Loaded air fryer potato skins are the ultimate comfort food, combining the satisfying crunch of crispy potato skins with a creamy, cheesy, and bacon-filled center. Finished with a tangy sour cream and chive dip, this dish is ideal for entertaining, a game-day snack, or a simple weeknight treat. The air fryer ensures golden, crispy skins while minimizing the oil needed, making it a slightly healthier take on a classic favorite.

Here’s an in-depth look at how to create this delicious dish, complete with tips, serving suggestions, and nutritional details.

Loaded Air Fryer Potato Skins Ingredients

For the Loaded Potato Skins:

1. Coliban Potatoes (6 medium):
   • Starchy potatoes like Coliban work best for this recipe, offering a fluffy interior and a sturdy skin.
2. Olive Oil (1 tbsp):
   • Adds a light coating to help crisp the potato skins and sauté the bacon.
3. Middle Bacon Rashers (3 rashers, trimmed, chopped into 1cm pieces):
   • Provides a savory, smoky element that pairs beautifully with the creamy filling.
4. Green Shallots (2, thinly sliced):
   • Adds a fresh, oniony crunch and a pop of color to the finished dish.
5. Sour Cream (2 tbsp for filling + additional for serving):
   • Creamy and tangy, it binds the potato filling and serves as a cooling topping.
6. Perfect Italiano Perfect Melt 4 Cheeses (125g or 1 ¼ cups):
   • A blend of cheeses that melts smoothly, creating gooey pockets of cheesy goodness.

For the Sour Cream and Chive Dip:

7. Sour Cream (⅓ cup):
   • Forms the base of the dip, adding a creamy tang.
8. Mayonnaise (⅓ cup):
   • Balances the dip with richness and smoothness.
9. Chives (2 tbsp, chopped):
   • Brings a fresh, herbal element to the dip.
10. Garlic (1 small clove, crushed):
    • Adds a mild garlic flavor that complements the tanginess of the dip.

 Loaded Air Fryer Potato Skins Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

1. Pierce and Season:
   • Use a small sharp knife to prick the potatoes all over. This allows steam to escape during cooking, ensuring the skins remain intact.
   • Toss the potatoes in 2 teaspoons of olive oil and season generously with salt.
2. Cook in the Air Fryer:
   • Arrange the potatoes in the basket of your air fryer and cook at 200°C for 25 minutes or until tender when pierced with a fork.
   • Allow the potatoes to cool for about 10 minutes until they’re safe to handle.

Step 2: Scoop and Crisp the Skins

1. Halve and Hollow Out:
   • Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, slice them in half lengthwise.
   • Use a spoon to carefully scoop out the flesh, leaving a 5mm-thick shell to maintain structure. Reserve the scooped-out potato flesh in a bowl.
2. Crisp the Skins:
   • Return the hollowed-out potato shells to the air fryer and cook at 200°C for 6-8 minutes until they are lightly golden and crisp.

Step 3: Cook the Bacon

1. Heat the Pan:
   • In a frying pan over medium heat, warm the remaining olive oil.
2. Sauté the Bacon:
   • Add the chopped bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, for 4-5 minutes or until golden and slightly crispy.
   • Transfer half the cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain. This will be used for garnish later.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

1. Mash the Potato Flesh:
   • Using a fork or potato masher, mash the reserved potato flesh in the bowl until smooth.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
   • Stir in the drained bacon, half of the sliced green shallots, 2 tablespoons of sour cream, and ½ cup of cheese.
   • Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, then mix until evenly combined.

Step 5: Fill and Cook the Potato Skins

1. Fill the Skins:
   • Spoon the mashed potato mixture into the crisped potato shells, packing it down gently to create an even layer.
   • Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the filled potato skins.
2. Air Fry Until Golden:
   • Place the filled skins back in the air fryer and cook at 200°C for 7-8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbling.

Step 6: Prepare the Dip

1. Combine the Ingredients:
   • In a small bowl, mix together the sour cream, mayonnaise, chopped chives, and crushed garlic.
2. Season and Serve:
   • Add salt and pepper to taste, then set aside until ready to serve.

Step 7: Assemble and Garnish

1. Plate the Potato Skins:
   • Arrange the cooked potato skins on a serving platter.
2. Garnish Generously:
   • Drizzle the remaining crispy bacon over the top, sprinkle with the remaining green shallots, and serve with the prepared sour cream and chive dip on the side.

Serving Suggestions for Loaded Air Fryer Potato Skins

1. Party Appetizer:
   • Serve these potato skins as finger food at gatherings, with extra dips like guacamole or salsa.
2. Main Course:
   • Pair them with a fresh salad or grilled vegetables for a satisfying main meal.
3. Customizable Toppings:
   • Add jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or avocado for a unique twist.

Tips for Success

1. Choose the Right Potatoes:
   • Coliban potatoes are great for this recipe, but Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work well too, thanks to their sturdy skins and fluffy interiors.
2. Don’t Overfill the Skins:
   • Leave a little space for the cheese topping to bubble over without spilling.
3. Batch Cooking:
   • If your air fryer basket is small, cook the potato skins in batches to ensure even cooking.

 Loaded Air Fryer Potato Skins Nutritional Information

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Easy and Quick:
   • With the air fryer, you can achieve crispy, restaurant-quality potato skins in less time than traditional methods.
2. Crowd-Pleaser:
   • The combination of crispy, cheesy, and savory flavors makes it a hit at any table.
3. Customizable:
   • Easily adapt the recipe with your favorite toppings or dietary preferences.

Conclusion

Loaded air fryer potato skins are a simple yet impressive dish that combines texture and flavor to perfection. Whether you’re making them as a snack, appetizer, or main course, their versatility and deliciousness will make them a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Plus, the homemade sour cream and chive dip adds a refreshing touch that elevates every bite.

Try this recipe today and enjoy the delightful contrast of crispy potato skins and creamy, cheesy filling—it’s comfort food at its best!

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