Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Potatoes
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes.
- Prepare the Potatoes: Scrub the potatoes thoroughly under running water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Pierce each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during cooking.
- Coat with Olive Oil and Season: Rub each potato with olive oil, ensuring they are evenly coated. Sprinkle with kosher salt and black pepper.
Step 2: First Bake in the Air Fryer
- Place in the Air Fryer: Arrange the potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching each other for even cooking.
- Bake: Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 35-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the skins are crisp. You can test for doneness by inserting a fork into the center of the potato; it should slide in easily.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the potatoes from the air fryer and let them cool for about 10 minutes, or until they are safe to handle.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
- Cut and Scoop: Cut each potato in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out the flesh into a large mixing bowl, leaving about 1/4 inch of potato flesh attached to the skin to maintain the structure.
- Mash the Potatoes: Add the sour cream, butter, and milk to the potato flesh. Mash until smooth and creamy.
- Add Flavor: Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and additional salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to combine.
Step 4: Stuff and Second Bake
- Stuff the Potatoes: Spoon the creamy potato mixture back into the potato skins, mounding slightly. Place the stuffed potatoes back into the air fryer basket.
- Add More Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of each stuffed potato.
- Second Bake: Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the tops are golden brown.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Final Touches: Garnish with additional chopped green onions and a sprinkle of smoked paprika for an extra touch of color and flavor.
- Serve: Serve the twice-baked potatoes hot, either as a side dish or a main course. They pair wonderfully with a crisp salad, grilled meats, or even a hearty soup.
Tips and Variations
- Add Protein: For a more substantial meal, consider adding cooked and crumbled sausage or shredded chicken to the potato mixture.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the bacon and add cooked broccoli, spinach, or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese like Gruyère, fontina, or pepper jack for a unique flavor twist.
- Herbs and Spices: Customize the seasoning with your favorite herbs and spices. Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fragrant touch.
Nutritional Information
Each serving (half a potato) of this delicious twice-baked potato provides approximately:
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
Conclusion
The air fryer twice-baked potato is a versatile and indulgent dish that can be customized to suit any palate. Its crispy exterior and creamy, flavorful interior make it a favorite for any occasion. By following this detailed recipe, you can create a dish that not only tastes amazing but also keeps your guests coming back for more. Enjoy the satisfaction of making a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen, and relish every delicious bite.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a special occasion, or simply treating yourself, these air fryer twice-baked potatoes are sure to impress. So, preheat your air fryer, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy one of the best comfort foods around!