Air Fryer Potato Skins
These Air Fryer Potato Skins turn out perfectly crispy, loaded with two kinds of cheese, sour cream, and plenty of crispy bacon. Ready in just 30 minutes, they make an amazing side dish to serve alongside steak, seafood, or chicken. Great for game day appetizers and casual dinners!
Recipe Info
Category: Side Dishes / Appetizer Prep & Cook Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- Baked russet potatoes
- Cheddar jack cheese, freshly shredded (divided)
- Pepper jack cheese
- Bacon, cooked crispy and chopped
- Sour cream (swap with Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- Fresh chives, chopped
- Olive oil
- Salt and black pepper
- Cooking spray for air fryer basket
Instructions
- Preheat & prep potatoes Preheat air fryer to 385°F. Slice baked potatoes in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out the potato flesh, leaving roughly ¼-inch layer so the skins stay firm and do not break.
- Season potato skins Brush potato skins with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Air fry shells Arrange potato skins in a single layer, skin-side up. Air fry for 5 minutes, flip, then cook another 5 minutes. Timing may vary based on potato size and air fryer model.
- Add cheese and finish cooking Fill each potato shell with a mix of cheddar jack and pepper jack cheese. Air fry 5 more minutes until skins are golden and cheese melts fully. Transfer finished skins to a baking sheet and keep warm in the oven while cooking remaining batches. Top with sour cream, crispy bacon, extra cheese and fresh chives before serving.
Recipe Variations
🌶 Spicy Hot Potato Skins Sprinkle red pepper flakes or drizzle hot sauce onto skins before air frying.
🧅 Green Onion Upgrade Add chopped green onions as a finishing topping. 🍠 Sweet Potato Version Replace russet potatoes with sweet potatoes for natural sweetness that balances salty toppings. 🍯 Dessert Sweet Potato Skins Top sweet potato skins with mini marshmallows, butter and a light dusting of brown sugar. 🥓 Bacon Grease Hack Swap olive oil for bacon grease when brushing skins for richer bacon flavor.