Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes are a delightful side dish that packs flavor and comfort in every bite. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, from holiday dinners to casual weeknight meals. The crispy skin holds a creamy, cheesy filling that combines the goodness of baked potatoes with the efficiency of an air fryer. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up these tasty treats that everyone will enjoy.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Potatoes
- For the Filling
- For Topping
- How to Make Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes
- Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
- Step 2: Cook in the Air Fryer
- Step 3: Cool and Scoop
- Step 4: Prepare Filling Mixture
- Step 5: Stuff Potatoes
- Step 6: Final Cooking Stage
- Step 7: Serve
- How to Serve Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes
- As a Main Dish
- With a Fresh Salad
- For Game Day
- At a Family Gathering
- As a Breakfast Side
- With Dips
- How to Perfect Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes
- Best Side Dishes for Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes
- Reheating Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
- How do I customize my Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes?
- What is the best way to serve Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes?
- Can I prepare these ahead of time?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 45 minutes from start to finish, you can serve delicious twice baked potatoes without the long wait.
- Flavor Explosion: Each bite offers rich, cheesy goodness combined with savory bacon bits, making it a crowd-pleaser.
- Versatile Side Dish: Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or a cozy dinner at home—these potatoes fit any occasion.
- Healthy Twist: Using an air fryer means less oil and a lighter dish without sacrificing flavor or texture.
- Customizable Toppings: Feel free to mix in your favorite ingredients like herbs or different cheeses for added flair.
Tools and Preparation
Before you get started on these Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes, ensure you have the right tools at hand. Having the proper equipment makes cooking easier and more efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
Importance of Each Tool
- Air fryer: This tool cooks the potatoes quickly while keeping them crispy outside and fluffy inside.
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl is essential for combining ingredients smoothly without spilling.
- Potato masher or electric mixer: These tools help achieve a creamy potato filling by mashing the insides thoroughly.
Ingredients
For the Potatoes
- 3 medium russet potatoes
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- Kosher salt (to taste)
For the Filling
- 2 tablespoons butter (softened)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup sour cream
For Topping
- 2 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled or 6 tablespoons bacon bits)
- Chopped green onions (for garnish, optional)
How to Make Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Wash the potatoes thoroughly under running water and dry them with a paper towel. Brush each potato with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt. Poke several holes into each potato using a fork.
Step 2: Cook in the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400ºF (204°C) for about 3 minutes. Place the prepared potatoes in the basket and cook for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through until they are tender.
Step 3: Cool and Scoop
Once cooked, allow the potatoes to cool for around 10 minutes until they are safe to handle. Cut each potato in half lengthwise and scoop out most of the flesh into a mixing bowl, leaving a thin layer on the skin.
Step 4: Prepare Filling Mixture
Mash the scooped potato flesh using an electric mixer or potato masher until smooth. Add softened butter, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, and sour cream. Mix well until fully combined.
Step 5: Stuff Potatoes
Fill each potato shell with the mashed filling mixture. Top with remaining cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon bits evenly over all halves.
Step 6: Final Cooking Stage
Place stuffed potatoes back in the air fryer basket. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Step 7: Serve
Remove from air fryer carefully. Serve hot garnished with chopped green onions if desired. Enjoy your Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes!
How to Serve Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes
Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes are a versatile side dish that can complement various meals. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.
As a Main Dish
- Enjoy these potatoes as a filling main course by adding protein like grilled chicken or steak on the side.
With a Fresh Salad
- Pair with a light garden salad to balance the richness of the cheese and bacon, providing freshness and crunch.
For Game Day
- Serve them alongside your favorite game day snacks like wings or nachos for a hearty, satisfying spread.
At a Family Gathering
- These potatoes make an excellent addition to family dinners or potlucks, where everyone can enjoy their cheesy goodness.
As a Breakfast Side
- Reheat leftover potatoes and serve with fried eggs for a delightful breakfast option that packs flavor and energy.
With Dips
- Offer sour cream or a spicy ranch dip on the side for added flavor when serving as an appetizer at parties.

