Air Fryer Potato Skins: Can You Do It?

Potato skins are a popular snack, appetiser, or side dish that can be made in an air fryer. They are easy to make, customisable, and can be made in large batches. Potato skins can be loaded with cheese, bacon, sour cream, green onions, and other toppings. They can be served on game day, at parties, or as a quick snack.

How to make potato skins in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Russet potatoes
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Cheese (Colby Jack or Cheddar)
• Bacon (pre-cooked)
• Sour cream
• Green onions

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
• Wash and dry the potatoes, then poke holes in them with a fork.
• Spray or brush the potatoes with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
• Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket and cook for 20 minutes.
• Flip the potatoes, spray with more oil, and cook for another 15-20 minutes, or until fork-tender.
• Once the potatoes are done, remove them from the air fryer and cut them in half lengthwise.
• Scoop out some of the mashed potatoes, leaving about 1/4 inch of potato in the skins.
• Place the potato skins back into the air fryer basket, skin-side down, and cook for 5 minutes at 400°F.
• Sprinkle cheese and add crumbled bacon to each potato skin.
• Cook for an additional 2-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
• Remove the potato skins from the air fryer and add toppings such as sour cream and green onions.
• Serve and enjoy!

Tips:

• If you are short on time, you can cook the potatoes in the microwave instead of the air fryer. Microwave for about 5 minutes, flip, and cook for another 7 minutes or until fork-tender.
• Don't scoop out too much potato, or the skins may break.
• You can reheat the potato skins in the air fryer by cooking them at 350°F for 3-4 minutes.

Variations:

• For a dairy-free option, use dairy-free sour cream and cheese.
• You can substitute the type of cheese and potato used, or add different toppings such as jalapeños, ranch dressing, or buffalo sauce.
• To make the potato skins lower in carbs, substitute sweet potatoes for white potatoes.

What type of potatoes to use

When it comes to choosing the right type of potatoes for air fryer potato skins, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, you'll want to select a variety that holds its shape well and has a thicker skin, as this will ensure your potato skins are sturdy and easy to work with. Russet potatoes are a popular choice due to their thick skin and fluffy texture, making them ideal for stuffing and baking. They are also widely available and affordable.

However, other types of potatoes can also work well. For example, if you prefer a waxier texture or want smaller potato skins, you could opt for red potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes. These varieties hold their shape well and have a creamy texture that pairs nicely with various toppings. Idaho potatoes are another good option and are similar to Russet potatoes in terms of texture and taste.

When selecting your potatoes, look for ones that are firm and free of bruises or sprouting. Avoid potatoes that feel soft or have shrivelled skin, as these may not cook evenly or yield the best results. Also, consider the size of your potatoes, especially if you have a smaller air fryer. Larger potatoes may need to be cut into smaller portions to fit properly, so medium to large potatoes are generally the best option.

Lastly, while you can use raw potatoes, baking them beforehand can save time and ensure they are fully cooked before adding your desired toppings. Baked potatoes can be made ahead of time and refrigerated until you're ready to make your potato skins, streamlining the preparation process.

How to reheat potato skins

To reheat potato skins in an air fryer, first ensure that the potato skins have been cooled and stored in an airtight container or plastic bag in the refrigerator.

When you are ready to reheat them, place the potato skins in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Reheat at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. If you are reheating a large batch of potato skins, you may need to do so in two batches.

Once the potato skins are heated through, add your desired toppings. Suggested toppings include:

• Sour cream
• Bacon
• Green onions or chives
• Cheese
• Ranch dressing
• Jalapeños
• Buffalo sauce
• Awesome sauce
• Blue cheese crumbles

How to freeze potato skins

Potato skins can be frozen and stored for later use. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to freeze potato skins:

Step 1: Bake the Potatoes

Start by baking your potatoes. Wash the potatoes and pierce them with a sharp knife or a fork to allow steam to escape while baking. You can rub them with olive oil and season with salt and pepper, if desired. Place the potatoes in the oven and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes or until they are cooked through.

Step 2: Cool and Scoop

Once the potatoes are baked, let them cool down until they are easy to handle. Cut each potato in half and scoop out the insides, leaving about a quarter of an inch of potato attached to the skin. You can save the scooped-out potato for another use, such as mashed potatoes or potato patties.

Step 3: Prepare the Potato Skins

Brush the inside of the potato skins with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Place them on a baking sheet, skin-side up, and return them to the oven. Bake for about 10 minutes, then flip them over and bake for an additional 10 minutes. This will help crisp up the skins.

Step 4: Cool and Fill (Optional)

Once the potato skins are baked, let them cool down again. At this point, you can choose to fill the potato skins with your desired toppings, such as cheese, bacon, and green onions. If you plan to fill them, sprinkle the fillings into the potato skins and return them to the oven or broiler to melt the cheese.

Step 5: Freeze the Potato Skins

Place the filled or unfilled potato skins on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer. Leave them until they are frozen solid, which should take about an hour. This step ensures that the potato skins keep their shape during long-term storage.

Step 6: Long-Term Storage

Once the potato skins are frozen solid, transfer them to a container or zip-top bag. Remove as much air as possible from the bag for long-term storage. The frozen potato skins can be stored in the freezer for up to six months.

Reheating Instructions:

To reheat the frozen potato skins, place them on a baking tray and cook in a preheated oven at 350-450 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes, or until they are heated through and slightly crisp.

What to serve with potato skins

Potato skins are a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, snack, or side. They pair well with a variety of dishes and drinks, making them a great option for game days, parties, and weeknight dinners. Here are some ideas on what to serve with potato skins:

Appetizers and Snacks

Potato skins are often served as appetizers or snacks, so serving them with other bite-sized options can create a well-rounded spread. Here are some appetizer ideas to serve with potato skins:

• Wings, such as Korean Air Fryer Chicken Wings or Grilled Chicken Tenders
• Dips like guacamole, Greek yogurt ranch dip, or artichoke dip
• Cheese balls
• Shrimp tacos

Main Course

If you're serving potato skins as a side dish, here are some main course options that would pair well:

• Pulled chicken sandwiches
• Vegan burgers
• Slow cooker pulled pork
• Chicken legs

Drinks

When serving potato skins as an appetizer or snack for a dinner party, consider pairing them with drinks such as:

• Tempranillo
• Malbec
• Chardonnay
• Cocktails like skinny margaritas or apple cider cocktails

Customizable Toppings

The beauty of potato skins is that they can be customized with various toppings to suit different tastes. Here are some topping ideas to serve with potato skins:

• Bacon, either cooked or as bacon bits
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Chives or green onions
• Shredded cheese, such as cheddar, Colby Jack, or gouda
• Butter
• Spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, or cayenne pepper

Frequently asked questions