Description
Lightning-fast, shatteringly crisp potato skins made in the air fryer, loaded with smoky bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh chives. A perfect, stress-free party snack ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 3 large russet potatoes (about 2.5 lbs / 1.1 kg)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or neutral oil like canola/avocado)
- 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
- 6–8 strips thick-cut bacon (about 150g)
- 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 150g)
- ½ cup full-fat sour cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped (about 10g)
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Wash potatoes, poke with a fork, and microwave for 5-7 minutes to soften. Let cool slightly.
- Cut potatoes in half lengthwise. Scoop out the insides with a spoon, leaving about ¼ inch of potato attached to the skin to prevent breaking.
- Brush potato shells inside and out with vegetable oil and sprinkle generously with sea salt.
- Place shells cut-side down in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10-12 minutes until golden and crispy. Remove and set aside.
- While shells cook, cook bacon until firm and crispy (oven or air fryer). Drain on paper towels, crumble into bite-sized pieces when cool.
- In a small bowl, mix crumbled bacon with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Spoon the cheese-bacon mixture generously into the crispy potato shells.
- Return stuffed skins to the air fryer, cut-side up. Cook for 3-4 minutes at 400°F (200°C) until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from air fryer. Drizzle with sour cream and sprinkle with fresh chopped chives. Serve immediately.
Notes
Microwaving potatoes before cutting makes scooping easier and speeds up cooking. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure crispiness. For extra crunch, let plain shells cool slightly after the first crisp, then air fry for another 2 minutes before adding toppings. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 skins per serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 12
Keywords: air fryer potato skins, game day snacks, party dip, loaded potato skins, bacon and cheese, easy appetizer, crispy potato skins, super bowl food