Name: Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 potatoes; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 cup sour cream; 2 tbsp butter; 1/4 cup milk; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 3 slices of bacon, chopped; green onions, for garnish

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If you love crispy potato skins filled with creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes, these Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes are going to become a favourite! They’re crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and loaded with delicious ingredients like butter, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon.

The best part? You can make them right in your air fryer without heating up the oven. The potatoes are first cooked until tender, then scooped out and mixed with a creamy filling before being returned to their crispy skins for a second round of cooking.

These twice baked potatoes are perfect as a comforting side dish for family dinners, holiday meals, BBQs, or even a satisfying lunch. You can also customise the filling with your favourite cheeses, herbs, and toppings.

Whether you’re serving them alongside steak, roast chicken, or grilled vegetables, this easy recipe delivers plenty of flavour in every bite!

Why This Recipe Works

There are plenty of reasons to love these air fryer twice baked potatoes.

Crispy potato skins: The air fryer helps the potato skins become wonderfully crisp while keeping the inside soft and fluffy.
Creamy, cheesy filling: Butter, sour cream, milk, and cheddar cheese create a rich, smooth filling that tastes delicious.
Easy to customise: Add bacon, spring onions, garlic, different cheeses, or your favourite seasonings.
No oven required: The air fryer cooks the potatoes and finishes the cheesy topping without heating up your entire kitchen.
Perfect for meal prep: You can prepare the filling and potato shells ahead of time, then cook them when you’re ready to serve.
Great for any occasion: Serve them as a side dish for weeknight dinners, parties, BBQs, or special family meals.

Ingredients You Will Need

You only need a few simple ingredients to make these delicious twice baked potatoes. Most are everyday ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

Ingredients:

4 medium russet potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal because their fluffy, starchy texture creates a light and creamy filling. Choose potatoes that are similar in size so they cook evenly.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps the potato skins become crispy during the first cooking stage.
½ teaspoon salt: Seasons the potato skins and enhances the flavour.
3 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and creates a smooth, creamy filling.
½ cup sour cream: Gives the mashed potato filling a delicious tangy flavour and creamy texture.
¼ cup milk: Helps loosen the filling and makes it easier to mix. Add a little more if needed.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a rich, cheesy flavour. Reserve a little extra for topping if desired.
3 slices cooked bacon, crumbled: Adds a savoury, smoky crunch. You can leave it out for a meat-free version.
2 tablespoons chopped spring onions: Add freshness and a mild onion flavour.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a little warmth to the filling.

Ingredient substitutions:

Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes can also work, although they have a creamier texture and thinner skins than russets.
Sour cream: Replace with plain Greek yoghurt or cream cheese.
Cheddar cheese: Try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Gouda, or a combination of cheeses.
Milk: Use cream or unsweetened dairy-free milk.
Bacon: Replace with cooked mushrooms, chopped peppers, or extra spring onions.
Butter: Use a dairy-free butter alternative if needed.

How to Make Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

Making twice baked potatoes in the air fryer is easier than you might think. First, cook the potatoes until tender, prepare the creamy filling, and then air fry them again until the cheese is melted and golden.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 45–60 minutes
Total time: 60–75 minutes
Servings: 4

Step 1: Prepare the potatoes

Wash and scrub the russet potatoes thoroughly under running water. Pat them completely dry with a clean kitchen towel.

Use a fork to prick each potato several times. This allows steam to escape during cooking.

Rub the outside of each potato with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.

Step 2: Air fry the potatoes

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) if your model recommends preheating.

Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them for air circulation.

Cook for approximately 35–45 minutes, turning them halfway through. Cooking time will depend on the size of your potatoes and your air fryer.

To check if they are ready, insert a knife or skewer into the centre. It should slide through easily, and the potatoes should feel soft inside.

Step 3: Scoop out the potato flesh

Remove the potatoes from the air fryer and allow them to cool for a few minutes until they are safe to handle.

Carefully slice each potato lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the fluffy potato flesh, leaving a thin layer inside the skins so they hold their shape.

Place the scooped potato into a large mixing bowl.

Be gentle when scooping so the potato skins do not tear.

Step 4: Make the creamy filling

Add the butter, sour cream, milk, shredded cheddar cheese, black pepper, and most of the cooked crumbled bacon to the bowl with the potato flesh.

