If you’ve ever wished for a potato that checks every box — creamy, cheesy, crispy, smoky, and impossibly easy — Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes are your new go-to dream dish. Each bite delivers that classic comfort of a loaded baked potato, but with the irresistible crisp of air frying and a filling so luscious you might just skip dinner and make these the main event! I love how the air fryer transforms humble spuds into a showstopping side, with gooey cheese, smoky bacon, and fresh chives rounding out the flavor in every forkful.

Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every great batch of Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes begins with pantry staples and a dash of fresh flavor. Each ingredient brings something special, whether it’s guaranteeing perfectly fluffy insides or adding just the right amount of savory crunch and color.

Russet potatoes: Their size and starchy texture make them perfect for holding a creamy, loaded filling while getting ultra-crispy skins.
Olive oil: Just a little drizzle ensures the skins turn golden and crisp, locking in flavor and moisture.
Sour cream: This brings rich tang and velvety smoothness into every bite of potato filling.
Milk: Added to loosen up the mix, giving your filling that pillowy consistency.
Unsalted butter (softened): Melts seamlessly into the mixture, adding classic buttery comfort.
Shredded cheddar cheese (divided): Melts beautifully for gooey, cheesy goodness both inside and on top.
Cooked bacon (crumbled): Smoky and salty, bacon brings that irresistible savory crunch.
Green onions (chopped): Lively and fresh, these add bursts of mild onion flavor and color.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): Simple seasoning that lets every other ingredient shine.
Chopped fresh chives (for garnish): A bright, fresh finish that looks and tastes fantastic.

How to Make Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

Step 1: Prep and Air Fry Your Potatoes

Start by giving your russet potatoes a good scrub under cold water, then pat them dry with a kitchen towel. Drizzle each potato with olive oil and sprinkle generously with salt — this is your first step to deliciously crispy skin. Pop them into your preheated air fryer at 400°F (200°C), leaving enough space so that each potato gets love from the circulating hot air. Cook for about 35 to 40 minutes, or until a fork glides through the center effortlessly. Allow them to cool just enough to handle comfortably; trust me, you’ll want to dig in right away, but a few minutes of patience makes scooping a breeze!

Step 2: Hollow and Mash

Once they’re cool to the touch, slice each potato in half lengthwise. Scoop out the fluffy insides into a mixing bowl, taking care to leave a thin border — these “shells” are your edible boats waiting to be stuffed. Now, mash the potato flesh together with softened butter, sour cream, and milk. This trio brings unmistakable creaminess and flavor, giving the filling that signature twice-baked texture everyone loves.

Step 3: Stir in the Good Stuff

To your creamy mashed potatoes, fold in half of your shredded cheddar cheese, most of your crispy bacon (save a little for the grand finale), and those chopped green onions. Season it all with a bit more salt and black pepper. At this point, the mixture is so tempting you might sneak a spoonful — no judgment, I promise.

Step 4: Fill and Top

It’s time for the fun part: returning that decadent filling to the potato shells! Spoon or pipe the mixture back into each shell, mounding them beautifully. Top each potato with the remaining cheddar cheese, ensuring maximum melt and golden, bubbly goodness in the next step.

Step 5: Air Fry Again

Nestle the stuffed potatoes back in the air fryer basket (work in batches if needed), and set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Air fry for another 5 to 7 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and just the faintest bit golden. These Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes will be piping hot, so let them sit briefly, then sprinkle over the reserved bacon and a shower of fresh chives for color, crunch, and that final touch of flair.

How to Serve Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

Garnishes

For that irresistible finish, nothing beats a scattering of crispy bacon bits and a generous sprinkle of fresh chives. If you’re feeling fancy, add a dollop of sour cream or even a pinch of smoked paprika right on top to enhance both the look and flavor. It’s these little extras that make each potato feel restaurant-worthy, right at your kitchen table.

Side Dishes

These twice baked potatoes shine on any plate — pair them with grilled steak, roast chicken, or even a bright, zippy salad for contrast. I love making them the star at barbecues or serving alongside a cozy bowl of tomato soup for a hearty lunch. Their crispy exterior and rich, cheesy insides make any meal feel extra special.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to take your Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes over the top? Try arranging them on a platter for a crowd, or serve mini versions (using small potatoes) as party appetizers. Top with unexpected additions like crumbled blue cheese, sautéed mushrooms, or a spoonful of chili for a fun twist that’ll surprise your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (which, honestly, is rare in my house), store cooled potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, making spontaneous snacking or an easy side with tomorrow’s dinner an absolute breeze.

Freezing

You can make life extra simple by freezing assembled but unbaked filled potatoes. Arrange them on a sheet tray to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. When you’re ready, just thaw overnight in the fridge and crisp up in the air fryer — the results are nearly indistinguishable from fresh!

Reheating

To bring leftover Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes back to their former glory, pop them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 8 minutes. This method keeps the skin crispy and the filling heated through without drying out, so each bite is just as luscious as the first time around.

FAQs

Can I use different types of potatoes?

Russets are ideal for Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes because of their size and fluffy interior, but you can absolutely try Yukon Golds for a creamier texture. Just note that smaller potatoes may require less cooking time.

How do I make these vegetarian?

Simply omit the bacon, or swap in sautéed mushrooms or vegetarian bacon crumbles for that smoky, savory kick. The potatoes will still be packed with flavor and irresistible texture.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes! Use your favorite plant-based butter, dairy-free sour cream, and non-dairy milk. Opt for a dairy-free shredded cheese option for that ooey-gooey finish. No one will guess they’re dairy-free once you’ve dressed them up.

How do I avoid soggy potato skins?

Patting your potatoes dry before air frying and ensuring there’s room in the basket for air to circulate are key. Rubbing the skins with olive oil and salt before the first air fry ensures maximum crispiness every time.

Are Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes gluten-free?

Yes! The ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, making them a great side or main dish for anyone avoiding gluten. Just double-check any add-ons or bacon brands to be certain.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve made it this far, you know these Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes are a flavor-packed gem that deserves a spot in your regular rotation. They’re the kind of recipe that makes you feel accomplished with surprisingly little effort. Give them a try, share with people you love, and get ready to watch everyone ask for seconds — and maybe even the recipe!

Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 20 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes are a delicious and easy side dish that’s perfect for any meal. Crispy potato skins filled with creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes and topped with crispy bacon and fresh chives. They are cooked to perfection in the air fryer, resulting in a crispy exterior and fluffy interior.

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes:

4 medium russet potatoes

Additional Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup milk
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
2 green onions, chopped
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Chopped fresh chives, for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Cook Potatoes: Scrub the potatoes, rub with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and cook in the air fryer for 35 to 40 minutes until tender.
Prepare Filling: Scoop out potato insides, mash with sour cream, milk, butter, half of cheddar cheese, bacon, and green onions. Season with salt and pepper.
Fill Potatoes: Spoon filling back into potato shells, top with remaining cheddar cheese.
Air Fry: Cook stuffed potatoes at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 7 minutes until cheese is melted.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with reserved bacon and chives before serving.