Air Fryer Potato Skins: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Potato skins are a popular snack and appetiser, and can be easily made in an air fryer. They are a great way to reduce food waste, as you can use the potato peels that would otherwise be thrown away. The air fryer crisps up the potato skins and makes the cheese super melty! They are also healthier than the fried version, as they use much less oil.

How to make potato skins in an air fryer

Ingredients

You will need:

• 4 large cooked russet potatoes
• Dash of ranch dressing seasoning (optional)
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Colby jack or cheddar cheese
• 2 slices cooked bacon, chopped
• Sour cream for topping (optional)
• Green onions for topping, chopped (optional)
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Method

• Cut the cooked potatoes in half lengthwise.
• Scoop out some of the potato flesh, leaving around 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch of potato. Be careful not to scoop out too much, as you still want to eat the potato. Set the flesh aside for another recipe.
• Drizzle and brush olive oil over the flesh/inside of the potatoes.
• Sprinkle salt and pepper over the potatoes.
• Add the potatoes to the air fryer basket, skin side down.
• Cook for 5 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• After 5 minutes, add cheese and bacon crumbles to the inside of the potatoes.
• Reduce the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 2-3 minutes.
• Carefully remove the potato skins from the air fryer.
• Top with sour cream and green onions.

Tips

• You can reheat the potato skins by adding them to the air fryer and cooking at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-4 minutes.
• You can also freeze the potato skins and reheat them at a later date. To do this, make the potato skins according to the above directions, but do not add sour cream or green onions. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe ziplock bag and remove the air from the bag before placing it in the freezer. They will keep in the freezer for up to 6 months. To reheat, add the frozen potato skins to the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 370 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes, adding 1-3 additional minutes if the potatoes are larger.
• You can experiment with different toppings, such as jalapeños, ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, awesome sauce, blue cheese crumbles, shredded buffalo chicken, a Southwestern vegetable mix, or a cheesy sauce with tender broccoli.

How to reheat potato skins in an air fryer

If you have leftover potato skins, you can reheat them in an air fryer to enjoy as a snack or appetizer. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

Preparation

Wash and dry the potatoes. If you are using raw potatoes, peel the skins off and add them to a mixing bowl. If you are using leftover potato skins, skip this step and go straight to the next one.

Seasoning

Drizzle oil on the potato peels and add seasonings to taste. You can use olive, grapeseed, or avocado oil. For seasonings, salt, pepper, and garlic powder work great. Give the skins a good mix with your hands to ensure they are evenly coated.

Air Frying

Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the seasoned potato skins in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. If you are reheating a large batch, you may need to do this in several batches.

Air fry the potato skins for 3-4 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. If they are not crispy enough, you can air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Toppings

Once the potato skins are warmed through, you can add your desired toppings. Some popular options include shredded cheese, sour cream, ranch dressing, green onions, or crumbled bacon.

Storage

Leftover potato skins can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. However, they are best enjoyed fresh.

Tips

• Make sure the potato skins are dry before adding them to the air fryer to prevent sticking.
• If you want extra crispy potato skins, you can preheat the air fryer for a few minutes before adding the skins.
• You can also reheat frozen potato skins in the air fryer. There is no need to thaw them first. Simply air fry for about 9 minutes at 360 degrees Fahrenheit.

How to freeze/store potato skins

Preparing and storing potato skins in an air fryer is a quick and easy process. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to freeze/store potato skins:

Preparing the Potatoes:

Start by baking or cooking your desired number of potatoes. You can bake them in an oven, microwave, or even in the air fryer itself. Make sure the potatoes are fully cooked and tender before proceeding to the next step.

Scooping and Seasoning:

Once the potatoes are cooked, cut them in half lengthwise. Scoop out some of the potato flesh, leaving about 1/4 inch of flesh attached to the skin. Be careful not to scoop out too much, as you still want to enjoy the potato itself. Drizzle olive oil over the flesh and brush it around to coat evenly. You can also sprinkle salt, pepper, and ranch dressing seasoning over the potato flesh for added flavour.