Mash everything together until the mixture is creamy and well combined.

Stir in the chopped spring onions. Taste the filling and add a little more salt or pepper if needed.

If the mixture feels too thick, add another splash of milk. Avoid adding too much at once because the filling should be creamy but still thick enough to hold its shape.

Step 5: Fill the potato skins

Spoon the mashed potato mixture back into the empty potato skins.

Divide the filling evenly between the four potato halves, gently piling it on top.

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and bacon over each potato.

Step 6: Air fry a second time

Place the filled potato halves carefully into the air fryer basket.

Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 5–8 minutes, or until the filling is heated through and the cheese has melted.

For a more golden, bubbly topping, cook for another 1–2 minutes if needed, keeping a close eye on them.

Step 7: Garnish and serve

Carefully remove the twice baked potatoes from the air fryer.

Finish with extra chopped spring onions, a little black pepper, or your favourite toppings.

Serve immediately while the filling is warm, creamy, and cheesy!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are twice baked potatoes?

Twice baked potatoes are whole potatoes that are cooked until tender, cut in half, and filled with a creamy mashed potato mixture. The filling is usually combined with butter, sour cream, cheese, and seasonings before being placed back into the potato skins and cooked a second time.

What are the best potatoes for twice baked potatoes?

Russet potatoes are generally the best choice because they have a fluffy, starchy interior and sturdy skins that hold the filling well.

You can also use Yukon Gold potatoes, but their skins are thinner and their flesh is naturally creamier.

How long do you cook twice baked potatoes in the air fryer?

The total cooking time is approximately 45–60 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes and your air fryer.

The first cooking stage usually takes 35–45 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Once filled, the potatoes need another 5–8 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to heat the filling and melt the cheese.

What temperature should I use for air fryer twice baked potatoes?

Cook the whole potatoes at 400°F (200°C) until tender. After adding the filling, reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) for the second cooking stage.

This helps heat the filling and melt the cheese without over-browning the potato skins.

Can I make twice baked potatoes ahead of time?

Absolutely! Twice baked potatoes are an excellent make-ahead side dish.

Prepare the potatoes, scoop out the flesh, mix the filling, and fill the potato skins as directed. Arrange them in an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to cook.

For best quality, refrigerate prepared potatoes for up to 24 hours before the second cooking stage. When ready to serve, place them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and hot in the centre.

How do I store leftover twice baked potatoes?

Allow the potatoes to cool, then transfer them to an airtight container.

Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking and store at 40°F (4°C) or below for 3–4 days.

Can I freeze air fryer twice baked potatoes?

Yes! You can freeze twice baked potatoes for convenient future meals.

Let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container or wrap each potato half individually. Freeze for the best quality for approximately 2–3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. You can also reheat from frozen, but they will need additional cooking time. Always check that the centre reaches 165°F (74°C).

How do I reheat twice baked potatoes in the air fryer?

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the refrigerated potato halves in the basket and cook for approximately 5–8 minutes, depending on their size.

If reheating larger or very cold portions, they may need longer. Check that the filling is heated all the way through to 165°F (74°C).

Why are my twice baked potatoes falling apart?

This usually happens when too much potato flesh is scooped out or the skins become too thin.

Leave a thin layer of potato inside each skin to help it hold its shape. Also, handle the skins gently when filling them.

How do I make the filling extra creamy?

Use softened butter, sour cream, and a little milk. Mash the potato flesh while it is still warm, and add the milk gradually until you reach your preferred consistency.

For an even richer filling, you can add a little cream cheese.

Can I make twice baked potatoes without bacon?

Of course! Simply leave out the bacon and add extra cheese, spring onions, garlic, or chopped mushrooms instead.

The potatoes will still be creamy, cheesy, and full of flavour.

Can I use different toppings?

Yes! Twice baked potatoes are easy to customise. Try adding:

Crispy bacon and extra cheddar cheese
Broccoli and cheddar
Garlic and Parmesan
Jalapeños and pepper jack cheese
Sour cream and spring onions
Cooked mushrooms and caramelised onions

What should I serve with Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes?

These potatoes pair perfectly with grilled steak, roasted chicken, pork chops, burgers, sausages, or grilled vegetables.

They are also filling enough to serve as a light lunch with a fresh garden salad.