Air-Fryer Twice-Baked Potatoes

Air-fryer twice-baked potatoes are the answer to my lifelong potato crisis. It might sound cliche, but with my Irish heritage, a love for potato recipes is in my DNA. Baked, mashed, fried, roasted—I adore them all. But sometimes I find myself stuck in the ultimate potato dilemma: Do I want a crispy, salty baked potato or a creamy, buttery pile of mashed potatoes? The struggle is real.

This air-fryer twice-baked potatoes recipe combines the best of both worlds: crispy potato skins filled with a rich, cheesy, bacon-studded mashed potato mixture. Thanks to the air fryer, they cook up faster than in the oven, and that golden, melty cheese topping is downright irresistible. They’re guaranteed to be a hit, whether you’re making them as a side, an indulgent snack or even the main event (because I would 100% eat these for dinner).

Ingredients for Air-Fryer Twice-Baked Potatoes

• Potatoes: Russets are the best type of potato for this recipe. They have a high starch content, so the insides get extra-fluffy after baking. Plus, the thick skins hold up well during the twice-baked process.
• Butter: Butter adds richness to the ultra-creamy mashed potato filling. Softened butter is easier to mix, ensuring every bite is buttery and smooth.
• Milk: A splash of milk makes the filling light and velvety. We generally use 2% in most recipes, but whole milk will make the potato filling even creamier. Want to be extra-indulgent? Try half-and-half or heavy cream.
• Bacon: Bacon brings that smoky, salty bite that takes these potatoes to the next level. Bake your bacon or, for an easy shortcut, buy precooked crumbles from the store.
• Onion and chives: Finely chopped onion adds just enough bite to balance the richness of the cheese and bacon. You can cook the onion first for a milder flavor or leave it raw for some crunch. Chives bring a mild, onion-like flavor and a pop of fresh green color. Plus, they make your twice-baked potatoes in the air fryer look extra fancy.
• Salt and pepper: A pinch each of salt and pepper enhances all the flavors.
• Cheddar cheese: Half gets mixed into the filling for melty goodness, while the rest goes on top to create a golden, bubbly crust. Sharp cheddar is an excellent choice for maximum flavor, but any good melting cheese will work—think Gouda, Colby Jack or even pepper jack for some heat.
• Toppings: If serving these to a group, offer crumbled cooked bacon, sour cream, chives and paprika on the side.

Directions

Step 1: Prep the spuds

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Preheat the air fryer to 370°F. Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop out the pulp, leaving a 1/4-inch shell.

Editor’s Tip: This recipe calls for baked potatoes, and it’s easy enough to pop them in the oven. However, if the air fryer is already out, air-fried baked potatoes are ready to go in about 40 minutes.

Step 2: Make the filling

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In a large bowl, mash the pulp with butter.

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Stir in the milk, bacon, onion, chives, salt, pepper and 1/2 cup cheese.

Step 3: Air-fry the potatoes

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Spoon the mixture into the potato shells and cook for five minutes. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup cheese. Air-fry until the cheese is golden brown, about five minutes longer.

Add bacon and chives, dollops of sour cream and a sprinkle of paprika if desired.

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Air-Fryer Twice-Baked Potato Variations

• Make them Buffalo-style: Add a drizzle of Buffalo sauce (like from Buffalo chicken wings) and crumbled blue cheese on top of the potatoes.
• Give them a Tex-Mex twist: Stir in diced jalapenos or green chiles and top with your favorite salsa.
• Skip the bacon: Make them meatless and load them up with caramelized onions, mushrooms or roasted red peppers.

How to Store Air-Fryer Twice-Baked Potatoes

Leftover twice-baked potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To prevent fogginess, let them cool completely before storing.

How do you reheat air-fryer twice-baked potatoes?

Reheat twice-baked potatoes in a 350° air fryer for five to seven minutes or until warmed through. You can also use the oven (375° for 15 minutes) or the microwave (though they won’t be as crispy).

Can you make air-fryer twice-baked potatoes ahead of time?

To make air-fryer twice-baked potatoes ahead of time, bake the potatoes, remove the pulp and make the filling up to two days in advance. When you’re ready to serve, stuff the potato shells and air-fry them.

Air-Fryer Twice-Baked Potato Tips

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How do you make twice-baked potatoes in the oven?

If you don’t have an air fryer, cook twice-baked potatoes in a 400° oven for 15 to 20 minutes instead.

What can you serve with air-fryer twice-baked potatoes?

These twice-baked potatoes in the air fryer pair well with just about everything! Serve them alongside a juicy steak or grilled chicken for a classic combo, or enjoy them with a warm bowl of soup or chili for the ultimate cozy meal. If you’re looking to balance things out, a fresh salad makes a great lighter contrast to the rich, cheesy filling of the potatoes.