Crispy Airfryer Potato Skins

Name: Crispy Airfryer Potato Skins
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 medium russet potatoes; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice); 1/2 cup cooked bacon, chopped; 1/4 cup green onions, chopped; Sour cream for serving

Highlighted under: Simple Speedy Plates

I absolutely love making Crispy Airfryer Potato Skins! There’s something so satisfying about transforming simple potatoes into crispy, delicious snacks. The air fryer makes the process incredibly easy and efficient, ensuring that each bite is both crunchy and flavorful. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover potatoes and create a dish that’s perfect for sharing. Whether I’m enjoying them during game night or serving them at a party, these potato skins never fail to impress!

Created by

Ella

Last updated on 2026-02-07T21:18:28.469Z

When experimenting with the air fryer, I was amazed at how quickly I could achieve that perfect crunch without deep frying. The skins are incredibly versatile, so I often customize them with all sorts of toppings, from bacon bits to cheese and green onions. The key is to ensure the potatoes are well-scrubbed and punctured for that ideal crispness.

One technique I've adopted is to brush each skin with a blend of olive oil and garlic powder before air frying. This not only enhances the flavor but also contributes to the crispy texture I adore. Pairing them with a zesty dipping sauce can elevate the experience even more!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Perfectly crisp texture that satisfies every craving
Endless topping possibilities to suit all tastes
Healthier than traditional deep-fried potato skins

Selecting the Right Potatoes

Choosing the right type of potato is crucial for achieving the best texture in crispy air fryer potato skins. Russet potatoes are ideal because of their starchy quality, which allows the skins to become delightfully crispy. When selecting potatoes, look for ones that are firm and free of blemishes or soft spots. This will ensure even cooking and a better overall bite. If you're looking for a lower-carb option, consider using sweet potatoes, which can offer a deliciously different flavor profile.

To enhance the crispy texture, you can also experiment with different varieties of potatoes, such as Yukon Gold or even red potatoes. Each type offers a unique taste and texture, allowing you to customize your dish according to your preference. However, potatoes that are too waxy may not crisp up as desired, so it's best to stick with starchy or all-purpose varieties. Whichever potato you choose, make sure to adjust your cooking times slightly based on their size.

Perfecting the Cooking Technique

The air frying process is what makes these potato skins stand out compared to traditional frying methods. When rubbing the potatoes with olive oil, don't skimp—this oil not only helps with crispiness but also enhances flavor. Ensure you coat the potatoes evenly, as this will result in a beautiful golden skin after air frying. Additionally, consider placing a piece of parchment paper in the air fryer basket to catch any drippings for easier clean-up, but make sure it doesn’t obstruct airflow.

When you scoop out the potato flesh, leave a thin layer to retain the structure while ensuring the skin crisps up nicely. If you're unsure how much to remove, aim for about 1/4-inch thickness. This way, you won't compromise the integrity of the skins. If your first batch comes out too soft, reduce the cooking time for the final crisping stage, or check the internal temperature of the air fryer to make sure it's correctly calibrated.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

While the classic cheese and bacon toppings are a crowd-pleaser, don't hesitate to get creative with your potato skins. Consider adding ingredients like jalapeños for a spicy kick, or avocado for richness. You can also try a Tex-Mex twist with black beans, salsa, and a drizzle of ranch dressing instead of sour cream. This versatility makes potato skins suitable for a variety of palates and dietary preferences, enabling you to customize each serving to please your guests.

For make-ahead convenience, you can prepare the potato skins in advance up to the point of adding toppings. Once they’ve been air-fried, let them cool, store them in an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, then add your toppings for a quick and easy snack that still packs a flavorful punch.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create crispy potato skins that will wow your guests.

Ingredients

4 medium russet potatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
1/2 cup cooked bacon, chopped
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
Sour cream for serving

Make sure to adjust the toppings to your preferences for a personalized touch!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own crispy potato skins in an air fryer.

Prepare the Potatoes

Wash the russet potatoes thoroughly and prick each potato several times with a fork. This allows steam to escape during cooking.

Air Fry the Potatoes

Rub the potatoes with olive oil, then season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Place them in the air fryer basket at 400°F (200°C) for 30 minutes until tender.

Scoop and Season

Once cooked, let the potatoes cool slightly before slicing them in half. Carefully scoop out some of the flesh, leaving a thin layer for structure. Brush the insides with a bit of olive oil.

Air Fry the Skins

Return the skins to the air fryer, skin side up, and cook at 400°F (200°C) for an additional 10 minutes or until they are crispy.

Add Toppings

Sprinkle shredded cheese and chopped bacon over the crispy skins and air fry for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted.

Serve

Garnish with chopped green onions and serve with sour cream on the side.

Enjoy your deliciously crispy airfryer potato skins with your favorite dips!

Pro Tips

For an extra crispy finish, you can flip the potato skins halfway through the cooking process. Additionally, try using different cheese varieties like pepper jack for a spicy twist.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking for a lower-fat alternative to the olive oil, consider using cooking spray or making a light seasoning mixture with broth for brushing. This change won't sacrifice flavor and keeps the skin crispy. Additionally, for a vegetarian twist, swap out the bacon for crispy chickpeas or sautéed mushrooms, which will deliver a satisfying crunch and depth of flavor without the meat.

Cheese is another versatile ingredient; while cheddar is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with mozzarella for a gooey texture or feta for a tangy twist. Vegan cheese options can also be a great addition for those with dietary restrictions while maintaining the dish's enjoyable aspects.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storing leftover crispy potato skins can be done in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, to maintain their crispiness, it’s best to remove any toppings that may become soggy, like sour cream or fresh herbs. Reheat the skins in an air fryer at about 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes without toppings to refresh their texture before adding any condiments afterward.

For longer-term storage, consider freezing your potato skins once cooled. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container. When you're ready to indulge, bake directly from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, adding toppings halfway through, ensuring they heat through while regaining their crispy exterior.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find that your potato skins aren't crisping up as expected, the air fryer might not be adequately heated, or you may not have used enough oil. Always preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking. A thin layer of oil brushed onto the inside of the skins is essential for that coveted crunch. You can also try increasing the air-frying time slightly, monitoring closely to prevent burning.

Another common issue is uneven cooking. To solve this, make sure to arrange the potato skins in a single layer inside the air fryer, allowing for good air circulation. If you have multiple batches, pull out the first batch early and let the second batch cook fully, as the first batch might absorb some heat. This ensures all skins come out equally crispy and delicious.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make potato skins ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the potatoes and scoop out the flesh in advance. Keep the skins in the fridge until you're ready to air fry them.

→ What toppings work well with potato skins?

You can use toppings like salsa, guacamole, chili, or any of your favorite cheeses and meats.

→ Can I use other types of potatoes?

While russet potatoes are best for this recipe due to their size and texture, you can experiment with other varieties like Yukon Gold or sweet potatoes.

→ How long do the potato skins keep in the fridge?

They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for best results.