How to Make Homemade Potato Skins in the Air Fryer

Now that Iโ€™ve learned how to make potato skins in the air fryer, I donโ€™t think Iโ€™d have them any other way. Itโ€™s more convenient than oven cooking, heats up my house less in the summer, and still delivers delicious snacks.

If you want to skip the steps of making your own homemade potato skins, shortcut things using pre-made ones. Check out how to cook frozen potato skins in the air fryer for a helpful guide plus tips and tricks!

homemade potato skins in the air fryer recipe dinners done quick featured image

How Long Do Potato Skins Take in the Air Fryer?

It takes approximately 5 minutes to make potato skins in the air fryer.

This is largely because the potatoes are cooked ahead of time, so youโ€™re really just heating them up and melting the cheese.

Learn how to bake a potato in the air fryer with foil for easy prep!

If youโ€™d like to pre-cook the shells for a crispy texture, then plan to add an additional 5 minutes of cooking time.

homemade potato skins in the air fryer with real bacon

What Temperature Do I Cook Potato Skins in the Air Fryer?

Fresh, homemade potato skins should cook at a temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177C) in the air fryer.

You donโ€™t need to cook the potato, and you donโ€™t want to burn your toppings. This is the perfect sweet spot temperature wise!

Itโ€™s similar to the way youย cook bagel bites in the air fryer, and they make a great accompaniment to your finger food spread!

What Type of Potatoes are Best for Air Fryer Potato Skins?

Russet potatoes are the best variety for air fryer potato skins.

My second choice is sweet potatoes, though the tender flesh makes them a little trickier to transfer in and out of the air fryer.

Both those potato types are large enough to hold an ample amount of toppings. Additionally, the skins are strong and thick enough that you can scoop out the center without breaking. This also makes them much easier to eat!

That said, you can make potato skins with other varieties of potato in a pinch. Just plan for them to be smaller and fall apart more easily. Consider leaving a little extra flesh (about ยฝโ€) when scooping for the additional support.

How to Make Homemade Potato Skins in the Air Fryer

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F, following manufacturer instructions
  2. Cut two baked and cooled potatoes in half lengthwise
slice baked potatoes lengthwise
  1. With a spoon, carefully scoop the flesh of the potato out of each half, leaving about ยผโ€ borderย 
scoop out the inside of the potatoes
  1. Season each potato skin with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasoning, to taste
season potato skins with salt pepper and garlic powder
  1. Add cooked and crumbled bacon to potato skin (1 pc bacon per 1 potato used) and top each potato skin with shredded cheese (minimum ยผ cup per 1 potato used)
add cheddar cheese and bacon to potato skins
  1. Place filled potato skins in air fryer basket, allowing space between them for even heating
place potato skins in the air fryer basket
  1. Cook at 350 degrees for 3-5 minutes
  2. Potatoes are done when cheese is completely melted
  3. Transfer to a plate, top with sour cream and green onions (optional) and enjoy!
serve homemade air fryer potato skins with sour cream

Check out the full list of ingredients and instructions in the handy recipe card below!

If you would like extra crispy potato skins:

  • Cut and hollow your cooked potatoes
  • Spray the skin of each potato half while empty with oilย 
  • Cook upside down in a 400 degree air fryer and cook for 4-5 minutes
  • Carefully remove potatoes from air fryer using tongs (they will be hot)
  • Fill with toppings, then cook the additional 3-5 minutes at 350 in the air fryer to melt the cheese

How to Reheat Potato Skins in the Air Fryer:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F
  2. Add leftover potato skins to air fryer basket
  3. Cook at 350 degrees for 3-4 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fย 
  4. Garnish and enjoy!

If youโ€™ve made too many potato skins or they didnโ€™t all go at the party, never fear. Simply refrigerate the leftover potato skins for up to 3 days and reheat them when you want a snack.

I donโ€™t recommend reheating more than one time, as the potatoes will begin to get very dry. Only heat what youโ€™ll eat in a sitting for best results.ย 

homemade air fryer potato skins with sour cream

Conclusion

Homemade potato skins are so easy to make in the air fryer. While they take a little longer to prep than the frozen ones, I appreciate being able to play with different seasonings and toppings. Plus, I love sweet potato skins and you wonโ€™t find those in the freezer aisle.

Whether you want to experiment with new flavor combos or just make a delicious appetizer or game day snack, these homemade potato skins in the air fryer are sure to be a hit!

homemade potato skins in the air fryer recipe dinners done quick featured image

Homemade Potato Skins in the Air Fryer

It's easy to make homemade delicious potato skins in your air fryer with melty cheese and crunchy bacon.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine American, Tailgate
Servings 2
Calories 385 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
ย ย 

  • 2 baked potatoes (cooled and sliced lengthwise)
  • 2 strips of bacon (cooked and crumbled)
  • ยฝ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salt, pepper, garlic powder
  • Sour cream (optional garnish)
  • 1 sliced green onion (optional garnish)

Instructions
ย 

  • Preheat air fryer to 350ยฐF (177ยฐC)
  • With a spoon, carefully scoop the flesh of the potato out of each half, leaving about ยผโ€ rim around each potato skin (including the bottom)
    2 baked potatoes (cooled and sliced lengthwise)
  • Sprinkle each hollowed potato skin with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste (around โ…› -ยผ tsp each should be good)
    Salt, pepper, garlic powder
  • Add crumbled bacon into scooped out area of the potato skins
    2 strips of bacon (cooked and crumbled)
  • Top with shredded cheddar cheese, making sure to mound it up (the cheese will melt and reduce in size during cooking)
    ยฝ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Carefully place each potato skin upright into your air fryer basket, leaving space between them
  • Cook for 3-5 minutes at 350ยฐF, or until cheese is completely melted
  • Remove carefully using tongs or spatula
  • Top with sour cream and green onions before serving (optional)
    Sour cream (optional garnish), 1 sliced green onion (optional garnish)

Notes

  • I like to bake my potatoes the day before and refrigerate until Iโ€™m ready to use them
  • Use the scrap potato filling for mashed potatoes or potato dumplings
  • You may substitute turkey or veggie bacon for regular if preferred
  • Feel free to use other types of cheese besides cheddar. Pepperjack, Colby Jack, and Havarti are great choices (or use your favorite)
  • Additional seasonings may be added to the potato if desired. I also enjoy powdered ranch dressing and Franks Red Hot seasoning blend
  • The skins of the potatoes will be a bit dry using this method. Feel free to brush them with butter prior to filling and cooking if youโ€™d like to add a bit of moisture. If you use salted butter, cut back on the salt you top the skins with
  • Add extra cheese and/or bacon on top before serving if you like them extra loaded!

Nutrition

Serving: 192gCalories: 385kcalCarbohydrates: 38.8gProtein: 18.8gFat: 17.5gSaturated Fat: 8.6gCholesterol: 51mgSodium: 1116mgPotassium: 1097mgFiber: 4.2gSugar: 2.7gCalcium: 239mgIron: 2mg
Keyword air fryer, appetizer, football snacks, homemade potato skins, potato skins, potatoes, snacks, Super Bowl snacks
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homemade potato skins in the air fryer recipe dinners done quick pin
Katie Vine