Air-Fryer Twice-Baked Potatoes: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Twice-baked potatoes are a delicious, crispy and soft side dish or light meal that can be made in an air fryer. They are quicker and easier to make than baking them in the oven and are a great way to make a fancy side dish for any meal. The cooking time for twice-baked potatoes in an air fryer is around 40-45 minutes for the first bake and 5-15 minutes for the second bake.

How to make twice-baked potatoes in an air fryer

Twice-baked potatoes are a great side dish to accompany a steak, salmon, or chicken. They are also a good meal in themselves. Making twice-baked potatoes in an air fryer is quicker than using an oven and you don't have to heat up the whole kitchen.

Ingredients

• Russet potatoes
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Bacon
• Cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
• Butter
• Chives
• Green onions
• Milk

Method

• Wash the potatoes and prick them several times with a fork.
• Coat the potatoes in olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
• Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket and air fry at 400°F for 35 to 45 minutes, or until they are easily pierced with a fork.
• Once the potatoes are cooked, leave them to cool for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop out the centres, leaving about a quarter of an inch of potato in the skin.
• Put the potato flesh in a bowl and add milk, sour cream, butter, and cheese. Mix together until it forms a smooth, creamy mash.
• Stir in your bacon, cheddar cheese, and chives.
• Spoon the mixture back into the potato skins.
• Return the filled potatoes to the air fryer basket and air fry at 400°F for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.
• Top with additional green onions before serving, if desired.

Tips

• Try to buy potatoes of a similar size so they cook evenly.
• Give the potatoes a good scrub before using them, as the skin is edible.
• Pat the potatoes dry before coating them in oil, which will help the oil and seasoning stick better.
• You can use other types of cheese such as mozzarella, Swiss cheese, Parmesan, or Monterey Jack.
• You can add other ingredients to the potato filling, such as jalapeños, red pepper flakes, caramelized onions, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, or ranch dressing.

What to serve with twice-baked potatoes

Twice-baked potatoes are a delicious side dish, but what should you serve with them? Here are some ideas to make your meal even more mouth-watering!

First up, let's talk about proteins. Twice-baked potatoes are a great side for a whole roast chicken, especially when served with other roasted vegetables. If you're a beef eater, consider pairing your potatoes with a juicy steak. A good choice would be a coffee-rubbed steak—the coffee adds an unexpected depth of flavour. If you're looking for something a little more low-key, grilled BBQ chicken is always a winner. Or, if you're in the mood for seafood, salmon is a great choice. Try a honey-glazed salmon fillet or keep it simple with some pan-seared salmon and a squeeze of lemon.

If you're a vegetarian, fear not! There are plenty of options for you, too. Why not try a beet Wellington? It's a show-stopping dish with vibrant colours and impressive flavours. Or, if you're after something a little more comforting, a vegetarian chilli is always a good choice. You can customise it to your preferred spice level and add in extra veggies like corn or carrots.

And let's not forget the classics: meatloaf and chicken cordon bleu are always delicious options to serve with twice-baked potatoes.

So, there you have it! Whether you're a meat-eater, vegetarian, or seafood lover, there are plenty of options to choose from when deciding what to serve with your twice-baked potatoes.

How to store twice-baked potatoes

Twice-baked potatoes can be stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil. They will keep in the refrigerator for about three to five days.

If you don't think you will eat your potatoes within that time, you can freeze them instead. Once they've cooled to room temperature, wrap your cooked potatoes tightly in plastic wrap and transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months.

When ready to eat, thaw potatoes in the fridge for 24 hours. Unwrap the potatoes, top with cheese (if needed) and place on a baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through, about 20 to 25 minutes, or bake potatoes from frozen for about one hour.

How long to reheat twice-baked potatoes

Twice-baked potatoes are a delicious, hearty side dish or a quick, satisfying lunch. They are easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, then reheated when needed.

Reheating twice-baked potatoes in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to enjoy this tasty dish. It typically takes 5 to 10 minutes at 350°F to reheat them thoroughly. You can also add extra cheese and toppings before serving.

How to reheat twice-baked potatoes in an air fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
• Place the desired number of twice-baked potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
• Reheat the potatoes for 5 to 10 minutes, or until they are warmed through.
• If desired, add additional cheese or other toppings during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Use tongs or a spoon to carefully remove the hot potatoes from the air fryer basket.
• Serve and enjoy!

Tips for making twice-baked potatoes in an air fryer:

• Use russet potatoes for their thick skin, which provides a solid base to hold the filling.
• Poke holes in the potatoes with a fork before air-frying to ensure even cooking.
• For a crispy skin and fluffy filling, mix in the sour cream and cheese while the potatoes are still hot.
• You can make twice-baked potatoes ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.
• When reheating, ensure the potatoes are thoroughly heated before serving.

The best potatoes for twice-baked potatoes

Twice-baked potatoes are a tasty treat, but getting the right type of potato is essential. The best potatoes for twice-baked potatoes are those that are low in moisture and high in starch, such as Russet potatoes. This variety has sturdy skins, ideal for holding the rich filling, and is naturally perfectly portioned. Their thick skin will provide a solid base to hold the filling, and their starchy filling will result in a wonderfully fluffy texture.

Other types of potatoes can be used, such as Yukon Gold, which are considered a good all-around potato as they have medium levels of starch. However, if you want a crispier skin and a potato that can hold its shape, a starchy potato like the Russet is the best option.

When choosing potatoes for twice-baked potatoes, it's important to consider the thickness of the skin. Thicker-skinned potatoes, like Russets, will hold up better during the baking and filling process. If you opt for a waxy potato with thinner skin, such as a red potato, you may find that the skin breaks and punctures easily.

Additionally, the absorbency of the potato is a key factor. Starchy potatoes are more absorbent, allowing them to soak up the butter, cheese, and other tasty ingredients that make twice-baked potatoes so delicious.

Frequently asked questions