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Air Fryer Crispy Potato Skins

Close-up of four Air Fryer Crispy Potato Skins topped with melted cheddar, sour cream, and fresh chives.

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Make perfectly crispy potato skins using your air fryer with this simple, quick recipe.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium Russet potatoes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking spray
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional topping)
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream (optional topping)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped chives (optional topping)

Instructions

  1. Scrub the potatoes clean. Pierce each potato several times with a fork.
  2. Bake the potatoes in a conventional oven at 400°F (200°C) for 45 to 60 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a knife. This pre-cooking step is necessary for a fluffy interior. Let them cool slightly until you can handle them.
  3. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  4. Slice each cooled potato in half lengthwise. Scoop out most of the interior flesh, leaving about a 1/4-inch thick shell. Save the scooped flesh for another use, like mashed potatoes.
  5. Lightly brush or spray the outside and inside of the potato shells with olive oil or cooking spray. Sprinkle evenly with salt and pepper.
  6. Place the potato skins in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. You may need to work in batches.
  7. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8 to 12 minutes. Check them after 8 minutes. The skins should look dry and crisp.
  8. If you are adding cheese, sprinkle the cheese over the skins and return them to the air fryer for 1 to 2 more minutes, just until the cheese melts.
  9. Remove carefully and top with sour cream and chives, if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For maximum crispiness, ensure the potato shells are completely dry before oiling and seasoning them.
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; air circulation is key to crisp texture.
  • If the insides seem undercooked after the initial air frying, you can reduce the temperature slightly and cook for a few more minutes before adding toppings.

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