Print

Crispy Air Fryer Loaded Potato Skins Recipe Easy Bacon Cheese Snack

crispy air fryer loaded potato skins - featured image
Print Recipe

These crispy air fryer loaded potato skins with bacon and cheese are a quick, crowd-pleasing snack with a perfect crunch and savory flavor. Made in the air fryer, they offer a mess-free alternative to deep frying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium russet potatoes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild)
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 2 green onions, sliced thin
  • ½ cup sour cream (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly. Pat dry with a towel.
  3. Pierce each potato a few times with a fork to allow steam to escape during roasting.
  4. Roast potatoes on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 40-45 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork.
  5. Remove potatoes and let cool slightly until they’re easy to handle but still warm.
  6. Slice each potato in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, carefully scoop out the flesh, leaving about ¼ inch (0.6 cm) of potato inside the skin to keep structure.
  7. Brush the potato skins with olive oil inside and out. Season with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
  8. Place the skins in the air fryer basket, skin side down. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes until the skins are crisp and golden.
  9. Flip skins over and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon generously on each one.
  10. Return to the air fryer for another 3-5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and melted.
  11. Remove carefully and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve warm with sour cream on the side.

Notes

Do not rush the potato roasting step to ensure soft insides and crispy skins. Leave about ¼ inch of potato flesh inside the skins to prevent breaking. Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting. Cook bacon until just crisp. Work in batches if your air fryer basket is small. Optionally sprinkle a pinch of baking powder on skins before air frying for extra crispiness. Reheat leftovers in the air fryer to restore crispiness; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: potato skins, air fryer, bacon, cheese, snack, crispy, loaded potato skins, easy recipe, game day snack

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/crispy-air-fryer-loaded-potato-skins-recipe-easy-bacon-cheese-snack/