Air Fryer TWICE-BAKED POTATOES

Certainly! Twice-baked potatoes made in an air fryer can be a delicious and convenient dish. Here’s a simple recipe along with some notes:

Air Fryer Twice-Baked Potatoes

Ingredients:

• 4 large baking potatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: bacon bits, additional cheese, chives

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Potatoes:
   • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
   • Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly.
   • Pierce each potato with a fork a few times.
   • Rub the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
   • Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket.
2. Air Fry the Potatoes:
   • Cook the potatoes for about 40-50 minutes, or until they are fork-tender and have a crispy skin.
   • Turn the potatoes halfway through the cooking time for even cooking.
3. Cut and Scoop:
   • Let the potatoes cool for a few minutes until they are safe to handle.
   • Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise.
   • Scoop out the flesh into a bowl, leaving a thin layer of potato on the skins.
4. Mix the Filling:
   • Mash the potato flesh in the bowl.
   • Add sour cream, softened butter, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, salt, and pepper.
   • Mix until well combined. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
5. Refill the Potatoes:
   • Spoon the mashed potato mixture back into the potato skins, creating a nice mound on top.
6. Air Fry Again:
   • Place the stuffed potatoes back into the air fryer basket.
   • Air fry for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the tops are golden brown.
7. Serve:
   • Remove from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes.
   • Optionally, top with extra cheese, bacon bits, or chives before serving.
8. Enjoy:
   • Serve the twice-baked potatoes warm as a side dish or a delicious appetizer.

Notes:

• Variations: Feel free to customize the filling with ingredients like garlic, herbs, or different types of cheese.
• Bacon: If you haven’t added bacon bits to the filling, consider using crispy bacon as a topping for extra flavor.
• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the potatoes up to the second baking stage and refrigerate them. Air fry them just before serving.
• Crispiness: For extra crispy skins, brush the potato skins with a little more olive oil before the second air fry.

Enjoy your delicious air-fried twice-baked potatoes!

Tips:

1. Uniform Size: Try to select potatoes that are roughly the same size to ensure even cooking.
2. Seasoning: Experiment with different seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika for added flavor.
3. Cheese Varieties: Mix different types of cheese for a more complex flavor profile. Gouda, Parmesan, or Monterey Jack can be excellent additions.
4. Crunchy Topping: For an extra crunch, sprinkle some breadcrumbs or crushed croutons on top of the potato filling before the second air fry.
5. Herbs: Fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or dill can add a burst of freshness. Add them to the filling or use them as a garnish.
6. Extra Crispy Skin: After scooping out the flesh, brush the potato skins with a little extra olive oil before the second air fry for a crispy texture.

Variations:

1. Loaded Twice-Baked Potatoes:
   • Add cooked and crumbled sausage or ground beef to the filling.
   • Include diced tomatoes, black olives, and jalapeños for a loaded baked potato experience.
2. Vegetarian Twist:
   • Mix in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and feta cheese for a flavorful vegetarian option.
3. Mexican-Inspired:
   • Add a pinch of cumin, chili powder, and diced green chilies to the filling.
   • Top with salsa, guacamole, and a dollop of sour cream.
4. Buffalo Chicken:
   • Mix shredded cooked chicken with buffalo sauce and blue cheese.
   • Use this mixture as part of the filling for a spicy kick.
5. Sweet Potato Version:
   • Substitute regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a sweeter twist.
   • Add a sprinkle of cinnamon and a drizzle of maple syrup to the filling.
6. Mini Twice-Baked Potatoes:
   • Use smaller potatoes or cut the larger potatoes into smaller pieces before air frying for bite-sized portions.
7. Make it a Meal:
   • Serve the twice-baked potatoes as a main dish by adding protein like grilled chicken or steak on the side.

Remember, the beauty of cooking is in experimenting, so feel free to tailor the recipe to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy your air-fried twice-baked potatoes!