Want to know how to cook frozen potato skins in the air fryer so they turn out perfect? It’s super easy! Take your favorite loaded frozen potato skins and air fry until warm and bubbly. They get a nice crust on them in the air fryer, keeping the inside nice and fluffy but the outside a bite crispy. Top with sour cream, guacamole, green onions, or any of your favorite toppings!
I always prefer to make things homemade, especially appetizers as they can be so fun to make! But sometimes time is of the essence and you have to live in the real world. Its’ nice to have shortcuts in your back pocket and these frozen potato skins are just that!
Top with you favorite dips and sauces and some fresh herbs or chopped bacon and you have a pre-made appetizer that feels homemade! Frozen potato skin turn out super crispy in the air fryer, better than in the oven.
If you’re looking for some other apps made from shortcut frozen food check out these Frozen Cheese Curds, Sweet Potato Fries, or Frozen Cauliflower Wings!
Highlights of this recipe
- Quick and easy: these couldn’t be easier! They take just 15 minutes in the air fryer and have zero prep time.
- Crisp texture: these are crispy and crunchy on the outside yet fluffy on the inside. The cheese on top get’s bubbly and gooey.
- Easy for game day: these are great for game days as they don’t take much time and they are a satisfying snack and delicious, they are also something that most people will enjoy! Great for football season.
- Great party appetizer: these are great on a appetizer platter along with other finger foods like French fries, chicken wings, mini corn dogs, or cheese curds. Add different dipping sauces and toppings for a fun spread or appetizer tray.
Tips and Tricks For Perfect Potato Skins
- Don’t thaw the loaded potato skins prior to air frying.
- Fix toppings if they are falling off the sides. This can be done during cooking as the mixture starts to thaw. You want the cheese and bacon on top of the potato not in the bottom of the air fryer!
- Don’t overcrowd potato skins, leave in a single layer.
- Add time as needed if your potato skins are not crispy enough. Start with less time and add more as needed so these don’t burn.
- Don’t flip unlike most air fryer recipes, these don’t need to be flipped halfway through.
Tools I Use For This Air Fryer Recipe
- Glasslock Glass Food Storage Containers – the square containers are the perfect size for lunches, stain proof, and they are dishwasher safe. Great air-tight container for storing leftovers or meal prep!
- Tongs – a must have kitchen tool! I love these for flipping things in the air fryer. They are stainless steel and clean up super easy.
- Instant 6 qt. Air Fryer – Sleek and functional, the perfect size for 2-3 people. I like this because it has a tray in the bottom which make cleaning easy and it allows for air to circulate evenly. It has a large tray so you don’t have to do so many batches and a window to see into the air fryer while cooking!
How to Cook Frozen Potato Skins
Let’s talk a little about the best way to make these frozen potato skins in the air fryer (The printable instructions are in the recipe card below.)
Quick overview:
- Add frozen potato skins to the basket of an air fryer.
- Bake until golden brown.
- Serve immediately with toppings.
1: Gather your favorite brands of frozen potato skins. I used both tgi Friday’s potato skins and Aldi brands.
3: Layer frozen, unthawed potato skins in a single layer in the air fryer tray.
4: Air fry for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
5: Serve immediately topped with favorite toppings and dips!
What are potato skins?
Potato skins are a popular appetizer made from the skin of the baked potato. Similar to a twice baked potato, the inside of the potato is scooped out (used for mashed potatoes or something similar) and filled with toppings like melty cheese, bacon, and sour cream.
Then baked again and broiled until the cheese is gooey and the skins are crispy and golden brown. These go great with fresh guacamole, sour cream, ranch, or a spicy aioli.
Ingredients & Ingredient Notes
- Frozen loaded potato skins: any brand and flavor of potato skins will work for this recipe! Whatever your grocery store has will work.
- Toppings & dipping sauce: see topping ideas below for inspiration! I like fresh herbs and a cool sour cream or guacamole.
I like some fresh cracked black pepper on top of my potatoes! These could also make a good quick snack or main meal. Air-fried potato skins will be your new go to easy appetizer! I like to stock up on boxes of potato skins so I have a quick app on hand at all times!
Recipe FAQ’s
Do I need to coat the air fryer basket with oil before cooking?
You do not need to, but to be safe you can spray a coating of cooking spray or olive oil spray on the bottom of the basket to eliminate the chance the the bottom of the skins stick.
What brand of frozen potato skins should I use?
For this recipe I used TGI Fridays and Aldi brand potato skins but any brand or flavor would work.
How do you reheat leftover potato skins?
To reheat cooked potato skins, heat air fryer to 350 degrees F and cook for 6-8 minutes until warmed through.
How long should I put frozen potato skins in the air fryer?
Frozen potato skins take 12-15 minutes in the air fryer. Start with less time and add more as needed.
Can I double or triple this recipe?
Yes! If needed cook in batches, and keep warm in a 200 degree F oven.
Topping ideas for the Crispy Potato Skins
These can elevate your frozen store-bought potato skins!
- Green onion or fresh herbs like thyme and oregano
- Extra shredded cheese
- Ranch dressing
- Bacon bits or spicy sausage crumbles
- Guacamole or a dollop of sour cream
- Pico de Gallo or salsa
How to Cook Frozen Potato Skins in the Air Fryer
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2, 8.5 oz. packages Frozen loaded potato skins
- Toppings of choice
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 360°F and arrange frozen potato skins in a single layer in air fryer basket or rack.
- Heat potato skins for 12-15 minutes. Serve immediately with toppings of choice.
Notes
Nutrition
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