Loaded baked potato in an air fryer 😋
Baked potato air fryer edition
Ingredients
⁃ russet potatoes
⁃ Cheddar cheese
⁃ Sour cream
⁃ Bacon
⁃ Butter
⁃ Salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder
⁃ Chives or green onion
Cover a baking sheet with foil and spread a single layer of bacon on it. Preheat oven to 400 and cook bacon for 20-25 min depending on how crisp you want your bacon. Once done remove bacon from pan and put on a plate with paper towels to remove additional grease. Let cool and chop up for later. Chop chives or green onions and set aside as well. Rinse potatoes really really well and pat dry. Preheat air fryer to 425. Stab potatoes all over. Rub potatoes down in oil. Over salt them and massage it all in. Once air fryer is preheated place inside air fryer basket in a single layer. Usually fits two big potatoes or 4 small to medium potatoes. Cook for 20 min flip and cook for another 20 min. You will be able to tell if they are done if the fork easily slides into the potato. Remove and put potatoes into an oven safe dish. Split each of the potatoes using two forks and NOT a knife. This helps with the potato fluffing. Add about a tablespoon of butter or more to each potato along with a healthy pinch of salt, pepper and a good sprinkle or three of the garlic and onion powder. Then individually fluff up each potato making sure to leave the skin alone for maximum filling volume. Sprinkle some grated cheddar cheese and then your chopped bacon and another layer of cheese. Put in the oven under the broiler and watch closely just until cheese bubbles. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle your chives or green onions. Boom best classic loaded baked potatoes 🥔😀
Loaded baked potatoes are a beloved comfort food, and using an air fryer simplifies this classic dish with crispy skin and fluffy insides in less time than a traditional oven. Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe because of their starchy texture—they crisp well on the outside and become tender inside. To enhance flavor, it's important to wash and dry potatoes thoroughly before oiling and seasoning generously with salt and spices. Cooking at 425°F in the air fryer helps achieve that golden exterior. Bacon cooked separately in the oven allows for even crispiness and easy grease removal by blotting with paper towels. Incorporating bacon bits inside the potato along with shredded Cheddar cheese adds a savory richness. Using two forks to fluff the potato flesh rather than cutting with a knife creates air pockets that make the texture lighter and helps absorb butter and seasonings better. Garlic powder and onion powder enhance the overall depth of flavor without overpowering. Finishing under the broiler melts the cheese perfectly and gives it that bubbly, slightly browned finish reminiscent of diner-style loaded potatoes. A dollop of sour cream on top adds creaminess, while freshly chopped chives or green onions provide a fresh, vibrant contrast. For those looking to customize, consider adding extras like sautéed mushrooms, diced jalapeños for heat, or even a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a smoky touch. Whether serving as a hearty side or a standalone meal, this air fryer technique ensures reliably delicious results with minimal cleanup.