Easy Air Fryer Loaded Potato Skins
With its ability to cook food to crispy perfection with just a fraction of the oil, the air fryer is the perfect tool for creating delicious loaded potato skins.
The perfect healthy starter or snack.
The best part about using an air fryer for appetisers is convenience.
No need to heat the oven or deal with a greasy mess on the hob.
Just pop your appetisers in the air fryer and let it work its magic.
You can find more appetisers in this blog.
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Air Fryer Loaded Potato Skins From Scratch
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes (Maris Piper or King Edward)
- salt and pepper
- spring onions (finely chopped)
- 240g sour cream
- 8 bacon rashers
- 250g Cheddar cheese grated
How Long To Cook Potato Skins In The Air Fryer?
Loaded potato skins take approximately 10-15 minutes to cook in the air fryer.
The time will depend on your make and model of air fryer. Adjust accordingly.
Air Fryer Potato Skins Temperature
Preheat your air fryer to 200C / 400F before cooking the potato skins.
Then air fry at this temperature until the skins are crispy and have a golden-brown texture.
How To Air Fry Potato Skins
- Air fry the bacon at 200C / 400F until crispy. Set aside and retrieve some of the bacon fat for later.
- Clean the potatoes and pat them dry with kitchen paper.
- Use a sharp knife and pierce the skin of the potatoes.
- Place the potatoes in a single layer on a large, microwave-safe plate.
- Microwave the potatoes for 5 minutes. Turn the potatoes and microwave for another 5 minutes. The potato consistency should be tender enough to be able to scoop the inside out.
- Let the potatoes cool for about 20 minutes. Place in the refrigerator to speed up the cooling time.
- Cut the potatoes in half lengthways. Scoop out the insides of the potatoes leaving a thin layer of potato around the skins. Season.
- Brush the bacon fat around the inside of the skins.
- Place the potatoes, skin side down into the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your basket you may have to cook in batches.
- Air fry at 200C / 400F for 10 minutes.
- Leave the potatoes in the basket and fill them with the grated cheddar cheese.
- Air fry for 3 – 4 minutes, until the cheese has melted.
- To serve the potato skins, sprinkle with the cooked bacon, and finely chopped spring onions and add a dollop of sour cream.
More Air Fryer Recipes
Air Frying Hub- Your Questions Answered
Crispy Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs(Boneless And Bone In)
Chilli In The Ninja Dual Air Fryer
Air Fryer Recipes Under 500 Calories
Air Fryer Loaded Potato Skin Variations
Cheese Lovers
Blend different types of cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan for a gooey, melty alternative. Top it off with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a drizzle of truffle oil for a touch of sophistication.
Mediterranean Twist
Top your skins with feta cheese, diced tomatoes, olives, and a sprinkle of oregano. Finish it off with a drizzle of tzatziki sauce for a refreshing and zesty twist.
Loaded Breakfast Skins
Who said loaded potato skins are only for lunch or dinner? Create a breakfast version by filling the skins with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon bits, and a sprinkle of chives. Serve with a side of avocado for a great start to your day.
Tex-Mex Fiesta
Bring a touch of Tex-Mex to your air fryer loaded potato skins. Add seasoned minced beef and a layer of melted cheese and finish with a generous scoop of guacamole and a drizzle of salsa.
Caprese Touch
For a lighter yet equally delicious variation, go for a Caprese-inspired loaded potato skin. Top the skins with fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for sweetness.
Loaded BBQ
Turn your potato skins into a barbecue feast by adding shredded barbecue chicken or pork. Top with coleslaw for a crunchy texture and a lovely contrast to the savoury and smoky flavours.
Veggie Version
Create a vegan-loaded potato skin by filling it with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, cherry tomatoes, and dairy-free cheese.
Perfect Pesto
Add freshness with a pesto-infused loaded potato skin. Spread a layer of basil pesto on the skins, top with sun-dried tomatoes and a sprinkle of parmesan.
