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December 10, 2024
If you are looking for a quick and delicious side dish, look no further than twice baked potatoes. These creamy and cheesy potatoes are a crowd favorite and can be easily made in an air fryer. Not only do air fryers save time, but they also give the potatoes a crispy exterior while keeping the insides soft and fluffy.
To make twice baked potatoes in an air fryer, you will first need to bake the potatoes until they are tender. This usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour at 425°F (220°C). Once the potatoes are cooked, let them cool slightly before cutting them in half lengthwise.
Scoop out the flesh of the potatoes, leaving a thin shell. Be careful not to tear the skins. In a bowl, mash the potato flesh with butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, and any other desired seasonings or mix-ins. Once well combined, spoon the mixture back into the potato skins.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the filled potato skins in the air fryer basket and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and crispy. Serve the twice baked potatoes hot, garnished with additional cheese, bacon, green onions, or any other toppings of your choice.
Twice baked potatoes in an air fryer are not only easy to make, but they also turn out perfectly crispy and delicious. With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy this classic side dish in no time. So why wait? Grab your air fryer and get cooking!
How to Cook Twice Baked Potatoes in Air Fryer: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: Scrub the potatoes clean and pat them dry. Pierce each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during cooking.
Step 3: Rub the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle them with salt. Place the potatoes in the preheated air fryer basket.
Step 4: Air fry the potatoes at 400°F (200°C) for 40-45 minutes, or until the skins are crispy and the potatoes are tender. You may need to adjust the cooking time depending on the size of your potatoes and the power of your air fryer.
Step 5: Once the potatoes are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes until they are safe to handle.
Step 6: Slice off the top third of each potato and use a spoon to scoop out the flesh, leaving a thin layer around the skin to help the potato hold its shape.
Step 7: In a bowl, mash the potato flesh with butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, green onions, and any other desired ingredients for flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 8: Stuff the potato skins with the mashed potato mixture, mounding it up on top if desired.
Step 9: Place the stuffed potatoes back in the air fryer basket and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the filling is heated through.
Step 10: Remove the twice baked potatoes from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional toppings such as bacon bits, chives, or more shredded cheese if desired.
Note: Cooking times and temperatures may vary depending on the model and brand of your air fryer, so it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on the potatoes as they cook to avoid overcooking or burning.
Preparing the Potatoes
Before cooking the twice baked potatoes in the air fryer, you need to prepare the potatoes properly. Follow these steps:
- Wash the potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt and debris.
- Pat dry the potatoes with a clean towel to ensure they are completely dry.
- Pierce each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Place the potatoes on a microwave-safe plate and cook them on high for 5-6 minutes. This will partially cook the potatoes and make them easier to handle.
- Allow the potatoes to cool for a few minutes until they are safe to handle.
- Cut each potato in half lengthwise using a sharp knife.
- Scoop out the insides of the potatoes, leaving a thin layer of potato flesh attached to the skin. Transfer the scooped-out flesh to a separate bowl.
- Mash the scooped-out potato flesh until smooth using a fork or a potato masher.
- Add desired ingredients to the mashed potato flesh, such as butter, sour cream, grated cheese, chopped bacon, green onions, and seasonings. Mix well to combine.
- Spoon the mashed potato mixture back into the potato skins, filling them evenly.
Now that the potatoes are prepared, they are ready to be cooked in the air fryer.
Making the Potato Filling
Twice baked potatoes are a delicious and comforting side dish that can be made even more convenient by using an air fryer. Here’s how to make the potato filling for your air fryer twice baked potatoes:
Ingredients:
- 4 large potatoes
- 1/2 cup milk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
- Salt and pepper to taste
1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wash the potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry. Pierce each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during cooking.
3. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket and cook for 40-45 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. Flip the potatoes halfway through cooking for even browning.
4. Once the potatoes are cooked, carefully remove them from the air fryer and let them cool until they are safe to handle.
5. Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh into a large mixing bowl, leaving a thin layer of potato in the skins to create a sturdy shell.
