🌸 Air Fryer Blooming Baked Potatoes
5
These Air Fryer Blooming Baked Potatoes have crispy, golden edges and a fluffy center. Finished with melted cheese, bacon, and fresh herbs, they’re a fun side dish or hearty appetizer.
Ingredients
- 4 medium russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives or green onions
- Sour cream for serving
Instructions
- Wash and scrub the potatoes well. Pat them completely dry.
- Place a potato between two wooden spoons or chopsticks. Slice across the potato every ¼ inch (6 mm), stopping when the knife reaches the spoons so you don’t cut all the way through.
- Gently fan the potato open.
- In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Brush the seasoned oil all over the potatoes, making sure it gets between the slices.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the potatoes in the basket, leaving space between each one.
- Air fry for 35–45 minutes, brushing with a little more seasoned oil halfway through. The slices will gradually open and become crispy.
- Sprinkle the potatoes with shredded cheese and bacon during the last 3–5 minutes of cooking.
- Remove from the air fryer and top with chopped chives. Serve with sour cream, if desired.
Flavor Variations
- 🧄 Garlic Parmesan: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan and chopped parsley after cooking.
- 🌶️ Spicy: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the seasoning.
- 🌿 Herb Butter: Brush with melted butter mixed with rosemary, thyme, and garlic.
- 🧀 Loaded: Top with mozzarella, crispy bacon, sour cream, and green onions.
Tips
- Russet potatoes work best because they’re starchy and crisp up beautifully.
- Try to keep the slices evenly spaced so they cook uniformly.
- If the potatoes are large, they may need an extra 5–10 minutes of cooking time.
- For extra-crispy edges, brush with a little more oil during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35–45 minutes
Total Time: 45–55 minutes
Servings: 4