Loaded Potatoes FAQs
Can I use sweet potatoes for this recipe?
Sweet potatoes will work perfectly for air fryer loaded skins, adding a hint of sweetness.
Can I make these ahead of time for a party?
Yes, you can partially prepare them ahead and air fry them just before serving them.
What’s the ideal dipping sauce for loaded potato skins?
Sour cream with chives or a zesty garlic aioli works perfectly.
Are there any gluten-free topping options for loaded potato skins?
Many toppings are naturally gluten-free. Consider options like grated cheese, bacon, sour cream, and vegetables. Always check ingredient labels, especially for pre-packaged items, to ensure they meet your dietary needs.
Can I make a large batch and freeze them for later?
Air fryer loaded potato skins are best enjoyed fresh. Freezing them may affect the texture. However, you can prepare the potatoes and toppings in advance, then assemble and air fry just before serving for a time-saving solution.
How do I prevent the potato skins from becoming soggy?
Make sure the potato skins are dried thoroughly after washing. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket, allow proper air circulation. Adjusting the temperature and cooking time based on your air fryer model is crucial for achieving crispiness.
What’s the ideal thickness for the potato skins before air frying?
Aim for a thickness of around 1/4 inch for the potato skins. This ensures they cook evenly, with a crispy exterior and a tender interior.
Do you eat the skin on a loaded potato?
Yes, I recommend it. The skin of a baked potato contains a lot of the potato’s nutrients.
Storing Loaded Potato Skins
Once you’ve prepared your loaded potato skins, storing them correctly is crucial to maintaining their texture and flavour.
Refrigeration
Store any leftover loaded potato skins in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for 2-3 days.
If you’ve prepared the components separately (potato skins and toppings), assemble them just before serving to retain the crispiness.
Keep your food fresh and organised with the Plastic Airtight Food Storage Containers! This pack of 18 features a vibrant blue design and is perfect for storing everything from snacks to leftovers. Each container is leakproof and airtight, ensuring your food stays fresher for longer while preventing spills and messes.
Freezing Air Fryer Loaded Potato Skins
If you’ve made a batch, flash freeze the assembled but uncooked loaded potato skins on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This prevents them from sticking together. Always label the container with the date.
Reheating Air Fryer Loaded Potato Skins
Preheat the air fryer to 190C / 380F and air fry the refrigerated skins for about 5-7 minutes. Keep a close eye to avoid overcooking.
Air fry from frozen, preheat the air fryer to 190C / 380F for 8-10 minutes.
Air Fryer Loaded Potato Skins
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes
- salt and pepper
- spring onions (finely chopped)
- 240g sour cream
- 8 bacon rashers
- 250g Cheddar cheese grated
Instructions
- Air fry the bacon at 200C / 400F until crispy. Set aside and retrieve some of the bacon fat for later.
- Clean the potatoes and pat them dry with kitchen paper.
- Use a sharp knife and pierce the skin of the potatoes.
- Place the potatoes in a single layer on a large, microwave-safe plate.
- Microwave the potatoes for 5 minutes. Turn the potatoes and microwave for another 5 minutes. The potato consistency should be tender enough to be able to scoop the inside out.
- Let the potatoes cool for about 20 minutes.
- Cut the potatoes in half lengthways. Scoop out the insides of the potatoes leaving a thin layer of potato around the skins. Season.
- Brush the bacon fat around the inside of the skins.
- Place the potatoes, skin side down into the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your basket you may have to cook in batches.
- Air fry at 200C / 400F for 10 minutes.
- Leave the potatoes in the basket and fill them with the grated cheddar cheese.
- Air fry for 3 – 4 minutes, until the cheese has melted.
- To serve the potato skins, sprinkle with the cooked bacon, and finely chopped spring onions and add a dollop of sour cream.
Notes
To cut the cooking time microwave the potatoes before air frying.
Nutritional values may not be correct.
