Description
Crispy air fryer potato skins loaded with melted Cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and seasoned with roasted garlic infused oil and garlic pepper seasoning. These delicious appetizers are easy to prepare and perfect for game day, parties, or a tasty snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes and Seasoning
- 8 small russet potatoes, scrubbed
- 2 tablespoons Roasted Garlic Infused Oil, divided
- 1½ teaspoons Garlic Pepper Seasoning, divided
Toppings
- 2 cups shredded mild Cheddar cheese
- ½ pound bacon slices, cooked and crumbled (about 1 cup)
- Sliced green onions, optional for garnish
- Sour cream, optional for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Potatoes: Pierce each scrubbed potato with a fork in several spots. Rub or brush the potatoes with 1 tablespoon of roasted garlic infused oil and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of garlic pepper seasoning, ensuring even coating.
- Air Fry Potatoes: Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket or on the lowest rack. Set the air fryer to 400°F (no need to preheat) and air fry for 40 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Remove and let cool.
- Scoop Potato Flesh: Once cooled enough to handle, cut the potatoes in half and carefully scoop out the flesh, reserving it for another use such as mashed potatoes. Brush the insides of the potato halves with the remaining 1 tablespoon roasted garlic infused oil and sprinkle with the remaining ½ teaspoon garlic pepper seasoning.
- Crisp Potato Skins: Place the potato skins skin-side down in the air fryer basket or on the rack. Air fry again at 400°F for 3-4 minutes until the insides are nicely browned and slightly crispy.
- Add Toppings and Melt Cheese: Remove potato skins from the air fryer, top each with shredded Cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon. Return to the air fryer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the potato skins with sliced green onions and a dollop of sour cream if desired. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Potato flesh scooped out can be saved for mashed potatoes or other recipes.
- Roasted garlic infused oil adds a flavorful twist but can be substituted with regular olive oil if unavailable.
- Adjust cheese and bacon quantities according to preference or dietary needs.
- For a vegetarian option, omit bacon and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or other vegetables.
- Carefully handle hot potatoes when scooping out flesh to avoid burns.
