Crispy potato skins, creamy-cheesy interiors, and a smoky hint of bacon—there’s no resisting Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes! This recipe transforms humble spuds into flavorful, crowd-pleasing masterpieces in much less time than a conventional oven. The magic of the air fryer gives you beautifully crisp results on the outside while the filling stays buttery and rich, perfect for pairing with a weeknight meal or turning any gathering into a special occasion.

Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of pantry staples to whip up Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes, but don’t let their simplicity fool you—every ingredient brings its own charm. Each one plays a crucial part in crafting the contrast of textures and flavors that make this dish a true comfort food favorite.

Russet potatoes: The thick skin and fluffy interior make them the top choice for sturdy, scoopable shells.
Olive oil: Just a brush gives the skins a golden crisp exterior that holds up beautifully.
Kosher salt: Sprinkling salt enhances the overall flavor and gives each bite a satisfying pop.
Butter (softened): Blends into the mashed potato filling for rich creaminess and a silky texture.
Black pepper: Adds a subtle bite to balance out the dense, cheesy filling.
Garlic powder: A touch of garlic brings deeper savory notes to the mash.
Onion powder: Rounds out the flavor for a gentle, sweet background.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey perfection both inside and on top of the potatoes.
Sour cream: The secret to ultra-creamy, tangy filling that never feels dry.
Bacon (cooked and crumbled): Salty, smoky pieces add pops of flavor in every forkful.
Chopped green onions (optional): Offer a fresh burst of color and sharpness as garnish.

How to Make Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

Step 1: Prep the Potatoes

Grab your russet potatoes and give them a good scrub—you want those skins clean and ready to crisp up. Pat each potato dry, then brush on a thin layer of olive oil and sprinkle generously with kosher salt. This simple step starts building big flavor right from the start and gives your Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes their unforgettable crunch.

Step 2: Air Fry the Potatoes

Preheat your air fryer to 400ºF (204°C) for at least 3 minutes. Once it’s hot, nestle the potatoes in the basket and let them cook for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll know they’re ready when a fork glides in easily and the outsides look golden and crisp. Don’t be shy—poke and prod to check for doneness!

Step 3: Cool and Halve

When the potatoes are tender, let them cool for about 10 minutes until you can handle them without burning your fingers. This resting period makes slicing a breeze and keeps the delicate skins intact. With a sharp knife, trim each potato in half lengthwise to create perfect little boats for your filling.

Step 4: Scoop and Mash

Now for the fun part: use a spoon to gently scoop out most of the potato flesh, letting a thin layer cling to the skin to maintain structure. Place the fluffy insides in a bowl—this is your canvas for flavor! Try not to rush; keeping the skins whole will make filling them so much easier.

Step 5: Mix the Filling

Grab your mixer or potato masher and go to town mashing the potato with softened butter, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese, and tangy sour cream. The mixture should be smooth, luscious, and flecked with pools of melty cheese. Taste and adjust for seasoning—you want this as flavorful as possible!

Step 6: Stuff the Potatoes

Spoon the mashed mixture back into the potato shells, piling it high for maximum decadence. Finish with a generous sprinkle of the remaining cheddar and scatter on the bacon bits (or crumbled cooked bacon). This is where your Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes really start looking irresistible.

Step 7: Second Bake in the Air Fryer

Return the filled potato halves to the air fryer basket. Cook for 5–7 more minutes, just until the cheese bubbles and the filling is piping hot. The air fryer’s convection heat will make the tops delightfully golden while warming everything through—no soggy bottoms here!

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Transfer your finished potatoes to a platter and shower them with chopped green onions if you like a little extra freshness. Serve immediately while the cheese is gooey and the potato skins are audibly crunchy. Each bite is like a celebration of comfort food done right.

How to Serve Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

Garnishes

A finishing touch of sliced green onions brings a zippy freshness and beautiful pop of color to Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes. For a smoky upgrade, try additional bacon crumbles or even a dash of smoked paprika. If you love extra cheese, a quick sprinkle of a sharp cheddar or a swirl of sour cream adds another dimension.

Side Dishes

These potatoes make a stellar sidekick for steak, grilled chicken, or roasted veggies. Their savory richness pairs beautifully with any barbecue or potluck spread. For a lighter meal, serve alongside a crisp green salad or a bowl of veggie-packed soup. Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes bring comfort to any plate!

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the traditional! Turn Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes into bite-sized appetizers by halving smaller potatoes or using the filling as a dip with cracker scoops. For a main dish twist, top them with shredded rotisserie chicken, pulled pork, or a veggie chili. Their versatility makes them the secret weapon of your entertaining repertoire.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got extra Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes? Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. They retain their creamy texture and bold flavor, making them a fantastic grab-and-go lunch or speedy side for busy nights.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes! Once assembled and cooled, arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Just add a few minutes to the reheating time—no need to thaw first.

Reheating

To revive leftover or frozen potatoes, pop them back in the air fryer at 375ºF for 6–10 minutes, or until fully heated and the cheese is melty. You can microwave in a pinch, but the air fryer will bring back the crave-worthy crisp skin and warm filling.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of potato for Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes?

Russets are best because of their sturdy skin and fluffy insides, but Yukon Golds can work in a pinch. Just know the skins may be more delicate, so handle them gently when scooping.

How do I keep the potato skins from tearing?

Letting the potatoes cool before scooping, and leaving a thin layer of potato attached to the skin, both help keep the shells sturdy. Using a small spoon and gentle hands also makes the process easier.

What if I don’t eat pork—can I skip the bacon?

Absolutely! Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes are just as delicious with turkey bacon, veggie bacon, or simply extra cheese and chives. Or, try swapping in roasted mushrooms for a savory touch.

Can I add other mix-ins to the potato filling?

Definitely—this recipe is endlessly adaptable. Chopped broccoli, sautéed spinach, caramelized onions, or pepper jack cheese are all fantastic add-ins for your potato filling.

How can I make Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes ahead for entertaining?

Prepare and stuff the potatoes up to the final air fryer bake, then cover and refrigerate for up to two days. When ready to serve, pop them straight into the air fryer to reheat and melt the cheese—perfectly hassle-free!

Final Thoughts

Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes are one of those recipes that feels both nostalgic and exciting every time you make them. With their crackling skins, cheesy clouds of filling, and irresistible bacon topping, they’re always a hit with family and friends. Give this recipe a try and let your air fryer work its magic—you’ll be making these again and again!