Print

Crispy Air Fryer Loaded Potato Skins Recipe with Bacon and Cheddar Made Easy

crispy air fryer loaded potato skins - featured image
Print Recipe

These crispy air fryer loaded potato skins with bacon and cheddar are a quick, easy, and delicious snack perfect for casual get-togethers or satisfying cravings. The air fryer delivers a superior crunch without excess oil, making them a healthier comfort food favorite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium russet potatoes, washed and dried
  • 6 bacon strips, cooked crisp and chopped
  • 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • Sour cream, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pierce each russet potato several times with a fork. Place them directly on the oven rack or a baking sheet. Bake for 45-50 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork.
  2. Remove potatoes from oven and let cool for about 10 minutes until safe to handle. Slice each potato in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, carefully scoop out most of the flesh, leaving about ¼ inch (0.6 cm) of potato attached to the skin. Set scooped potato aside for another use.
  3. Brush the potato skins inside and out with olive oil. Sprinkle lightly with salt and black pepper.
  4. Place skins in a single layer in the air fryer basket, skin side down. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes until edges are golden and crispy. If needed, cook in batches.
  5. Flip skins skin side up. Sprinkle chopped bacon evenly over each skin, then top with shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
  6. Return skins to the air fryer and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes at 400°F (200°C) until cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch closely to avoid burning.
  7. Remove skins carefully, sprinkle sliced green onions on top, and serve warm with a dollop of sour cream on the side.

Notes

If cheese melts too quickly and browns too much, lower the air fryer temperature slightly or reduce the final cook time. Flip skins skin side down first to ensure a crisp base before adding toppings. Clean air fryer basket after cooking bacon to avoid smoke. For vegetarian or vegan versions, omit bacon and use dairy-free cheese and sour cream alternatives. Russet potatoes are best for crispiness. Avoid microwaving leftovers to keep skins crispy; reheat in air fryer instead.

Nutrition

Keywords: potato skins, air fryer, bacon, cheddar, crispy snack, loaded potato skins, easy appetizer, party food

Find it online: https://fuzzyforker.com/crispy-air-fryer-loaded-potato-skins-recipe-with-bacon-and-cheddar-made-easy/