Here’s how to make delicious potato skins in your air fryer
If you have already perfected the art of making air fryer fries and wedges, or if you’re keen on exploring more creative ways to prepare potatoes, then the air fryer potato skins recipe is a must-try.
When I evaluate the top air fryers, I always seek out recipes that are simple and adaptable. This particular recipe fits the bill perfectly as the potato skins can be served as sides, appetizers, or party snacks, and can be paired with a variety of flavorful fillings.
For a bite-sized option, smaller potatoes can be used, as demonstrated with the air fryer potato skins recipe provided below.
Air fryer potato skins ingredients
(Image credit: Future)- Handful of potatoes – russets work best but any potato will do
- 1/2 tsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 3 rashers of bacon
- Grated cheese
- Sour cream or cream cheese
- Chives
Air fryer potato skins method
To make air fryer potato skins you will need the following:
- Air fryer – I used the Tower Vortx 9 Litre Duo Capacity Basket Air Fryer with Smart Finish 5.2L and 3.3L
- Chopping board
- Knife
This entire recipe can be prepared solely with your air fryer, or you can expedite the process by also utilizing your oven and/or microwave.
(Image credit: Future)Step 1: Begin by rinsing the potatoes and then cutting them in half lengthwise.
(Image credit: Future)
Step 2: Place the bacon strips in the air fryer and cook them at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes. Alternatively, you have the option to grill them in the oven for 20 minutes.
Step 3: As the bacon is being cooked, heat the potatoes in the microwave for approximately 5 minutes, or until they become tender and can be easily fluffed using a fork. Rotate them halfway through. Another method is to cook them in the air fryer for 15-20 minutes at 400°F (200°C) until they are soft.
(Image credit: Future)
Step 4: Grate the cheese and chop the chives.
(Image credit: Future)
Step 5: After the bacon has been cooked, proceed to finely chop it into small bite-sized pieces.
(Image credit: Future)
Step 6: With the back of a spoon, make a hollow in the middle of each potato half and drizzle with a bit of oil, a sprinkle of salt, and some pepper.
(Image credit: Future)
Step 7: Arrange the cut potato halves in the air fryer basket and cook them for 10 minutes at a temperature of 400°F (200°C).
(Image credit: Future)
Step 8: Arrange cheese, sour cream, bacon, and chives on each potato half before placing them in the air fryer basket.
Step 9: Air fry for an additional 10 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Then, remove from the air fryer and serve either hot or cold.
Air fryer potato skins verdict
These potato skins cooked in the air fryer offer a delightful mix of crispy bacon, crunchy skin, gooey melted cheese, and fluffy potato goodness.
I’ve experimented with both large and mini potatoes, and every time I serve them to my friends and family, they are a big hit.
To streamline the process, I prefer to cook the bacon under the grill and the potatoes in the microwave while I prepare the other ingredients. Although this method may result in more cleaning, it ultimately saves time. This step is optional, and if you prefer to use only the air fryer, the results will be just as satisfying.