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Ultimate Air Fryer Crispy Potato Skins with Smoky Bacon and Cheddar

Close-up of Air Fryer Crispy Potato Skins loaded with cheese, bacon, sour cream, and chives.
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Make perfectly crispy potato skins in your air fryer. This recipe focuses on achieving a crunchy exterior texture ideal for loading with classic toppings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large Russet potatoes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

Instructions

  1. Scrub the potatoes well under running water. Pierce each potato several times with a fork.
  2. Bake the potatoes in a conventional oven at 400°F (200°C) for 45 to 60 minutes, or until tender when squeezed. Let them cool enough to handle.
  3. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C).
  4. Slice each cooled potato in half lengthwise. Gently scoop out most of the interior flesh, leaving about a 1/4-inch thick shell. Reserve the scooped potato for another use.
  5. Brush the outside and inside of each potato shell lightly with olive oil. Sprinkle evenly with salt and pepper.
  6. Place the potato shells in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. Work in batches if necessary.
  7. Air fry for 10 minutes at 380°F (195°C).
  8. Flip the skins carefully and air fry for another 5 to 7 minutes until the edges are golden brown and crisp.
  9. Remove the skins from the air fryer. Fill each skin generously with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.
  10. Return the filled skins to the air fryer basket. Air fry for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  11. Top immediately with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh chives before serving hot.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, lightly spray the inside of the shells with cooking spray before the final cheese filling step.
  • Russet potatoes work best because they have thick skins and fluffy interiors.
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cooking in batches ensures even crisping.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://epicureempire.com/air-fryer-crispy-potato-skins/