Loaded Airfryer Potatoes with Bacon

Name: Loaded Airfryer Potatoes with Bacon
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 medium russet potatoes; 6 strips of cooked bacon, chopped; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup green onions, sliced; Salt and pepper to taste; Olive oil or cooking spray

Highlighted under: Classic Comfort Recipes

I love making Loaded Airfryer Potatoes with Bacon because they are a delightful combination of crispy, tender potatoes and savory bacon. The air fryer makes the cooking process quick and easy, resulting in perfectly cooked potatoes that are ready in no time. I can customize the toppings to match my mood or occasion, whether it's creamy sour cream, shredded cheese, or fresh chives. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch and burst of flavor that keeps everyone coming back for more!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-07T18:10:27.668Z

When I first experimented with cooking potatoes in the air fryer, I couldn't believe how easily they transformed into a crispy exterior while staying fluffy inside. This method harnesses the power of hot air circulation, allowing the skins to get that perfect crunch. I decided to go all out and load them up with my favorite ingredients: crispy bacon, gooey cheese, and a dollop of sour cream.

Along the way, I found that precooking the bacon slightly before adding it to the potatoes enhances the flavor and ensures everything cooks beautifully. It’s important to season each layer to bring out that rich, savory taste. In the end, I had a deliciously loaded dish that was not only quick to make but also a huge hit at my gatherings.

Why You Will Love These Loaded Potatoes
Crispy potato skins with a fluffy interior
Savory bacon adds incredible flavor
Fully customizable with your favorite toppings

Perfecting the Crispy Skin

For the ultimate crispy potato skin, it’s essential to properly prepare your russet potatoes. After scrubbing and drying them, the fork punctures create steam holes that allow moisture to escape during cooking. This technique not only aids in crisping the exterior but also ensures a fluffy interior. Be generous with the salt, as it enhances the flavor of the skin, transforming your potatoes into a wonderfully savory snack.

Another key factor to achieving crispy skins is the choice of oil or cooking spray. Olive oil not only helps the salt adhere to the skin but also promotes an even golden-brown color. If you're looking for a lighter option or have dietary restrictions, an oil spray can do the trick without sacrificing crispiness. Just ensure an even coating to prevent dry patches during cooking.

Customization and Variations

Loaded potatoes are incredibly versatile! While bacon and cheddar cheese are traditional toppings, don't hesitate to get creative. Consider adding cooked broccoli for a pop of color and nutrition or swapping in blue cheese for a tangy flavor twist. For those watching their carb intake, you can use cauliflower instead of potatoes for a similar texture, though you may need to adjust cooking times, as cauliflower typically cooks faster.

If sour cream isn’t your favorite, alternatives like Greek yogurt give the same creamy texture with added protein. You could also experiment by mixing different cheeses, such as pepper jack for a spicy kick or mozzarella for stretchiness. The topping combinations are endless, making this dish easily adaptable to suit any palate or dietary need.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to get started:

Ingredients

4 medium russet potatoes
6 strips of cooked bacon, chopped
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup green onions, sliced
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil or cooking spray

Once you have gathered all your ingredients, it's time to cook!

Instructions

Here's how to prepare your Loaded Airfryer Potatoes:

Prepare the Potatoes

Wash and scrub the russet potatoes thoroughly. Pat them dry and poke several holes in each potato with a fork. Brush them lightly with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Cook the Potatoes

Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook the potatoes for about 25 minutes, flipping them halfway through until they are fork-tender and crispy.

Add Toppings

Once cooked, remove the potatoes from the air fryer and cut a slit down the middle of each. Gently press the sides to open them up, then fill with chopped bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and a dollop of sour cream.

Final Cooking

Return the loaded potatoes to the air fryer for an additional 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with sliced green onions before serving and enjoy your deliciously loaded airfryer potatoes!

These potatoes are best enjoyed fresh out of the air fryer!

Pro Tips

For an added flavor boost, try mixing in some spices like garlic powder or paprika before air frying the potatoes. You can also experiment with different types of cheese.

Storage Tips

If you have leftover loaded potatoes, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop them back into the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5-8 minutes, which will help restore the crispiness of the skin while melting the cheese again. Reheating in the microwave is also an option, but the texture may not be as satisfying.

For longer storage, consider freezing unfilled cooked potatoes. After cooking, let them cool completely before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. They will keep well for about a month. When you're ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw and fill with toppings before a quick reheat in the air fryer.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your potatoes aren’t coming out as crispy as you hoped, double-check your air fryer settings. An overly crowded basket can lead to steam buildup, so ensure there's enough space for air to circulate around each potato. If your air fryer model doesn't have a rotating feature, consider flipping the potatoes more frequently to promote even cooking.

Overcooking can lead to dry, crumbly potatoes, so keep a close eye on the timer! A fork test is a reliable method to check doneness; they should be fork-tender without any resistance. Adjusting the cooking time based on the size of the potatoes is also crucial. Medium-sized russets should cook for around 25 minutes, but larger potatoes might need up to 30-35 minutes.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of potatoes?

Yes, you can use Yukon Gold or red potatoes as well, but cooking times may vary slightly.

→ Is there a vegetarian option?

Absolutely! You can skip the bacon and add ingredients like sautéed mushrooms or grilled vegetables for a tasty vegetarian option.

→ Can I make these in the oven instead?

Yes. Bake the potatoes in a preheated oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for about 45-60 minutes.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The potatoes can be reheated in the air fryer to restore their crispiness.