Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, these Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes are easy to put together and so much faster than the oven. They’re great as a party appetizer or a side dish for dinner. 

Twice baked potatoes topped with diced bacon.

Easy Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

The air fryer is quickly becoming one of my favorite tools in the kitchen. I can make side dishes quickly while I cook up proteins on the stove or even have mostly hands-off meal prep. 

One of the best recipes I’ve been loving lately is Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes. They are so quick and easy in the air fryer. You still get the crispy potato skins and a super fluffy, creamy, and cheesy interior.

Air fryer baked potatoes are one of those easy recipes that feels like it’s part of a fancy dinner. The insides of the potatoes have a delicious mashed potato filling and then they’re topped with melty cheese, bacon, and chives.

Not only can you serve them up as a side dish to steak or salmon, but they are a wonderful appetizer and party snack. You can set them up similarly to a baked potato bar and let people add their own toppings. 

With both comfort food season and football season in full swing (and with the Big Game around the corner, too), let’s get into this easy and delicious recipe that checks all the boxes. 

Why you’ll love Twice Baked Potatoes in the Air Fryer

Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes are sure to become your new favorite side dish and party snack because… 

  • They’re made with simple ingredients
  • They are easy to put together and faster than the oven with a shorter cooking time
  • The Air Fryer gives the perfect texture: You get that oven-baked crispy exterior in less time! And yet the insides are so creamy and cheesy. 
  • They make a great recipe that you can serve as an appetizer for a party and enjoy leftovers the next day as a side dish. 

Twice Baked Potato Air Fryer Ingredients

the full, printable recipe card with detailed measurements and instructions can be found at the bottom of this page

These Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes are made with a few simple ingredients. Here’s what to snag at the grocery store: 

  • baking potatoes –  Russet potatoes work best. Stay away from extra large ones because they will take longer to cook. 
  • avocado or olive oil – Any neutral-tasting oil will work! 
  • thick-cut bacon – Ham or pancetta would be tasty too.
  • sour cream – For a lighter version, use plain Greek yogurt. You can also make them even creamier by using cream cheese. 
  • sharp cheddar cheese – Any cheese you like will work well! Try pepper jack to add some spice or a Mexican blend for Tex-Mex-style toppings. 
  • butter – Real butter works best for these potatoes.
  • milk – For creamier potatoes, use heavy cream or half-and-half.
  • garlic powder & onion powder – Be sure your spices aren’t expired for the best taste.
  • coarse kosher salt – Use this to flavor the potatoes but also for coating the skin of the potatoes.
  • ground black pepper – I recommend freshly-cracked black pepper for the best flavor. 
Ingredients needed to make twice baked potatoes.

How to make Twice Baked Potatoes in the Air Fryer

Let’s get into this super easy recipe! I know it looks like a lot of steps, but trust me — you can do this! 

The steps themselves are simple, and you’re already one step ahead: Making them in the air fryer is so much easier than making them in the oven. 

  1. Start by washing the potatoes. Be sure to remove all the dirt from the potatoes and dry them. (Use a vegetable brush to scrub off all the dirt.)
  2. Poke holes in each of the potatoes with a fork or knife. 
  3. Brush the exterior of the potatoes with olive oil or avocado oil until they are completely coated. 
  4. Sprinkle salt all around the entire exterior of the potatoes.
  5. Set the air fryer to “preheat” for 5 minutes at 400°F.
  6. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket without crowding them. 
  7. Air fry the potatoes at 400°F for 30-35 minutes, turning once halfway through. You may need up to 40 minutes for large potatoes. 
  8. Test that the potatoes are done by seeing if a fork easily slides in. This is called “fork-tender.” If so, remove them from the air fryer with tongs and set aside to cool. (If not, you can cook them a little longer and check them every 5 minutes.)
  9. While the potatoes are cooling, cook the bacon in a heavy-bottomed skillet. Once the bacon has cooked, set it aside to cool. If you’d rather, you can make bacon in the oven or do this step ahead of time. 
  10. Once the potatoes have cooled, use a sharp knife to cut each one length-wise, like you would a baked potato. 
  1. With a spoon or cookie scoop, scoop the inside of each potato into a large mixing bowl. Make sure to leave about a quarter of an inch border of potato along the sides and bottom so that the potato skin can maintain its shape and structure. 
  2. Add the sour cream, half of the shredded cheese, butter, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the same mixing bowl. Crumble in the bacon and mix it all together. You won’t need any sort of potato masher or hand mixer because the potato filling is already soft.
  1. Scoop the filling back into the potato shells dividing it evenly between each one. (You may have extra, but it’s okay to heap the mixture on top rather than them having flat tops like baked potatoes.) 
  2. Place the potatoes back into the air fryer basket and top with the remaining cheese. 
  3. Cook them in the air fryer at 400°F for about 3 minutes, just until the cheese is melted. 
  4. With tongs, remove them from the air fryer and top them with any of your favorite toppings!

