Air Fryer Potato Skins: The Perfect Crunchy Bite

Air fryer potato skins are a quick and easy snack to make, and a great way to reduce food waste. They are made using cooked potatoes, which are sliced in half and filled with cheese, bacon, and green onions. The potatoes are then cooked in the air fryer for around 5 minutes, before being topped with sour cream or ranch dressing. The whole process takes less than 10 minutes and is a great appetizer for game day or a party.

Choosing the right potatoes

First, look for Russet potatoes. Russets are ideal for potato skins because they have thicker skins that become super crispy when baked or air-fried. Their larger size and heartier structure can also support lots of toppings without falling apart. If you can't find Russets, Yukon Gold potatoes are a suitable alternative, but they have thinner skins that may not crisp up as nicely.

When selecting your Russet potatoes, opt for larger potatoes. Bigger potatoes will result in more generous potato skins, perfect for loading up with all your favourite toppings. They also tend to be stronger and less likely to break or fall apart during the cooking process. Smaller potatoes can be more challenging to hollow out and might not give you as much space for fillings.

Another thing to consider is the cooking time. Larger potatoes will take longer to cook, so if you're short on time, look for smaller or medium-sized Russets. For potato skins, small potatoes weighing around 6 ounces each are ideal, as they take about 30 minutes to bake in the air fryer. However, if you're making baked potatoes in the air fryer first, larger potatoes will work just fine.

Make sure the potatoes are firm and don't have any bruises or sprouting eyes. Fresh potatoes will have tighter skins, which will help them hold their shape during cooking. Avoid potatoes that feel soft or have shrivelled skins, as they are likely past their prime.

Finally, try to choose potatoes that are similar in size and shape. This will ensure that they cook evenly in the air fryer. You don't want some potatoes to be overcooked while others are still undercooked. If you do end up with a variety of sizes, you can always cut them to a similar thickness before placing them in the air fryer.

By following these tips, you'll be sure to choose the right potatoes for your air fryer potato skins, resulting in a delicious and crispy treat that your family and friends will love!

Preparing the potatoes

Once you've selected your potatoes, give them a good scrub and pat them dry. Then, using a fork, pierce each potato a few times. This will help them cook evenly. Next, rub the potatoes with a light coating of oil, such as olive oil, and season them with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or seasoned salt to give them an extra flavour boost.

Now it's time to cook the potatoes. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F, and arrange the potatoes in the basket, making sure they are spaced out and not touching. This will help ensure crispy skins. Cook the potatoes until they are easily pierced in the centre with a knife, which should take around 30-45 minutes, depending on their size.

Once the potatoes are cooked, let them cool down before handling. Then, cut each potato in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, carefully scoop out the soft middles, leaving about a 1/4-inch border of potato next to the skin. Don't throw away the potato flesh! You can use it for another recipe, like mashed potatoes or adding it to soups or salads.

Adding toppings

Once you have cooked your potato skins in the air fryer, it's time to add your toppings. The classic combination is potato, bacon, cheddar cheese, and green onion, but you can easily make this vegetarian and add peppers, onions, or whatever you like!

If you want to add cheese and bacon, first layer your cheese and then your bacon. You can choose to add your green onions now or after the cheese is melted. You can also add jalapeños, ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, awesome sauce, blue cheese crumbles, or whatever you like!

If you want to add some extra protein, load the potato skins with shredded buffalo chicken and top with green onions, blue cheese crumbles, and sour cream or ranch dressing. You could also add a cheesy sauce and tender broccoli over the potato skin for a delicious hearty meal.

Cooking method

Ingredients

To make air fryer potato skins, you will need the following ingredients:

• Russet potatoes
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Cheese (cheddar, Colby jack, or Monterey jack)
• Bacon, cooked and crumbled
• Sour cream or ranch dressing
• Green onions, chopped

Method

First, cook your potatoes. You can bake them in the oven, or cook them in the microwave or air fryer. Then, cut the potatoes in half lengthwise. Scoop out the insides of the potatoes with a spoon, leaving about a 1/4-inch border of potato next to the skin.

Next, brush the inside of the potato skins with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place the potato skins in the air fryer basket, skin side down, and cook for 5 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

After 5 minutes, remove the basket and add your toppings. First, add cheese and bacon, then cook for another 2-3 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Finally, remove the potato skins from the air fryer and add any additional desired toppings, such as sour cream, ranch dressing, jalapeños, buffalo sauce, or green onions.

Reheating and Storing

To reheat your potato skins, simply place them back in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-4 minutes. You can also freeze your potato skins for later. To do this, allow them to cool completely, then place them in a freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Serving suggestions

As an Appetizer

Air fryer potato skins are a great appetizer for game day or a party. They can be served as a quick and easy snack, perfect for dipping or cutting with a fork.

As a Side Dish

These potato skins also work well as a side dish, especially alongside a crisp salad for a vegetarian dinner.

With Meat

Any hearty meat will go well with potato skins. Try serving them with steak, pork tenderloin, or brisket.

With Different Fillings

You can fill your potato skins with shredded buffalo chicken, a Southwestern vegetable mix, or tender broccoli with a cheesy sauce.

With Different Cheeses

While Colby Jack or cheddar cheese is recommended, you can also use American, Colby Jack, or Monterey Jack cheese. For a more cheesy option, top your potato skins with grated Parmesan.

With Different Toppings

In addition to the recommended toppings of sour cream, ranch dressing, and green onions, you can also add jalapeños, buffalo sauce, awesome sauce, or blue cheese crumbles.

Frequently asked questions