Air Fryer Loaded Potato Skins
Crispy potato shells loaded with cheese and bacon.
Before You Start
Crisp potato shells piled with melted cheese and bacon, the ultimate sharing plate. The air fryer bakes the potatoes and crisps the skins in one go. Crisp the empty shells before filling them for the crunchiest result, and save the scooped middles for mash.
Instructions
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1
Rub the potatoes with a little oil and salt. Air fry whole at 200°C / 400°F for 30 to 35 minutes, until tender.
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2
Let them cool enough to handle, then halve and scoop out most of the middle, leaving a sturdy shell. Save the flesh for mash.
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3
Brush the shells inside and out with oil and season.
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4
Air fry the shells cut side up for 5 minutes to crisp.
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5
Fill with the cheese and bacon and air fry 3 to 5 minutes more, until the cheese melts.
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6
Top with sour cream and spring onions to serve.
Kit that makes this foolproof
A few inexpensive bits that get you crispier results with less mess.
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♨️ Air fryer notes
- Cook at 200°C / 400°F and preheat for 2 to 3 minutes for the crispiest result.
- Keep everything in a single layer with space around each piece. Overcrowding steams food instead of crisping it, so cook in batches if your basket is small.
- Shake or turn halfway, and check a few minutes early, since air fryers cook faster than ovens and every model runs slightly differently.
💡 Cook's tips
- Leave a sturdy shell when you scoop, about 5 mm, so they hold their shape and crisp up.
- Crisp the empty shells first, before the filling, for the crunchiest skins.
🔀 Make it your own
- Go vegetarian with beans and jalapenos instead of bacon.
- Add a spoon of leftover chilli for loaded chilli skins.
📦 Storing & reheating
Keeps 2 days in the fridge. Re-crisp at 200°C for 4 minutes.
❓ Frequently asked
Can I microwave the potatoes first to save time?
Yes, microwave 8 to 10 minutes until soft, then crisp the skins in the air fryer. You lose a little crunch on the outside.
What can I do with the scooped potato?
Mash it with butter and milk, use it in potato cakes, or thicken a soup. Do not waste it.
Adapting your own recipe? Use the oven to air fryer converter for temp and time, or the recipe scaler to halve or double this.
