Name: Loaded Air Fryer Baked Potato Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 russet potatoes (about 4 inches in length and 3 inches in diameter); Cooking spray; Salt & pepper to taste; Butter to taste; 1 cup grated cheddar cheese; 4 slices turkey bacon; 1/2 cup sour cream; 2 green onions, sliced

I’m super excited to share this Loaded Air Fryer Baked Potato Recipe with you because it hits all the right notes: crispy skin, fluffy inside, and piled high with cheesy, bacon-y goodness. You’re going to love how easy it is to nail this classic comfort food in your air fryer!

The image shows four baked potatoes on a white textured plate, each potato opened in the middle to show layers inside. The first layer is the fluffy white potato inside its crispy brown skin. On top of that is a layer of shredded orange cheese and small pieces of cooked bacon or ham, followed by a dollop of white sour cream in the center of each potato. Finally, chopped green onions are sprinkled over the sour cream and around the potatoes for a fresh pop of color. In the top part of the image, a small white bowl holds more sour cream with a gold spoon resting inside. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Loaded Air Fryer Baked Potato Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Loaded Air Fryer Baked Potato Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Loaded Air Fryer Baked Potato Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, once I started making baked potatoes in the air fryer, I rarely go back to the oven. It’s so fast, and the results are consistently delicious. This recipe is the perfect way to upgrade your potato game with simple, tasty toppings.

Quick and easy: Ready in just 50 minutes total, perfect for a weeknight meal or side.
Crispy skin and fluffy inside: The air fryer does the magic for that classic baked potato texture.
Loaded with flavor: Butter, cheddar, turkey bacon, green onions, and sour cream make every bite savory and satisfying.
Versatile: Customize your toppings to suit your mood or what you have on hand.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Let’s talk about the ingredients before you shop. Picking the right potato and quality toppings makes all the difference when you’re aiming for that fully loaded baked potato comfort. Here’s why I choose each component for this recipe:

Flat lay of four whole russet potatoes with rough brown skin, a small white ceramic bowl of bright orange shredded cheddar cheese, a small white bowl filled with creamy white sour cream, four slices of cooked golden-brown turkey bacon arranged neatly, two fresh green onions with vibrant green stalks and white bulbs, a small white bowl containing soft pale yellow butter, a small white bowl of coarse sea salt, and a small white bowl of cracked black peppercorns placed symmetrically, all arranged on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Russet potatoes: These guys have the perfect starch content for crispy skin and a nice fluffy interior.
Cooking spray: Helps the potato skin crisp up beautifully without adding extra calories.
Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning both the skins before air frying and the potato once sliced.
Butter: Adds richness and melts into the fluffy potato for that classic baked potato feel.
Grated cheddar cheese: Cheesy, melty goodness that pairs perfectly with the other toppings.
Turkey bacon: A leaner bacon option that still gives you that crispy, smoky flavor.
Sour cream: Tangy and creamy, it balances the salty and savory toppings.
Green onions: Add a fresh, mild onion bite that brightens up each loaded bite.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The beauty of this Loaded Air Fryer Baked Potato Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you're looking to add a personal twist or cater to specific dietary preferences, there are plenty of delicious options to explore!

Vegetarian Variation: I love swapping out turkey bacon for crispy smoked tempeh or even sautéed mushrooms when I’m craving a meatless option. It keeps that savory, smoky punch without missing a beat!
Spice It Up: Adding a few sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili powder gives these potatoes a nice kick. It’s my go-to when I want a little extra warmth and depth in flavor.
Seasonal Freshness: In spring and summer, I like to top the potatoes with diced tomatoes and fresh chives for a refreshing burst. It brightens the dish and adds a lovely contrast to the rich cheese and bacon.
Lighter Twist: For a lighter version, try Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. It adds the same creamy tang but with fewer calories and more protein.
Cheese Swap: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy twist or smoked gouda for a deeper, smoky flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Loaded Air Fryer Baked Potato Recipe

The images show four medium-sized baked potatoes inside a black fryer basket of an air fryer placed on a white marbled surface. In the first image, the potatoes have a light golden color with smooth skin and some darker spots. In the second image, the potatoes are deeper golden brown with a slightly rougher, crispier skin, indicating they are more cooked. The air fryer is open, showing its black interior and control panel with a round silver knob on top. The images are numbered with pink circles marked

Step 1: Prep Those Potatoes for Crispy Skin

Start by adding your russet potatoes straight into the air fryer basket. Spray them lightly but evenly with cooking spray—that magic touch helps the skins crisp up beautifully during cooking. Don’t forget to sprinkle a good pinch of salt to bring out that savory flavor right in the skin. This little step makes all the difference for that perfect bite every time.

