Air Fryer Potato Skins
🥔 Ingredients (Serves 4)
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4 medium russet potatoes
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1–2 tablespoons olive oil (or cooking spray)
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½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
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½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
🧀 Toppings (choose what you like)
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1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or mix)
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Cooked beef or turkey bacon bits (optional)
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Green onions, chopped
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Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt (for serving)
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Potatoes
You need the potatoes soft on the inside first.
Option A: Oven
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Bake at 400°F (205°C) for 45–60 minutes until fork-tender.
Option B: Microwave (faster)
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Pierce potatoes with a fork.
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Microwave 5–8 minutes, turning halfway, until soft.
Let potatoes cool for about 10 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Skins
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Cut each potato in half lengthwise.
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Scoop out the inside, leaving about ¼ inch of potato on the skin.
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Save the scooped potato for another meal (mashed potatoes, hash, etc.).
Step 3: Season
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Brush or spray both sides with olive oil.
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Sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Step 4: First Air Fry (Crisping)
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Place skins cut-side down in the air fryer.
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Air fry at 390°F (200°C) for 6–8 minutes until crispy.
Step 5: Add Toppings
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Flip skins cut-side up.
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Add cheese and bacon (if using).
Step 6: Second Air Fry (Melting)
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Air fry again at 390°F for 3–5 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Finish
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Top with green onions.
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Serve hot with sour cream or yogurt.
❓ Q & A (Common Questions)
Q: Why use russet potatoes?
A: They have thick skins and get crispier than other potatoes.
Q: Can I skip oil?
A: You can, but a little oil helps make them crispy and flavorful.
Q: How do I make them extra crispy?
A:
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Don’t overcrowd the air fryer
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Flip them skin-side up and spray lightly again
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Add 1–2 extra minutes in the first air-fry step
Q: Can I make them vegetarian?
A: Yes! Just skip bacon and add:
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Extra cheese
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Mushrooms
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Bell peppers
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Olives
Q: Can I reheat potato skins?
A: Yep! Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes.
Q: Can I freeze them?
A: Best frozen before adding toppings. Re-air-fry, then add cheese.