Get ready for a kitchen revelation: Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes deliver everything you love about this comforting classic, but with crispy skins, creamy centers, melty cheese, and smoky bacon — all with a fraction of the fuss and time. Whether you’re prepping for a cozy family dinner or looking to wow friends with a crowd-pleasing side, these spud sensations bring restaurant-level flavor right to your table. Using the air fryer means less waiting and more taste, making this recipe a winner you’ll want to put on repeat.

Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes is in its simple, quality ingredients. Each one brings unique flavor and texture, transforming humble spuds into something absolutely irresistible. Here’s what you’ll need — and why each element matters.

Russet potatoes: Their sturdy skins and fluffy interiors are ideal for scooping and stuffing, providing the perfect vessel for all that goodness.
Olive oil: A quick rub ensures a delightfully crisp skin and deep, roasted flavor.
Salt: Enhances the potatoes’ flavor and works with the oil to crisp up the skins.
Bacon: Cooked until crispy and crumbled, bacon adds smoky crunch and savory depth to every bite.
Sour cream: Brings tangy richness that melds beautifully with the potatoes’ creamy texture.
Milk: Helps achieve that perfectly luscious, smooth filling.
Unsalted butter: Melts into the mix for golden flavor and extra silkiness.
Cheddar cheese: Divided for both mixing and topping, this cheese delivers sharp flavor and that unbeatable melty, gooey finish.
Green onions: Sliced for a pop of color, freshness, and just a hint of mild oniony bite.
Garlic powder: Infuses the filling with subtle, savory warmth.
Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and rounds out the flavors with a touch of heat.

How to Make Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

Step 1: Prep and Air Fry Your Potatoes

Start by giving those russet potatoes a thorough scrub and a quick pat dry — you want them squeaky clean before they hit the fryer basket. Drizzle each one with olive oil and sprinkle generously with salt, massaging it all over the skin. Arrange them in your air fryer basket at 400°F, leaving space for air to circulate. Let them cook for 35 to 40 minutes, until the skins are crisp and a fork slides in without resistance. This step is key: it sets you up for flavorful skins and a fluffy interior.

Step 2: Cool and Scoop

Once your potatoes are tender, remove them and let them cool for a few minutes. You want them cool enough to handle, but still warm on the inside (which helps the butter melt later!). Using a sharp knife, slice each potato lengthwise. Carefully scoop out most of the fluffy center into a mixing bowl, but leave a thin wall of potato attached to the skin — this prevents the skins from collapsing and keeps all that filling neatly packed during the second bake.

Step 3: Mix Up the Creamy Filling

Now the fun part: mash together the potato flesh with sour cream, milk, butter, half your cheddar cheese, those irresistible crumbled bacon pieces, most of your sliced green onions, garlic powder, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Mix until the filling is silky and smooth, with plenty of melty cheese and bacon peeking through. Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasoning at this stage — you want a filling that’s flavorful all on its own.

Step 4: Fill and Top With Cheese

Grab your potato shells and carefully spoon the creamy filling back into each one, mounding it up generously. Once filled, sprinkle the tops with the remainder of your cheddar cheese. This extra layer melts beautifully in the air fryer, sealing in the flavor and giving you that signature gooey, golden finish you expect from Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes.

Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection

Place your stuffed potato halves back in the air fryer basket. Set the temperature to 375°F and cook for another 5 to 7 minutes. Watch closely: you’re looking for melted, bubbly cheese and lightly golden tops. The skins will get even crispier, and the filling turns ultra-creamy inside. Serve them hot – as soon as they’re cool enough to eat without burning your fingertips!

How to Serve Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

Garnishes

After your Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes are cooked to crispy, cheesy perfection, it’s garnish time! Sprinkle extra sliced green onions over the top for a burst of color and freshness. Add a dollop of sour cream for creamy coolness, or a pinch of crumbled bacon for even more savory crunch. A dusting of paprika or a dash of cracked black pepper also makes for a beautiful presentation and a little added flavor.

Side Dishes

These potatoes are incredibly versatile and pair well with anything. Serve them alongside juicy grilled steak, roasted chicken, or crispy air fryer pork chops for a hearty dinner. For a lighter touch, they complement fresh green salads or steamed veggies. They also make a fantastic addition to a game-day spread or potluck buffet.

Creative Ways to Present

You can cut each potato half into wedges and arrange them in a fan pattern for a fun, shareable platter. Or serve Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes on a rustic wooden board with a mix of toppings in little bowls, so everyone can customize their own. They also shine as mini appetizers if you use small potatoes, creating bite-sized twice-baked wonders perfect for parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftover Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes? Let them cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavor holds up beautifully, and you’ll love having a cheesy, savory side on standby for busy weeknights or quick lunches.

Freezing

To freeze, let your stuffed potato halves cool, then wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store them in a zip-top freezer bag for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze before the second air fry; this preserves their texture and prevents sogginess when reheating.

Reheating

Reheating Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes is a snap. If they’ve been refrigerated, just pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 to 7 minutes until hot and the cheese is bubbly. For frozen potatoes, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, or add a few extra minutes to the air fryer time straight from frozen. The skins crisp right up again, and the filling stays creamy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Side Dish

Russet potatoes are best for Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes thanks to their sturdy skins and fluffy centers. However, you can use Yukon Golds or even sweet potatoes for a fun twist – just adjust the cooking time if your potatoes are smaller or larger.

How do I keep the potato shells from tearing?

Allow the potatoes to cool a bit before scooping, and use a gentle hand with a spoon. Leaving a thin layer of potato in each shell helps keep them sturdy and ready for stuffing.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute plant-based butter, non-dairy milk, and a dairy-free sour cream or yogurt alternative. Use your favorite vegan cheese, and you’ll still get a deliciously creamy, cheesy result.

Are Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes gluten-free?

Yes, as written, this recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just double-check that your bacon and other ingredients are certified gluten-free if you’re sensitive.

How can I make these ahead for a party?

Prepare the potatoes through stuffing and topping with cheese, then store covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, air fry as directed and add your fresh garnishes right before bringing them to the table.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about hot, crispy, cheesy Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes — they’re the ultimate comfort-food upgrade with so little effort. If you haven’t tried making them in your air fryer yet, now’s the perfect time! Gather your favorite toppings, get creative, and dig into a batch of these spud-tacular treats. Your table (and your tastebuds) will thank you.

Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 28 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 8 potato halves 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Learn how to make delicious Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes, a crispy and cheesy side dish perfect for any meal!

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes:

4 large russet potatoes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt

Filling:

4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup milk
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
2 green onions, sliced
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prep Potatoes: Scrub and dry potatoes, rub with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, air fry at 400°F for 35-40 minutes.
Prepare Filling: Scoop out potato flesh, mix with sour cream, milk, butter, cheese, bacon, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Fill Potatoes: Spoon filling into shells, top with remaining cheddar cheese, air fry at 375°F for 5-7 minutes.
Serve: Garnish with sour cream and green onions. Enjoy!