1. Preparing the Potatoes
- Wash and Dry: Scrub the potatoes clean and dry them thoroughly.
- Coat with Oil: Rub the potatoes with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
2. Cooking the Potatoes
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
- Cook Potatoes: Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching. Cook at 400°F for 35-40 minutes, or until they are tender and a fork easily pierces through them.
3. Preparing the Filling
- Cool and Scoop: Allow the potatoes to cool slightly. Cut each potato in half lengthwise and scoop out the insides into a bowl, leaving a thin shell around the edges to maintain structure.
- Mix Ingredients: Mash the potato insides with sour cream, milk, melted butter, garlic powder, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and green onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Stuffing the Potatoes
- Fill the Shells: Spoon the potato mixture back into the potato shells, mounding it slightly.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top of the stuffed potatoes.
5. Finishing in the Air Fryer
- Cook Again: Place the stuffed potatoes back in the air fryer basket. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips for Success
- Uniform Size: Choose potatoes that are similar in size to ensure even cooking.
- Extra Crispy Skin: For an extra crispy skin, brush the potatoes with a bit more olive oil before the second bake.
- Flavor Variations: Customize the filling with your favorite ingredients like chopped ham, broccoli, or different cheese varieties.
Serving Suggestions
- Garnish: Top with additional green onions, bacon bits, or a dollop of sour cream.
- Side Dish: Serve alongside steak, grilled chicken, or a fresh salad.
- Main Course: Pair with a hearty soup or a generous serving of vegetables for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes are a perfect blend of creamy and crispy textures, packed with flavor and easy to make. This versatile dish can be adapted to suit your tastes and is sure to be a hit at any meal. Enjoy the convenience of the air fryer while indulging in this delicious comfort food favorite!