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Loaded potatoes in the air fryer with crispy baked potato halves topped with melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, sour cream, and green onions, served as a hearty appetizer or side dish.
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Loaded Potatoes Air Fryer - Crispy, Cheesy, and Ready Fast

Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds baby potatoes or small Yukon Golds, quartered (or 4 medium russet potatoes, cubed)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (regular paprika works too)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or a blend)
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (or 1/2 cup cooked sausage)
  • 1/3 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
  • 1/4 cup sliced green onions or chives
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
  • Hot sauce or ranch, for drizzling (optional)

Instructions

  • Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes. A hot basket helps the potatoes crisp faster.
  • Prep the potatoes. Rinse and dry well. Moisture is the enemy of crisp. Cut into 1-inch pieces so they cook evenly.
  • Season. In a large bowl, toss potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until every piece is coated.
  • Load the basket. Arrange potatoes in a single layer. A little overlap is fine, but avoid piling high. Work in batches if needed.
  • Air fry. Cook for 14–18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway. They’re done when edges are deep golden and a fork slides in easily.
  • Add the cheese. Sprinkle shredded cheddar over the hot potatoes in the basket. Air fry 1–2 more minutes until melted and bubbly.
  • Top it off. Transfer to a serving platter. Add crumbled bacon, dollops of sour cream, green onions, parsley, and a drizzle of hot sauce or ranch if you like.
  • Taste and adjust. Finish with a pinch of salt and pepper to brighten the flavors. Serve hot.