Air Fryer Potato Skins

With so much free time on our hands, we have to keep finding new and creative ways to feed our family. Today I’ve got a super easy air fryer potato skins recipe with minimal ingredients that the family will love!

Air Fryer Potato Skins – Crispy, Cheesy, and Game Day Ready

When I tell you potato skins have been a lifelong love story, I mean it. Back when my husband and I were just kids (and then dating), we would order them every single time we went out—no matter the restaurant. Cheesy, crispy, with all the toppings piled high… they’re the ultimate appetizer that somehow always feels like a meal. Now, we make them at home in the air fryer, and honestly? They taste just as good—if not better—than the ones we used to fight over in the booth. These are perfect for sporting events, family parties, or any time you just want to snack like you mean it.

Ingredients and Why They Matter

Russet Potatoes – The perfect sturdy potato that crisps beautifully and holds all the cheesy goodness without falling apart.
Olive Oil – Helps the potato skins get that gorgeous golden crisp in the air fryer.
Cheddar Cheese – Melty, sharp, and the star of the show for that classic potato skin flavor.
Cooked Bacon – Salty, smoky, and crispy—because potato skins without bacon is just a baked potato in disguise.
Green Onions – Adds a fresh pop of flavor and color to balance the richness.
Sour Cream – Cool, tangy, and the perfect creamy topping for that hot, cheesy bite.
Salt & Pepper – The simple seasonings that make all the other flavors pop.

How to Make Air Fryer Potato Skins

Bake your potatoes until tender, then let them cool slightly. Cut them in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the centers, leaving about ¼ inch of potato in the skin. Brush both sides with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and pop them in the air fryer at 400°F for about 5-7 minutes per side until crispy. Fill each skin with cheddar cheese and bacon, then return to the air fryer until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Top with green onions and a dollop of sour cream before serving.

Potato skins have been part of my love story for decades. My husband and I used to split an order every time we went out—back when we were kids, then teenagers on dates, and now as parents who still crave them on game days. Making them at home has become our little tradition during the NBA playoffs, the Super Bowl, or any weekend when there’s a big game on. The air fryer gives them that crispy restaurant texture, but with zero deep fryer drama.

FAQs About Air Fryer Potato Skins

Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! Bake the potatoes and scoop them out in advance, then just air fry and fill before serving.
Do I have to use bacon? Nope! You can swap in diced ham, cooked sausage, or keep them vegetarian with sautéed mushrooms or peppers.
Can I use another cheese? Absolutely—pepper jack, mozzarella, or a blend works great.

Fun Places to Serve These Potato Skins

Game day spreads, birthday parties, holiday appetizer tables, family movie night, or just a Saturday afternoon snack when you want something fun and filling.

These potato skins are extra crispy thanks to a double-air-fry method—first to crisp the shells, then again after the toppings go on. The balance of salty bacon, sharp cheddar, and fresh green onion hits every craving, and they come together way faster than restaurant service. Plus, they’re built on years of potato-skin-loving history in my family, so they come with a stamp of approval from two lifelong fans.

What are some more fun air fryer recipes to try?

• Healthy Potato Skins Recipe
• Air Fryer Crab Cakes
• Easy Air Fryer Baby Potatoes Recipe
• Amazing Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes
• Air Fryer Half Chicken