Air Frying:

Place the potato skins, flesh side down, into the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 5 minutes.

Adding Toppings:

After 5 minutes, remove the basket and add your desired toppings. Shredded cheese and bacon crumbles are classic choices, but you can also add sour cream, green onions, jalapeños, or any other toppings of your choice. Close the air fryer basket and reduce the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Set the timer for an additional 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese and heat the toppings.

Freezing Potato Skins:

If you want to freeze your potato skins for later, prepare them according to the above directions but omit the sour cream and green onion toppings. Allow the potato skins to cool completely before freezing. Place the cooled potato skins into a freezer-safe ziplock bag, removing as much air from the bag as possible. Store them in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Reheating Frozen Potato Skins:

To enjoy your frozen potato skins later, simply place them back into the air fryer basket straight from the freezer. Set the temperature to 370 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 5 minutes. If your potatoes are on the larger side, you may need to add an extra 1-3 minutes to ensure they are heated through. Top with sour cream and green onions, or any desired toppings, and enjoy!

What temperature and how long to air fry potato skins

Air fryer potato skins are a quick and easy snack or appetizer, and a great way to use up leftover potato skins. They are also a healthier alternative to deep-fried potato skins.

Temperature

The temperature you cook your potato skins at will depend on what you are cooking them in. If you are using an air fryer, cook your potato skins between 350°F and 400°F.

Cooking Time

The cooking time will depend on the model of your air fryer, the amount of potato skins you are cooking, and whether you are cooking them from fresh or frozen.

If you are cooking your potato skins from fresh, you should cook them for 5 minutes at 400°F. Then, add your toppings and cook for a further 2-3 minutes at 350°F.

If you are cooking your potato skins from frozen, you should cook them for 9 minutes at 360°F.

Tips

• Wash and dry your potatoes before peeling.
• Make sure your potato skins are dry before adding them to the air fryer to prevent them from sticking.
• Preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before adding your potato skins if you want them extra crispy.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Place the potato skins in one layer.
• Don't thaw frozen potato skins before air frying.
• You can reheat potato skins in the air fryer by cooking them for 3-4 minutes at 350°F.

Potato skin toppings

Classic Toppings

The traditional toppings for potato skins are cheese, sour cream, and chives. The cheese is usually a Mexican blend, cheddar, or cotija.

Meat Toppings

Meat toppings include ground beef, chili, shredded brisket, shredded chicken, bacon, and even shrimp.

Vegetarian Toppings

Vegetarian toppings include vegetables like broccoli, diced raw onion, and caramelized red onion.

Other Toppings

Other toppings include guacamole, BBQ sauce, jalapeno ranch dressing, salsa, green onion, and chives.

Creative Topping Combinations

• Cheesy Bacon and Kale
• Reuben-Style
• Mac and Cheese
• Cheesesteak
• Southwest Loaded
• Crispy with Pesto Cream Dip
• Buffalo Chicken
• Baked Eggs and Bacon in Potato Bowls
• Crab Salad-Stuffed
• Twice-Baked Tuna Melt
• Garlicky Cheesy Crispy
• Veggie Pizzas
• Roasted Red Pepper Feta Stuffed
• Vegan Mac and Cheese
• Spinach-Artichoke Stuffed
• Bacon-Blue Cheese Burger
• Broccoli and Cheese

Topping Tips

For a lighter option, try using mozzarella, ricotta, and parmesan cheese. You can also add garlic powder, green onions, and paprika for extra flavor. If you want to add some spice, try chili powder, paprika, or onion powder. For a tangy taste, use dried ranch powder or make your own sour cream and onion seasoning by mixing together salt, onion powder, and powdered buttermilk. Finally, for a cheesy option, top with shredded or grated Parmesan cheese.

Frequently asked questions