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!
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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:
- 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.
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
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
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:
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.
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.
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.
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!
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Loaded Air Fryer Baked Potato Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
This Air Fryer Baked Potato recipe is a quick and easy way to enjoy a classic comfort food. Perfectly fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside, these potatoes are fully loaded with butter, cheddar cheese, turkey bacon, green onions, and sour cream for a deliciously satisfying meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 4 russet potatoes (about 4 inches in length and 3 inches in diameter)
- Cooking spray
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Butter to taste
Toppings
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 4 slices turkey bacon
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the potatoes: Add the russet potatoes to the air fryer basket. Spray them lightly with cooking spray and season with salt. This ensures a crispy skin once cooked.
- Air fry the potatoes: Cook the potatoes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes. Carefully flip each potato over using an oven mitt, then air fry for an additional 15 minutes until the potatoes are tender and fully cooked through.
- Cook the bacon: While the potatoes are air frying, place the turkey bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the bacon for 5 to 10 minutes until it is crispy and cooked through. Once cooled, chop the bacon into small pieces.
- Prepare toppings: Grate the cheddar cheese and slice the green onions. Set these aside ready for assembling the loaded potatoes.
- Assemble the loaded baked potatoes: Remove the potatoes carefully from the air fryer. Slice each potato down the center lengthwise. Add butter, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Top with grated cheddar cheese, chopped turkey bacon, and sliced green onions.
- Serve: Serve the loaded baked potatoes with a dollop of sour cream on the side and enjoy this delicious, fully loaded meal or side dish.
Notes
- For a crispier skin, make sure to spray the potatoes evenly with cooking spray before air frying.
- You can substitute turkey bacon with regular bacon or a vegetarian bacon alternative.
- Feel free to add additional toppings such as chopped tomatoes, jalapeños, or chives for extra flavor.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the potatoes in an oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for about 60 minutes.
- Use reduced-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 447 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 571 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 74 mg
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