Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

How to make Twice-Baked Potatoes in the air fryer which takes half the time and can be made ahead and frozen. High protein, budget-friendly, healthy side dish

About Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

Fluffy, creamy, and cheesy twice baked potatoes made in the air fryer.

An excellent side dish or satisfying main course since these are high in protein. In fact, each twice baked potato half has 8 grams of protein.

In 2012, I posted a recipe for twice-baked potatoes in the oven before the air fryer became popular.

This recipe is based on it using the air fryer to do all the cooking which cuts the cooking time in half.

Another difference is that you will sprinkle the potatoes with less cheese than if baking, simply because it can be a mess to clean when the cheese spills in the air fryer.

Instead, you'll use most of the cheese inside the potato filling and only save a tiny bit for topping.

A twice baked potato is one of those sides that is easy to double or triple because it's minimal extra work.

Plus, these freeze well so you can be prepared for the future when you need a side dish.

Oh, and if you want to change it up a little, be sure to check out the Twice Baked Taco Potatoes using leftover taco meat.

Ingredients

Potato: For this recipe, russet potatoes are the best choice for baked potatoes which then turn into twice baked potatoes. They are sometimes referred to as "Idaho potatoes" or "baking potatoes." White potatoes are another good option.

Cottage cheese: Cottage cheese binds together the filling, making it extra-cheesy and creamy; plus, it adds protein to the twice baked potatoes. Use any cottage cheese, other than fat-free. Small-curd, large-curd, reduced-fat, and 4% fat all work well.

Cheddar cheese: For flavor as well as protein, cheddar cheese is added to the mixture and as a topping. Most of the cheddar goes into the mixture and a small amount is added for color and contrast of textures.

Green onion: For a fresh addition of flavor as well as contrast to the smooth filling, add green onion. You can use chives or onion powder.

Spices: To prevent the filling from being bland, garlic powder, paprika, and salt season the filling. You can also add cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper, black pepper, dried parsley, dried onion flakes, or onion powder, though I wouldn't recommend adding onion flakes or powder if you are using green onions.

Toppings: Crumbled bacon, sour cream, plain yogurt, fresh parsley, and chives are all great options for topping your high-protein twice-baked potatoes.

Cost of Recipe

• potato 4 (6-ounce) potato: $0.90
• cottage cheese 1 cup: $1.24
• cheddar cheese 4 ounces: $1.99
• green onion 4: $0.40
• garlic powder ½ teaspoon: $0.04
• paprika ½ teaspoon: $0.08
• salt ⅜ teaspoon: $0.01

TOTAL COST: $4.66 or $0.58/serving (Based on San Diego grocery stores 2023)

Note that this is not the recipe; it's simply to show the cost breakdown of ingredients. Scroll down to the full recipe to see the specific ingredients and directions.

How to Make Twice Baked Potatoes in Air Fryer

How to Cook Frozen Twice Baked Potatoes in Air Fryer

Prepare as directed above, but stop after filling the potato skins. Wrap (if possible) individually and transfer to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 6 weeks.

To reheat from frozen, unwrap, sprinkle with cheese, and air fry for 15-20 minutes at 390°F until warmed through.

Recipe Tips

*It's easiest to use warm potatoes to scoop out potato flesh. Cold potatoes are a little more challenging.

If using leftover baked potatoes, warm them for a few minutes in the air fryer or oven before cutting and scooping out potato flesh.

*The potatoes will be full, and that's normal. Because the filling has a lot of cheese, it will cook down.

*To make it easier, especially for freezing, you can add all of the cheese into the mixture and skip sprinkling with cheese. They will have less color but will be just as delicious.

Variations

Ingredient Options

Cheddar: Mozzarella, parmesan, gruyere, Monterey jack, or whatever cheese you like best will work. Simply use about 4 ounces (which is around 1 cup shredded).

