The Perfect Air Fryer Potato Skins Recipe

The Perfect Crispy Air Fryer Potato Skins

If you’re anything like me, potatoes are always a good idea — especially when they’re crispy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor. These air fryer potato skins are one of my favorite easy appetizers because they come together fast and feel a little extra without a lot of effort.

Using leftover baked potatoes, you can make restaurant-style potato skins in under 15 minutes — no deep fryer required. The air fryer gives you perfectly crisp skins with melty cheese and bacon, and if you’re feeling fancy, the optional spicy ranch dipping sauce takes them over the top.

I love serving these for the Super Bowl, a fun Easter side, or as a quick snack using leftover baked potatoes.

Keep reading to learn how to make crispy potato skins in the air fryer — plus my easy spicy ranch dip.

How to Cook Potato Skins in the Air Fryer

Calling all potato lovers! If you haven’t tried making potato skins in the air fryer yet, you’re going to love how easy this recipe is. They crisp up beautifully, and you can customize the toppings to fit whatever mood or occasion you’re cooking for.

I especially love this recipe when I already have baked potatoes on hand — it feels like turning leftovers into something brand new.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Potato Skins

• Russet potatoes
• Olive oil (divided)
• Ranch seasoning mix
• Bacon, cooked and crumbled
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Chopped green onions, scallions, or chives
• Plus your favorite toppings

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how flexible it is. You can easily swap cheeses, seasonings, or toppings to make these potato skins exactly how your family likes them.

Other Ways to Make Air Fryer Potato Skins

If you want to switch things up, here are a few fun flavor ideas:

• BBQ style with BBQ seasoning and shredded chicken
• Southwest with taco seasoning, pepper jack, and jalapeños
• Buffalo chicken with buffalo sauce and ranch drizzle

How to Make Baked Potatoes for the Perfect Air Fryer Potato Skins

Before you can enjoy potato skins, you’ll need baked potatoes. I usually use leftover baked potatoes, but if you don’t have any ready, there are plenty of easy ways to make them:

• Air fryer baked potatoes
• Oven baked potatoes
• Microwave baked potatoes
• Instant Pot baked potatoes
• Slow cooker baked potatoes

Air Fryer Baked Potatoes – Quick 2-Step Instructions

Wash and dry the potatoes well before cooking. Dry skins crisp better in the air fryer, and don’t forget to poke a few holes with a fork so steam can escape.

Step 1: Parboil the Potato (Optional)

When I’m short on time, I like to parboil the potatoes in the microwave first. It speeds things up without sacrificing texture.

Microwave the potatoes for about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Cook the Potato in the Air Fryer

Rub the potatoes with a little oil and salt, then place them in the air fryer basket.

• Parboiled: 20 minutes at 400°F (204°C)
• Not parboiled: 40–45 minutes at 400°F (204°C)

Important Note

Every air fryer and potato is a little different, so keep an eye on them. They’re done when a fork slides in easily.

How to Assemble Potato Skins

Let the potatoes cool slightly, then slice them in half and scoop out the centers, leaving about 1/4 inch of potato so the skins stay sturdy.

Spray or brush the skins with oil, season them, then top with bacon and cheese. This part is always fun — feel free to customize!

Need bacon fast? Learn how to make bacon in the air fryer.

How Long to Cook Potato Skins in the Air Fryer

Air fry the potato skins at 350°F (175°C) for 6–10 minutes, just until the cheese melts and the edges are crispy.

I like to check them around the 6-minute mark and go from there. You can always cook a little longer, but you can’t undo overcooked cheese.

Amazing Spicy Ranch Dressing (Optional)

This spicy ranch is one of my favorite quick dips, and it pairs perfectly with potato skins. Just stir together:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/3 cup sour cream
• 1/2 packet ranch seasoning
• 1 teaspoon chipotle powder (adjust to taste)

Final Thoughts on Air Fryer Potato Skins

These air fryer potato skins are one of those recipes that work for just about any occasion — game day, holidays, or a simple afternoon snack.

If you make them, I’d love to hear what toppings you used. Leave a comment below and let me know how you served yours!

Air Fryer Potato Skins with Homemade Spicy Ranch Dressing

This is a great game day recipe or just an easy snack. Whip this recipe up in the air fryer and enjoy healthier and tastier potato skins!

5 / 5 ( 1 Review )

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 30 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes minutes

Serves: 4

Adjust Servings: 4

US CustomaryMetric

Equipment

• Air Fryer

Ingredients

• 3 russet potatoes
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil, divided
• ranch seasoning mix to taste
• 4 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or favorite cheese topping
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or scallions, or chives

Spicy Ranch Dressing

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ⅓ cup sour cream
• 1-1 ½ tablespoons ranch dressing mix
• 1 teaspoon chipotle powder

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

• Wash and scrub the potatoes with water to clean them. Then, pat them dry.
• Place each potato in the air fryer basket. Rub or spray each of the potatoes with avocado oil or olive oil (about 1/2 tablespoon). Air fry for 35-45 minutes at 400 °F, or until soft. You can test by piercing the potato with a fork. OR parboil the potatoes in the microwave for 5 minutes. Rub and spray them with oil. Then, air fry them for 20 minutes at 400 °F, or until soft.
• Remove the potatoes from the air fryer and cool completely (for about 20-30 minutes).
• Slice each potato in half. Use a spoon and scoop out the inside of the potato. Reserve 1/4th of an inch of the flesh along the bottom and sides of the potato. You want each skin to still have a base to hold the toppings.
• Drizzle or spray the inside of the potatoes with avocado oil or olive oil (if drizzling about 1-1 1/2 tablespoons total). And then, season with salt, ranch seasoning, or your favorite seasoning.
• Top each potato with the crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese.
• Place the skins in the air fryer and air fry for 6-10 minutes at 350 °F, or until the cheese has melted. The cook time will vary based on how you like your melted cheese. Just keep an eye on your potatoes.
• Top with green onions, spicy ranch dressing, and any other of your favorite potato toppings.

Spicy Ranch Dressing

• Stir to combine ingredients together in a bowl.

Recipe Notes

Complete steps 1-3 ahead of time to enjoy potatoes later during the week. 

 

Homemade spicy ranch dressing recipe from Old House To New Home.

Nutrition

Calories: 641kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 50g | Sodium: 953mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g

Recipe Adapted From: Stay Snatched