1. Prepare the Potatoes:
- Wash and Pierce: Thoroughly wash the potatoes and pierce each one several times with a fork.
- Air Fry the Potatoes: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket and cook for 35-40 minutes, or until they are tender and a fork can easily pierce through them. Flip them halfway through cooking for even results.
- Cool and Halve: Once cooked, remove the potatoes from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Cut each potato in half lengthwise.
2. Scoop and Season:
- Scoop Out Flesh: Using a spoon, carefully scoop out the flesh of each potato half, leaving about 1/4 inch of potato flesh attached to the skin. Save the scooped-out potato for another use, such as mashed potatoes.
- Season: Brush the insides and outsides of the potato skins with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper to taste.
3. Air Fry the Skins:
- Cook Again: Place the potato skins, cut side up, back in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden brown.
4. Add Toppings:
- Cheese and Bacon: Remove the potato skins from the air fryer and sprinkle the insides with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.
- Melt the Cheese: Return the potato skins to the air fryer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Serve:
- Garnish: Remove the potato skins from the air fryer and place them on a serving platter. Top each potato skin with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped green onions.
- Enjoy: Serve the potato skins immediately while they are hot and crispy. They are perfect on their own or with additional dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Tips for Success
- Uniform Size: Choose potatoes that are similar in size to ensure even cooking.
- Crispy Skins: Brushing the potato skins with olive oil and seasoning them well before the second air frying ensures a crispy, flavorful base.
- Cheese Variety: Feel free to use different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or mozzarella, to mix things up.
- Additional Toppings: Customize your potato skins with additional toppings like jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or chives for extra flavor.
This easy air fryer potato skins recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a classic appetizer with less fuss and mess. The air fryer ensures that your potato skins are perfectly crispy every time, while the combination of cheese, bacon, and sour cream provides a deliciously indulgent experience. Whether you’re making them for a party or a cozy night in, these potato skins are sure to be a hit!