potato Flesh

1. Remove the potatoes from the air fryer and allow them to cool just enough to handle (about 5 minutes).

2. Slice each potato lengthwise, about halfway through. Carefully scoop out the flesh into a medium bowl, leaving about ¼ inch of potato attached to the skin so the shells keep their shape.

Step 4: Preparing the Filling

This is where flavor and creaminess come together.

1. To the scooped potato flesh, add softened butter, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

2. Mash thoroughly with a potato masher or fork until mostly smooth with some texture.

3. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon (if using), and chopped green onions or chives.

4. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if needed.

Optional: For creamier texture, add a splash of milk or cream as you mash.

Step 5: Stuffing the Potato Skins

1. Spoon the creamy potato mixture back into the potato skins, mounding it slightly.

2. Sprinkle extra shredded cheddar cheese on top for that irresistible cheesy crust.

Step 6: Second Bake – Air Frying to Finish

1. Return the stuffed potatoes to the air fryer basket.

2. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-12 minutes, or until the cheese topping is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

Tip: For extra crispy tops, switch to the air fryer’s broil function for the last 1-2 minutes if your model has one. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.

Step 7: Serving

• Carefully remove the potatoes from the air fryer.

• Garnish with additional chopped green onions or chives.

• Serve immediately while warm, paired with your favorite main course or a fresh green salad.