Green onions: Fresh chives, dried onion flakes or onion powder can be used. Use about ¼ cup chives, ¼ teaspoon dried onion flakes, or ⅛ teaspoon onion powder.

Spices: Add ⅛ teaspoon of cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper, or black pepper; ½ teaspoon dried parsley; or if you aren't using green onions, add ¼ teaspoon of dried onion flakes or ⅛ teaspoon onion powder. Taste and add additional seasoning if needed.

Flavor Substitutions

To change up the flavor, add whatever spices and herbs you enjoy. Some examples are

• ½ teaspoon dried parsley + ¼ teaspoon dried dill
• ½ teaspoon chili powder + ¼ teaspoon cumin
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme + ¼ teaspoon dried rosemary

Taste the filling mixture and adjust the seasonings as needed before baking.

Best Air Fryer

The air fryer used for testing, photographing, and videoing is using a Cruxgg 9-quart air fryer.

I recommend using one that has a larger surface area for cooking so all 8 potato halves can fit. The one used for testing is about 16" wide x 13" deep.

Alternative Prep & Cooking

These can easily be made in the oven. There is a slight change in the times and method, so check out the twice baked potatoes in the oven recipe here.

How to Make Allergy-Friendly

Twice baked potatoes in the air fryer are already gluten-free, egg-free, soy-free, and nut-free. They have multiple sources of dairy.

If you do not add bacon, they are vegetarian.

How to Fix a Mistake

Mixture is too bland: Stir in additional seasoning in ¼ teaspoon increments until it reaches your desired taste.

Too salty: Because the filling mixture is responsible for seasoning the peel of the potato as well, don't worry if it's minimally too salty. It should be ok. However, if it is way too salty, slice and scoop out the potato of an additional baked potato and do not add any extra seasoning. (Since the bake time is the same, there's no change to anything else).

Cheese spills: It's not a big deal, and you can just scoop it back onto the potatoes and finish cooking.

Make-Ahead Tips

You can cook (or "bake") the potatoes in advance in the air fryer. Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

To freeze air fryer twice baked potatoes:

• Prepare as directed but stop before covering the stuffed potato skins with cheese.
• If possible, wrap each potato half individually in parchment, freezer paper, waxed paper, or foil.
• Put in an airtight bag or container, and freeze for up to 6 weeks.
• When ready to bake, unwrap, sprinkle with cheese, and air fry for 15-20 minutes at 390°F until warmed through.

Storage Suggestions

If freezing, they stay freshest if you wrap them individually and store in an airtight container like a plastic bag. You can keep them in a container but they might be more likely to get a little freezer burned if kept in the freezer for longer than a month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nutrition Benefits

Each half has 8 grams of protein, 2 grams of fiber, 12% RDA of potassium, 22% Vitamin C, 14% calcium, and 6% iron.

If you're eating two halves, you'll get twice the amount giving you a nice dose of potassium, Vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Because potatoes are considered one of the most satisfying foods, this air fryer twice baked potato recipe can help you feel satiated and full.

Note that the nutrition facts below are for each half of a potato. I recommend eating at least two halves if you're enjoying them as a main course.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Twice-Baked Potatoes

Make these nutritious twice-baked potatoes made in the air fryer even tastier by topping them with your favorite additions like bacon, fresh parsley, chives, sour cream, or plain yogurt.

To enjoy as a main meal, eat at least 2 or 3 halves along with a veggie like a cup of soup or side salad.

Final thoughts:

Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes are a delicious side dish served with protein (like chicken) and veggies. Or enjoy a few as a main course for a budget-friendly meal.

Because they freeze well, I highly suggest doubling the recipe to have on hand for a simple side or main meal.

MORE POTATO SIDE DISHES YOU'LL LOVE:

• Hot Cheesy Potatoes
• Oven Smashed Potatoes
• Crockpot Mashed Potatoes
• High-Protein Potato Salad
• Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

Meme

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Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes Nutrition Facts

*Nutrition facts do not include optional toppings.