Olivia Carter
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy appetizer or snack, loaded potato skins are the perfect choice. And with an air fryer, you can make them even better! Air fryer loaded potato skins are crispy on the outside, with tender and flavorful potato on the inside. Plus, they’re topped with all the classic toppings like melted cheese, crispy bacon, and tangy sour cream. In this article, we’ll show you step-by-step how to make loaded potato skins in an air fryer, so you can enjoy this tasty treat in no time!
First, you’ll need to gather your ingredients. You’ll need baking potatoes, olive oil, salt, pepper, shredded cheddar cheese, bacon bits, green onions, and sour cream. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). While the air fryer is preheating, scrub the potatoes clean and pat them dry. Prick each potato several times with a fork, then rub them with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. This will help them become crispy and flavorful in the air fryer.
Once the air fryer is preheated, place the potatoes in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not touching each other, so they cook evenly. Cook the potatoes for 35-40 minutes, or until they are tender and the skin is crispy. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size of your potatoes, so keep an eye on them. Once the potatoes are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly.
Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each potato in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the flesh, leaving about 1/4 inch of potato on the skin. Save the scooped-out potato flesh for another recipe, like mashed potatoes or potato soup. Brush the inside and outside of each potato skin with olive oil, then place them back in the air fryer. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the skins are crispy and slightly browned.
Once the skins are crispy, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. While they are cooling, you can prepare the toppings. Sprinkle each potato skin with shredded cheddar cheese and bacon bits, then place them back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove the skins from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before adding the final touch – a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped green onions.
Now you’re ready to enjoy your homemade loaded potato skins! They make a great appetizer for parties or a delicious snack for any occasion. With the air fryer, you can have crispy potato skins without all the extra oil and grease. So go ahead, give this recipe a try and impress your friends and family with your air frying skills!
Preparing the Potatoes
The first step in making loaded potato skins in an air fryer is to prepare the potatoes. Start by washing the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
Ingredients:
- 4 medium russet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Pierce the potatoes all over with a fork to allow steam to escape during cooking.
- Rub the potatoes with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook the potatoes in the air fryer for 35-40 minutes, or until they are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Once cooked, remove the potatoes from the air fryer and let them cool slightly.
- Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop out most of the flesh, leaving a thin layer of potato attached to the skin.
- Place the potato skins back in the air fryer and cook for an additional 5 minutes to crisp them up.
Your potato skins are now ready to be loaded with your favorite toppings and enjoyed as a delicious appetizer or snack!
Scrub the Potatoes
Before you can start making loaded potato skins in the air fryer, you’ll need to scrub the potatoes thoroughly. This step is important to remove any dirt or debris from the skin.
Start by rinsing the potatoes under cool water to remove any loose dirt. Then, take a scrub brush and gently scrub the skin of each potato. Be sure to pay extra attention to any areas that may be especially dirty or have stubborn dirt.
Once you’ve scrubbed all the potatoes, rinse them again to remove any remaining dirt. Then, pat them dry with a clean towel.
Scrubbing the potatoes is an essential step to ensure that the skins are clean and ready to be cooked in the air fryer. It’s important to remove all dirt from the skin to prevent any unwanted flavors or textures in the finished loaded potato skins.
So take the time to scrub your potatoes thoroughly before moving on to the next step in this delicious recipe!
Pierce the Potatoes
Before cooking the potatoes in the air fryer, you will need to pierce them with a fork. This will allow the steam to escape while they cook, preventing them from exploding.
Using a fork, poke several holes into each potato. Make sure to pierce the skin and go all the way through to the center of the potato.
Piercing the potatoes is an important step as it ensures they cook evenly and thoroughly. It also helps to prevent the potatoes from becoming too soft and mushy.
Tips:
- Make sure to pierce the potatoes all over to ensure even cooking.
- For larger potatoes, you may need to make more holes to ensure they cook thoroughly.
- Be careful not to poke yourself with the fork while piercing the potatoes.
Cooking the Potatoes
To make loaded potato skins in an air fryer, the first step is to cook the potatoes until they are tender and crispy. Follow these steps to cook the potatoes perfectly:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) while preparing the potatoes.
- Scrub the potatoes clean under running water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Pierce each potato multiple times with a fork to allow steam to escape during cooking.
- Place the prepared potatoes in the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook the potatoes for about 35-40 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking process.
- Check the potatoes for doneness by inserting a fork or knife into the center. It should slide in easily without resistance.
- Once the potatoes are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and allow them to cool for a few minutes.