Step 2: Cook the Potatoes to Fluffy Perfection

Set your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the potatoes for 30 minutes. Halfway through, carefully flip each potato using oven mitts. The flip ensures even cooking and crispiness all around. Then, air fry for an additional 15 minutes until you can easily pierce each potato with a fork—the inside should be tender and fluffy, a perfect contrast to that crispy skin.

Step 3: Fry Up That Turkey Bacon

While your potatoes are air frying, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and fry the turkey bacon for about 5 to 10 minutes. Fry until it’s crispy and nicely browned—listen for that satisfying sizzle and keep an eye so it doesn’t burn. Once done, lay it on a paper towel to cool, then chop it into small pieces ready to sprinkle on top.

Step 4: Prep Your Toppings

Next, grate your cheddar cheese and slice the green onions into thin rings. Having these ready to go makes assembling your loaded potatoes easy and quick once the spuds are done.

Step 5: Assemble Your Loaded Baked Potatoes

Remove the hot potatoes carefully from the air fryer. Slice each down the middle, creating a pocket for all those delicious toppings. Add a generous pat of butter inside, then season with salt and pepper to your liking. Sprinkle over the grated cheddar cheese, followed by the chopped turkey bacon and sliced green onions. The cheese will gently melt into the warm potato, making every bite pure comfort.

Step 6: Serve With a Dollop of Sour Cream

Finish each loaded potato with a dollop of sour cream on the side. This creamy, tangy addition perfectly balances the richness of butter, cheese, and bacon. Then, dig in and enjoy your warm, satisfying loaded air fryer baked potatoes—perfect as a hearty side or a comforting main dish!

Top Tip

These tips will help you get the most delicious and perfectly cooked loaded potatoes every time you make this Loaded Air Fryer Baked Potato Recipe.

Even Coating: Make sure to spray the russet potatoes evenly with cooking spray before air frying. This little extra step creates that coveted crispy and flavorful skin that makes the dish special.
Flipping Matters: Don’t skip flipping the potatoes halfway through. I learned the hard way that turning them ensures even cooking and tenderness all the way through without any dry spots.
Prepare Toppings Ahead: Grate your cheddar cheese and chop your turkey bacon and green onions while the potatoes cook. It saves time and lets you assemble the loaded potatoes while they’re still hot, helping the cheese melt beautifully.
Don’t Overload Too Soon: Add butter and seasoning first before piling on toppings to keep that balance of flavor and texture. Overloading too early can make the skin soggy, and we want crispiness!

How to Serve Loaded Air Fryer Baked Potato Recipe

Four baked potatoes with rough brown skin are placed on a white textured plate on a white marbled surface. Each potato is sliced open to show the soft inner white potato, topped with orange shredded cheese, small cubes of cooked bacon, dollops of white sour cream, and small pieces of green chopped scallion. Some toppings are scattered on the plate around the potatoes. Next to the plate, there is a small white bowl filled with white sour cream and a gold spoon resting inside. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

While the classic toppings are already fantastic, feel free to add fresh garnishes like chopped chives, a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky kick, or even diced jalapeños if you like a little heat. A few cherry tomato halves can add brightness and a pop of color too!

Side Dishes

These loaded baked potatoes make a hearty main or a perfect side. Pair them with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or even grilled chicken or steak for a full meal. A light coleslaw also complements the richness of the potatoes beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover loaded potatoes in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping toppings like sour cream separate until serving helps maintain the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

While fresh is best with this Loaded Air Fryer Baked Potato Recipe, you can freeze the plain baked potatoes (without toppings) wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat your baked potatoes in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 8–10 minutes to revive the crisp skin and warm the inside. Add toppings fresh after reheating to keep them vibrant and delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use different types of potatoes for this recipe?

Yes! While russet potatoes are preferred for their fluffy interior and crisp skin, you can use Yukon gold or other baking potatoes. Just adjust cooking time if needed, as smaller potatoes may cook faster.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

No worries! You can bake the potatoes in a conventional oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for about 60 minutes instead, until tender with crispy skin. Then continue with assembling your loaded toppings as usual.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely. Substitute turkey bacon with vegetarian bacon alternatives or omit it entirely. Use plant-based butter and cheese, and swap sour cream for dairy-free versions or vegan yogurt to keep it deliciously dairy-free.

How many servings does this recipe make?

This Loaded Air Fryer Baked Potato Recipe yields 4 servings, perfect for a family dinner or to enjoy as a satisfying side dish alongside your favorite mains.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about a loaded baked potato—and making it in the air fryer is a game changer for speed and crispiness. This Loaded Air Fryer Baked Potato Recipe is my go-to for a quick, satisfying meal that feels special every time. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it becomes a family favorite in your kitchen too. Happy cooking!