Description
Crispy, cheesy, and loaded with bacon and sour cream, these budget-friendly potato skins are the ultimate game-day snack that can be made in an air fryer or oven in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large russet potatoes (about 2 lbs)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 6–8 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ½ cup sour cream
- 3–4 green onions, sliced
- Optional: Jalapeños, melted butter, BBQ sauce, chili, or broccoli
Instructions
- Wash potatoes thoroughly and cut each in half lengthwise.
- Scoop out the inside flesh with a spoon, leaving about ¼ inch of potato attached to the skin to create a sturdy ‘boat’.
- Brush the inside of each potato skin with oil or melted butter and sprinkle lightly with salt.
- Pre-bake the empty skins in an air fryer at 400°F for 10 minutes or in an oven at 400°F for 15 minutes until crispy.
- Remove skins and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over each one, followed by crumbled bacon and any other desired toppings.
- Return to air fryer at 400°F for 5-7 minutes or oven at 400°F for 5-7 minutes until cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Remove from heat and top with sour cream, sliced green onions, and a crack of black pepper.
- Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Notes
Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting; shred your own cheese from a block for best results. Do not skip the pre-baking step, as it ensures the skins stay crispy and prevents sogginess. Leftover potato flesh can be mashed for potatoes or frozen for later use. These are naturally gluten-free, but check bacon and cheese labels for hidden gluten.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skins per person
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 12
Keywords: potato skins, game day snack, air fryer recipes, budget appetizer, football party food, loaded potato skins, easy appetizer