Air Fryer Crispy Potato Skins: The Perfect Crunch

Air fryer potato skins are a quick and easy snack that can be made in under 10 minutes. They are a healthier alternative to fried potato skins and can be loaded with cheese, bacon, sour cream, and green onions. The key to crispy potato skins is to ensure they are dry before adding them to the air fryer. You can also add olive oil to the potato skins to make them extra crispy and help the seasonings stick.

Choosing the right potatoes

First, consider the type of potatoes. Russet potatoes are often recommended for potato skins due to their thicker skin and larger size. They hold together well when cut and hollowed out. However, you can also use other varieties such as Yukon Gold or Red potatoes. The key is to choose a potato with a relatively thick skin that will crisp up nicely in the air fryer.

Next, pay attention to the size of the potatoes. For potato skins, it is best to choose larger potatoes. This will make it easier to scoop out the flesh and create a stable base for your toppings. Smaller potatoes can be used, but they may be more delicate and tricky to work with.

When selecting your potatoes, look for ones that are firm and have smooth, unblemished skins. Avoid potatoes with wrinkles, soft spots, or sprouting eyes as these may not cook evenly or yield the best results.

It is also important to ensure that your potatoes are thoroughly cleaned before cooking. Give them a good scrub under running water to remove any dirt or residue. This will help ensure that your potato skins are not only tasty but also safe to eat.

Lastly, consider the quantity of potatoes you will need. This will depend on the number of people you are serving and whether the potato skins are meant to be a snack or a main course. As a general guideline, plan on using one potato per person if they are a side dish, and two or more if they are the main event.

By choosing the right type, size, and quality of potatoes, you'll be well on your way to making delicious and crispy potato skins in your air fryer!

Preparing the potatoes

Firstly, select your potatoes. Russet potatoes are a popular choice for this recipe due to their thicker skin and larger size. However, you can use any type of potato, such as Yukon Gold or Red potatoes. The number of potatoes you need will depend on the size of your potatoes and the number of servings you want to make. For a small serving, two potatoes may be enough, while for a larger group, you might need four or more.

Once you have chosen your potatoes, give them a good rinse under running water to remove any dirt or residue. Then, use a kitchen towel or paper towel to dry them thoroughly.

Now, it's time to peel the potatoes. You can use a vegetable peeler or a small knife to carefully remove the skins. If you are planning to use the peeled potatoes for another recipe, such as mashed potatoes or french fries, set them aside. However, if you are only using the potato skins for this recipe, you can cut them into smaller pieces if desired.

Place the potato skins in a mixing bowl and drizzle them with your chosen oil. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or even coconut oil. Give the skins a good mix with your hands to ensure they are evenly coated. Then, add your desired seasonings. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or get creative with garlic powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning. Give the seasoned potato skins another toss to ensure they are well-coated.

Finally, it's time to arrange the potato skins in your air fryer. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap too much. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches. If you wish for them to be extra crispy, you can preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before adding the potato skins.

Cooking temperature and time

The cooking temperature and time for making crispy potato skins in an air fryer depend on the type of potatoes used and the specific air fryer being used. However, here is a general guide:

First, ensure that you have cooked your potatoes. You can bake them in the oven or microwave them. For baking, poke holes in the potatoes with a fork, rub them with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and cook at 450 degrees Fahrenheit for 45-55 minutes, depending on the size of the potato. For microwaving, poke holes in the potatoes with a fork and place them on a microwave-safe dish. Cook for 5 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 7-8 minutes or until fork-tender.

Once your potatoes are cooked, cut them in half lengthwise. Use a small spoon to scoop out the flesh from the inside, leaving about a 1/4-inch rim. Be careful not to scoop out too much, as you still want to eat some of the potato.

Next, you will brush the potatoes with olive oil and season them. Drizzle or brush olive oil over the flesh of the potatoes, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like ranch dressing seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning.

Now you are ready to cook the potatoes in your air fryer. Place them in the air fryer basket with the cut side up. If your air fryer needs to be preheated, do so according to the manufacturer's instructions. Cook the potatoes at a temperature between 375 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-6 minutes.

After this initial cooking time, you can add your desired toppings. Cheese, bacon crumbles, sour cream, and green onions are popular choices. Close the air fryer basket and reduce the temperature to 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook for an additional 2-6 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.

Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of your potatoes and the specific model of your air fryer. You may need to adjust the temperature and time slightly to achieve the desired crispiness.

If you have leftover potato skins, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer and cook at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-4 minutes.

Adding toppings

Once you have cooked your potato skins in the air fryer, it's time to add toppings. The options are endless, but here are some ideas to get you started:

Cheese

A sprinkle of cheese over the potato skins while they are still warm will give them a delicious, cheesy flavour. You could use shredded or grated Parmesan, Colby Jack, or cheddar cheese.

Bacon

For a meaty option, add some crumbled bacon to your potato skins. You can cook the bacon beforehand and then add it to the potato skins before serving.

Sour Cream

Sour cream is a classic topping for potato skins and can be added as a dollop on top or used as a dip. It pairs well with the other toppings and adds a creamy texture.

Green Onions

Chopped green onions add a fresh flavour and some colour to your potato skins. You can sprinkle them on top of the other toppings or serve them on the side.

Ranch Dressing

Ranch dressing is a tasty alternative to sour cream and can be used as a dip or a topping. It adds a tangy flavour to your potato skins.

Jalapeños

If you like your food spicy, add some jalapeños to your potato skins. They will give a nice kick and pair well with the other toppings.

Buffalo Sauce

For those who like it hot, buffalo sauce is a great option. You can drizzle it over the potato skins or serve it on the side as a dip.

Blue Cheese Crumbles

Blue cheese crumbles add a sharp, salty flavour to your potato skins. They pair well with the other toppings or can be enjoyed on their own.

Feel free to get creative and experiment with different toppings to find your favourite combination!

Reheating and storing

If you have leftover potato skins, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. It is important to note that you should not add sour cream, bacon, or green onions until just before serving.

To reheat, place the potato skins back into the air fryer and cook at 350° Fahrenheit for three to four minutes. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350° Fahrenheit until warm. If you are reheating frozen potato skins, add them to the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 370° Fahrenheit for five minutes. Depending on the size of your potatoes, you may need to add one to three additional minutes.

You can also freeze potato skins for later! Make a large batch and then freeze some to be reheated whenever you want a quick snack or appetizer. Simply make the potato skins according to the directions, leaving out the sour cream and green onions. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe ziplock bag, removing as much air from the bag as possible before sealing. They will keep in the freezer for up to six months.

Frequently asked questions