Tips for making Twice Baked Potato in the Air Fryer

The best potatoes for twice baked potatoes are Russet Potatoes. Russets have more starch content than Yukon Golds, which yields a lighter and fluffier mash for the second bake. 

Be sure to clean the skin of the potatoes well to remove all the dirt. I recommend using a vegetable brush to scrub them really well. 

There are a lot of flavors in Twice Baked Potatoes, and sharp cheddar cheese stands up well. Milder cheeses can get lost in the other flavors. 

Don’t overcrowd the air fryer. Air needs to be able to circulate around them, so try not to let them touch once in the basket. 

All air fryers are different and some may take additional time to bake the potatoes depending on the model, basket, and heating element. Cook times can vary based on all of these elements.

If you want extra mashed potato mixture to overload the potatoes, you can bake extra potatoes and just use the filling from them.

Air Fryer Twice Baked Potato Variations

If you want to make these twice baked potatoes for a full meal, add in some proteins like shredded chicken, brisket or pulled pork

For broccoli and cheese twice baked potatoes, add roasted broccoli and use cheddar cheese. 

What to serve with this Twice Baked Potatoes Air Fryer recipe

Not only can you serve them up as an easy side dish to steak or salmon, but twice baked potatoes are a wonderful appetizer and party snack. 

They’d be so good alongside these Air Fryer Chicken Wings for a game-day gathering. Don’t forget the chips and queso

You can also enjoy them with the main dish like a hearty steak dinner or even salmon

For a veggie side dish, try a chopped salad on the side or roasted frozen green beans.

Twice Baked Potato Air Fryer Topping suggestions

You can have so much fun with toppings for Twice Baked Potatoes, especially for parties. 

If you’re feeding a crowd, set out a bunch of topping options as if you were building a baked potato bar. These stuffed potatoes can be loaded with even more toppings!

Here are a few ideas: 

  • extra bacon
  • chives
  • green onions
  • parsley
  • salsa
  • more cheese
  • black beans
  • tomatoes
  • guacamole
  • onion straws
  • gravy
  • more butter

How to store Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

Place the leftover twice baked potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They are just as great the second time as they are the first!

You can also freeze them! Place the loaded baked potato in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. You’ll want to allow them to thaw in the refrigerator before reheating them.

How to reheat Twice Baked Potato in the Air Fryer

If you have leftover twice baked potatoes, you can pop them back in the air fryer to reheat them. Cook them at 400°F for about 5 minutes. / Preheat the air fryer to 400°F, then cook for about 5 minutes.

Reheating Air Fryer Twice Baked Potato in the oven

Place the potatoes on a baking sheet. Heat them in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes.

Close up view of twice baked potatoes prepared in the air fryer.
Remove the twice baked potatoes from the air fryer and top with any of your favorite toppings!

Twice Baked Potatoes Air Fryer FAQs

Can I use bacon bits in place of cooking bacon? 