By following these steps, your potatoes will be perfectly cooked and ready to be turned into delicious loaded potato skins.
Preheat the Air Fryer
To begin making loaded potato skins in the air fryer, the first step is to preheat the air fryer. This will ensure that the potato skins cook evenly and become crispy.
Start by turning on the air fryer and setting the temperature to 400°F (200°C). Preheating usually takes around 5 minutes, but refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific air fryer model.
While the air fryer is preheating, prepare the potato skins by slicing each potato in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to gently scoop out the flesh, leaving about 1/4 inch of potato to form a shell. Save the scooped out flesh for another recipe, such as mashed potatoes.
Optional: Brush the Potato Skins with Oil
If desired, you can brush the inside and outside of the potato skins with a small amount of oil. This will help the skins crisp up even more in the air fryer. Use a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil, or for extra flavor, use olive oil.
Alternatively, you can skip this step if you prefer a healthier version of loaded potato skins.
Arrange the Potato Skins in the Air Fryer Basket
Once the air fryer has preheated, carefully place the potato skins in the air fryer basket. Make sure to space them out so that they are not touching each other, allowing the air to circulate around each skin for even cooking.
If necessary, you can cook the potato skins in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
| Preheat time | Temperature |
|---|---|
| 5 minutes | 400°F (200°C) |
Cook the Potatoes
Before starting the process, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry with a paper towel. Pierce each potato several times with a fork. This will allow steam to escape while they cook, preventing them from bursting.
Place the potatoes into the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded so that they cook evenly. Cook the potatoes for about 40-45 minutes or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the potatoes, so it’s best to check them occasionally.
Once the potatoes are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and allow them to cool slightly. Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop out the flesh, leaving a thin layer of potato on the skin. Reserve the scooped-out flesh for another use, such as mashed potatoes or potato soup.
Tips:
1. If you prefer crispy potato skins, you can use a brush to lightly coat the potato skins with olive oil before placing them in the air fryer.
2. To speed up the cooking process, you can microwave the potatoes for about 5 minutes before placing them in the air fryer. This will help soften them and shorten the overall cooking time.
Scooping Out the Flesh
To make loaded potato skins in an air fryer, the first step is to prepare the potatoes by scooping out the flesh. This will create the perfect vessel for the delicious toppings you’ll be adding later. Follow these simple steps to scoop out the flesh:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Wash the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt or grime.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the potatoes in half lengthwise.
- Using a spoon, gently scoop out the flesh of each potato half, leaving about 1/4 inch of flesh along the edges. Be careful not to scoop out too much, as you want the potato skins to be sturdy enough to hold the toppings.
- Place the scooped-out potato flesh in a separate bowl and set it aside for later use. You can use it to make mashed potatoes or other potato-based dishes.
Once you have finished scooping out the flesh, you are ready to move on to the next step in making your loaded potato skins in the air fryer.
Let the Potatoes Cool
After the potatoes have finished cooking in the air fryer, it’s important to let them cool before handling. This allows the potatoes to firm up and makes it easier to scoop out the flesh without burning yourself.
Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, use a sharp knife to carefully cut them in half lengthwise. Be cautious as the potatoes can still be hot inside.
Once the potatoes are cut in half, use a spoon to scoop out the flesh, leaving a thin layer of potato attached to the skin. The scooped out flesh can be saved for another recipe, such as mashed potatoes or potato soup.
Place the hollowed-out potato skins on a baking sheet or plate and set aside for later use. They are now ready to be filled with delicious toppings!
FAQ
What ingredients do I need to make loaded potato skins in an air fryer?
To make loaded potato skins in an air fryer, you will need the following ingredients: potatoes, bacon, cheese, sour cream, green onions, salt, and pepper.
How do I prepare the potatoes for loaded potato skins?
To prepare the potatoes for loaded potato skins, start by scrubbing them clean and drying them. Then, poke several holes in each potato with a fork. This will allow steam to escape during the cooking process. Lastly, brush the potatoes with olive oil and season them with salt and pepper.
Can I use different types of cheese for the loaded potato skins?
Yes, you can use different types of cheese for the loaded potato skins. Cheddar cheese is commonly used, but you can experiment with other types of cheese like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a cheese blend.
How long do I need to cook the loaded potato skins in the air fryer?
The cooking time for loaded potato skins in the air fryer will vary depending on the size of the potatoes and the temperature of your air fryer. Generally, it takes about 15-20 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it is recommended to check the potatoes periodically and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