6. Mash the potato flesh with a fork or a potato masher until smooth. Add the milk, butter, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
7. Taste the filling and adjust the seasoning if needed.
8. Spoon the filling back into the potato skins, dividing it evenly among them. Sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese on top of each potato half.
9. Place the filled potato halves back into the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F (200°C) for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Serve the twice baked potatoes hot and enjoy!
Hollowing Out the Potatoes
To prepare the potatoes for twice baking in the air fryer, you’ll need to hollow them out. Here’s how:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash and scrub the potatoes to remove any dirt or debris. Pat them dry with paper towels.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully slice off the top third of each potato.
- Using a spoon, scoop out the flesh of the potatoes, leaving about a ¼ inch thick shell. Be sure to keep the shell intact.
- Transfer the potato flesh to a mixing bowl and set the shells aside.
- Mash the potato flesh with a fork or potato masher until smooth.
- At this point, you can add your desired mix-ins to the mashed potatoes, such as bacon, cheese, chives, or sour cream, for extra flavor.
Once you’ve hollowed out the potatoes and prepared the filling, you’re ready to move on to the next step of the recipe.
Stuffing the Potatoes
Once the potatoes have cooled enough to handle, use a sharp knife to carefully cut them in half lengthwise. Be sure to hold the potato steady with a kitchen towel or oven mitt to protect your hand from the heat.
Gently scoop out the cooked potato flesh, leaving a thin layer of potato attached to the skin. Place the scooped-out potato flesh in a mixing bowl.
Mash the potato flesh with a fork or potato masher until smooth. If desired, you can also use an electric mixer for a smoother consistency.
Adding the Fillings
Once the potato flesh is mashed, it’s time to add your desired fillings. This is where you can get creative and customize the flavors of your twice baked potatoes.
Some popular fillings include shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cooked bacon, chopped green onions, garlic powder, and salt and pepper. Mix and match your favorite ingredients to create your own unique flavor profile.
Start by adding a small amount of each filling, tasting as you go to ensure that the flavors are balanced. You can always add more fillings if desired.
Refilling the Potatoes
Once the fillings are mixed into the mashed potato flesh, use a spoon or piping bag to refill the potato skins with the mixture. Be sure to evenly distribute the filling to each potato half.
Top the filled potatoes with additional shredded cheese, if desired, for a crispy and cheesy finish.
Place the stuffed potatoes back in the air fryer and continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and crispy.
Remove the potatoes from the air fryer and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious homemade twice baked potatoes!
Air Frying the Potatoes
To air fry the twice baked potatoes, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
1. Place the filled potato skins in the air fryer basket, making sure to leave space between each potato.
2. Cook the potatoes in the air fryer for 15-20 minutes, or until they are heated through and the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
3. If you prefer a crispy skin, you can increase the cooking time by a few minutes. Just keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
4. Once they are done, carefully remove the potatoes from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
5. Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, green onions, or bacon bits.
Enjoy your delicious and crispy twice baked potatoes cooked to perfection in the air fryer!
Q&A
What is a twice baked potato?
A twice baked potato is a potato that has been baked once, then the inside is scooped out, mixed with various fillings, and then baked again.
Can I cook twice baked potatoes in an air fryer?
Yes, you can cook twice baked potatoes in an air fryer. It is a quick and convenient way to achieve a crispy outside and a fluffy inside.
How long do I need to cook twice baked potatoes in an air fryer?
You will need to cook the twice baked potatoes in the air fryer for about 15-20 minutes at 400°F (200°C), or until they are golden brown and heated through.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer before cooking the twice baked potatoes?
Yes, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer for a few minutes before cooking the twice baked potatoes. This helps to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior.
Can I use frozen twice baked potatoes in an air fryer?
Yes, you can use frozen twice baked potatoes in an air fryer. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly. It is best to follow the instructions on the packaging for the specific brand of frozen twice baked potatoes you are using.