Bacon bits can be used in place of cooked bacon. However, they do not have the same amount of bacon flavor. 

Why do you put oil on the outside of baked potatoes? 

Oil and salt help to make the skin extra crispy.

How do I know my baked potato is ready? 

When a fork or knife slides into the potato easily and without a lot of resistance, the potato is ready. If you hit any resistance, the potato likely needs a little more time to cook. 

Can you make these in the oven? 

Absolutely — twice-baked potatoes are traditionally made in the oven. Try my oven twice baked potatoes recipe. 

Why do twice baked potatoes fall apart? 

Even though the skin gets crisp, it is still thin and somewhat flimsy. When you scoop out the insides of the potato, make sure to leave some of the white potato flesh behind for stability. If you scoop too much from the potato halves, the skin shell becomes weak and won’t be able to hold up the heavy filling and toppings. 

What are the best potatoes to use when making twice-baked potatoes? 

The best potatoes for twice baked potatoes are Russet Potatoes because they are considered to be high-starch potatoes, which yields a lighter and fluffier mash for the filling. 
Yukon gold potatoes are lower in starch, so the mashed filling will be denser. 

More Air Fryer Recipes

More Potato Recipes 

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Air Fryer Twice Baked Potato

5 from 1 vote
Prep 5 minutes
Cook 40 minutes
Servings: 8
Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, these Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes are easy to put together and so much faster than the oven. They’re great as a party appetizer or a side dish for dinner. 

Ingredients 

  • 4 baking potatoes
  • 2 tablespoons avocado or olive oil
  • 6 slices thick cut bacon
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Coarse kosher salt to taste & for coating the skin of the potatoes
  • Ground black pepper to taste
  • Option toppings: extra bacon chives, green onions

Instructions 

  • Start by washing the potatoes. Be sure to remove all the dirt from the potatoes and dry them.
  • Poke each of the potatoes with a fork or knife.
  • Brush the extrior of the potatoes with oil until they are completely coated.
  • Sprinkle salt on the exterior of the potatoes on all sides.
  • Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes at 400°F.
  • Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket without crowding them.
  • Air fry the potatoes at 400°F for 30-35 minutes, turning once halfway through. You may need up to 40 minutes for large potatoes.
  • Test that the potatoes are done by seeing if a fork easily slides in. If so, remove them from the air fryer and set aside to cool.
  • While the potatoes are cooling, cook the bacon in a heavy bottom skillet. Once the bacon has cooked, set it aside to cool.
  • Once the potatoes have cooled, use a sharp knife to cut each one length-wise.
  • Scoop the inside of each potato into a large mixing bowl, but leave about a quarter of an inch border along the sides and bottom of the potato so that it keeps it shape.
  • Add the sour cream, half of the shredded cheese, butter, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to a mixing bowl. Crumble in the bacon and mix it all together.
  • Scoop the filling into the potato shells dividing it evenly between them.
  • Place the potatoes back into the air fryer basket and top with the remaining shredded cheese.
  • Cook them in the air fryer at 400°F for about 3 minutes, just until the cheese is melted.
  • Remove them from the air fryer and top with any of your favorite toppings!

Video

Notes

  • Russets are the best for this
  • Be sure to clean the skin of the potatoes well to remove all the dirt
  • Sharp cheddar stands up well to the other flavors
  • Can top with chives or green onions
  • Don’t overcrowd the air fryer – air needs to circulate around them
  • All air fryers are different and some may take additional time to bake the potatoes depending on the model, basket, and heating element.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving, Calories: 378kcal, Carbohydrates: 23g, Protein: 10g, Fat: 28g, Saturated Fat: 12g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 11g, Trans Fat: 0.3g, Cholesterol: 57mg, Sodium: 302mg, Potassium: 581mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 424IU, Vitamin C: 6mg, Calcium: 161mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American

Hi! I’m Kara!

Kara loves all things food and spending time with her family and dogs. She has a passion for cooking and loves making yummy, family-friendly recipes.

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