If you’re after the ultimate snack or party appetizer, look no further than these air fryer potato skins. Crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and packed with all your favourite toppings, they’re the perfect crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting game night, prepping for a weekend get-together, or simply craving something indulgent yet easy to make, these potato skins deliver big on flavour with minimal fuss.
Using the air fryer means you get that irresistible golden crunch without the need for deep frying. there’s less oil, less mess, and way quicker than using the oven. The result? A perfectly crisp shell that’s sturdy enough to hold all the delicious toppings but still tender in the middle. Think melted cheese, smoky bits of bacon (or veggie alternatives), a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of spring onions, and maybe even a drizzle of hot sauce if you’re feeling adventurous.
This recipe serves four and only takes about 5 minutes of hands-on prep time. Most of the cooking time is hands-off, letting your air fryer do all the hard work while you relax or prep other parts of your meal. It’s a great way to repurpose leftover baked potatoes or use up a few extras from the bag sitting in your cupboard.
Whether you’re making these for a casual family dinner, serving them alongside burgers, or presenting them on a snack platter for friends, these air fryer potato skins are always a hit. Customise them to your taste—vegetarian, spicy, cheesy, or loaded to the max, the choice is yours. One bite and you’ll see why this easy air fryer recipe earns a permanent spot on your snack-time favourites list..
PREP 5 minutes
COOK 45 minutes
SERVES 4 people
KIT you will need an air fryer and mixing bowl
Ingredients for Air Fryer Potato Skins
4 medium russet potatoes
1 tbsp of olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
110g of cooked ham, chopped
110g of grated cheddar cheese
55gof sour cream
2 tbsp of fried onions, chopped
Optional: 55g grated Parmesan cheese (for extra flavour)
Method
Start by preheating your air fryer to 190°C (375°F) for about 3 minutes. This helps ensure that the cooking temperature is even when the potatoes go in, giving them a great head start for that crispy skin.
While the air fryer is preheating, give your potatoes a good scrub under cold running water to remove any dirt, then dry them thoroughly using a clean towel. Dry potatoes allow the skins to crisp better. Rub each potato with olive oil and sprinkle them generously with salt, which enhances flavour and texture.
Place the whole potatoes in the air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t touching too much so air can circulate. Cook at 190°C (375°F) for 30 to 35 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You’ll know they’re ready when a fork easily pierces through the centre.
Once cooked, remove the potatoes and let them cool for around 5 minutes. This step makes them easier to handle. Cut each potato in half lengthwise and scoop out the centre using a spoon, leaving about 1/4 inch of potato flesh around the edges to hold the shape. Save the scooped-out flesh for later.
Brush the hollowed-out skins with a little more olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Next mix the potato filling that you scooped out earlier with the shredded ham and grated cheddar and season. Then fill the potato skins with the cheese, ham and potato mixture. Then spray them with a little oil and air fry for another 3 to 5 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Finish by topping your loaded skins with a dollop of sour cream and a scattering of chopped green onions. Serve immediately while hot and delicious!
Tips for Air Fryer Potato Skins
Cooking loaded potato skins in an air fryer is the easiest way to enjoy a delicious dish with minimal effort and mess.
1. Choose the Right Potatoes
Go for medium-sized, starchy potatoes like Russets or Maris Piper. They have thicker skins that crisp up nicely and fluffy interiors that hold shape well when scooped.
2. Don’t Skip the Oil
Rubbing your potatoes with olive oil before the first air fry step is essential. It helps the skin crisp and adds flavour. Brushing the inside and outside of the skins with oil before the second cook makes them even crispier.
3. Scoop Carefully
Let the potatoes cool for a few minutes after cooking. Use a small spoon to gently scoop the flesh, leaving about ¼ inch of potato around the skin to maintain structure. If you scoop too much, the skins can tear or collapse.
4. Double Crisping is Key
Don’t skip the second air fry before adding fillings. This step crisps up the inside of the skins and gives them that classic golden crunch you expect from restaurant-style potato skins.
5. Get Creative with Fillings
Classic cheese and bacon are always winners, but try experimenting with different fillings: pulled chicken, chopped jalapeños, black beans, or even leftover chilli. Vegetarian? Go with roasted veg and feta!
6. Watch Your Cheese
Use a mix of melty cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella for the best texture. Add Parmesan on top for an extra golden crust.
7. Serve Immediately
Potato skins are best served fresh and hot from the air fryer. Top with sour cream, chopped green onions, or even sriracha mayo for a flavour boost.
8. Batch Smartly
If you’re feeding a crowd, cook in batches and keep earlier skins warm in a low oven while the rest finish in the air fryer.
Related Recipes
If you’ve enjoyed making Air Fryer Potato Skins, you’ll be delighted to explore these other potato-based recipes from your website. Each offers a unique twist on this versatile ingredient, perfect for complementing your culinary repertoire:
Air Fryer Baked Potato
Achieve a crispy skin with a fluffy interior in half the time of traditional baking. These baked potatoes are ideal as a hearty side or a customizable main dish. Top them with your favourite ingredients like sour cream, chives, or even some of your air-fried bacon bits.
Air Fryer Potato Wedges
Perfectly seasoned and crispy on the outside, these wedges make a fantastic accompaniment to your potato skins or as a standalone snack. Customize the seasoning to match your taste preferences.
Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes
These visually impressive potatoes are sliced thinly and seasoned to perfection. The crispy edges and tender centres make them a delightful addition to any meal.
Air Fryer Hash Browns
Start your day with these golden, crispy hash browns. They’re easy to prepare and can be customized with herbs or cheese for added flavour.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
A healthier alternative to traditional fries, these sweet potato versions are crispy, flavourful, and pair wonderfully with a variety of dips.
Air Fryer Roast Potatoes
Not only are they delicious, but they also offer a healthier alternative to deep-fried potatoes or ones cooked in a traditional roasting dish.
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