How to Perfect Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes
Getting your Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes just right is easy with these tips. Follow these simple guidelines for the best results.
- Choose the right potatoes: Use medium russet potatoes for the perfect balance of fluffy texture and sturdy skin.
- Don’t skip the oil: Brushing potatoes with olive oil helps achieve that crispy skin we all love.
- Check for doneness: Always pierce your potatoes before removing them from the air fryer to ensure they’re tender inside.
- Mix thoroughly: When combining ingredients in the filling, mix until smooth to avoid lumps that could affect texture.
- Customize toppings: Feel free to add other toppings like jalapeños or different types of cheese for unique flavors.
- Serve hot: Enjoy them immediately after cooking for the best melty cheese experience.
Best Side Dishes for Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes
Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes pair well with many dishes. Here are some great options to consider serving alongside them.
- Grilled Chicken Breast – Juicy and flavorful chicken that complements the richness of the potatoes perfectly.
- Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce tossed in creamy dressing adds brightness and crunch beside cheesy potatoes.
- Steamed Broccoli – Lightly seasoned broccoli brings color and nutrients, balancing out the meal.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Crunchy Brussels sprouts add an earthy flavor that pairs well with the savory potatoes.
- BBQ Ribs – Smoky ribs provide a hearty contrast, making this combination ideal for gatherings.
- Baked Beans – Sweet and savory baked beans offer a comforting addition alongside your twice baked potatoes.
- Corn on the Cob – Brighten up your plate with sweet corn, which provides a nice textural contrast.
- Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw adds freshness and crunch, ideal for summer barbecues or picnics.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes can be easy, but certain mistakes can affect the final results. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid.
- Skipping the oil: Not brushing the potatoes with olive oil can lead to a dry skin. Always ensure you coat them well for that crispy texture.
- Overcooking or undercooking: Cooking times may vary between air fryer models. Check your potatoes with a fork to ensure they are tender.
- Ignoring seasoning: Failing to season the potato skins can result in bland taste. Sprinkle salt generously before cooking for better flavor.
- Not letting them cool: Cutting into hot potatoes can make them difficult to handle and lead to burns. Allow them to cool for about 10 minutes before cutting.
- Rushing the cooling process: If you skip cooling, the insides may become mushy when mixed. Take your time for perfect mashed potatoes.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Ensure they have cooled completely before sealing.
Freezing Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes
- Wrap each potato tightly in aluminum foil or place in a freezer-safe container.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, checking every 30 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes.
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other varieties like Yukon gold or sweet potatoes, but cooking times may vary.
How do I customize my Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes?
You can add different toppings such as broccoli, jalapeños, or various cheeses based on your preference.
What is the best way to serve Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes?
These potatoes make a fantastic side dish for grilled meats or as part of a hearty vegetarian meal.
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble them and store them in the fridge until ready to cook.
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes are not only delicious but also offer versatility in flavors and toppings. Perfect as a side dish or even on their own, they’re sure to please everyone at your table. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different ingredients to make this dish truly yours!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
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Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6 (3 whole potatoes) 1x
Description
Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes are the perfect blend of crispy skin and creamy filling, making them an irresistible side dish for any occasion. These delightful potatoes are quick to prepare and packed with cheesy goodness, enhanced by savory bacon bits. With just 45 minutes from prep to plate, they are ideal for holiday gatherings, casual weeknight dinners, or game day feasts. The air fryer ensures a healthier twist by using less oil while maintaining that beloved comfort food flavor. Customize them with your favorite toppings for a personal touch that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- 3 medium russet potatoes
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter (softened)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup sour cream
- Cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C).
- Clean the potatoes, coat with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and poke holes in each.
- Air fry for about 30 minutes, flipping halfway through until tender.
- Let cool slightly, then cut in half and scoop out the insides into a mixing bowl.
- Mash scooped potato flesh and mix with butter, spices, cheese, and sour cream until smooth.
- Stuff the potato skins with the filling mixture, top with remaining cheese and bacon.
- Return to the air fryer for an additional 5-7 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 potato half (110g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 20mg





