One of my favorite appetizers is a nice crunchy Potato Skin. When we "make" Potato Skins, we usually buy them frozen from the grocery store, or sometimes we will get them when we go out. Don't you just love the crispy shell, the cheesy center, and, of course, bacon bits with a dollop of sour cream on top?

Love Potato Skins and the Air Fryer

Potato skins are a popular appetizer that are often high in calories and can be unhealthy. At a restaurant, it's difficult to determine how they are made, whether they are deep-fried in lots of oil or butter, and what type of cheese is used. The bacon grease and extra butter added make them even more unhealthy. When you think about it this way, it can be a turn-off for those who are health-conscious.

Well, what if you still want to enjoy potato skins? They are a must-have for Super Bowl parties and other gatherings. So, we decided to find a better way to make them. This is where my new air fryer comes in handy. It's a revolutionary kitchen tool that mimics the texture and taste of deep-fried food without the need for excessive oil. It's the coolest tool ever, and it makes preparing potato skins and other appetizers healthier and easier.

***Update: Since this blog post was written, we have expanded our air fryer game and now do an air fryer series every February called "Air Fryer February." If you're interested in more air fryer recipes, don't forget to sign up for our newsletter.

How Do I Make The Best Potato Skins Without Added Fat and Calories?

I get that they're still going to be on the calorie-high side, but they have fewer calories than most potato skin recipes and still taste like classic potato skins. We worked hard on this recipe (like all of our recipes) to keep the flavor while cutting down on calories.

After testing the best way to make crispy potato skins AND still have the classic flavor, here's what we came up with.

Cooking Hack-Crispy Potato Skins Without Deep Frying

This is a two-part method - using the oven and air fryer.

Bake the potato in the oven until done.
Scoop out the majority of the potato. Leave a small layer on the potato skin.
Place the potato skins into the air fryer
When the skins are crispy, remove them from the air fryer.
Add your favorite cheese to the potato shells.
Sprinkle on bacon bits.
Place back in the oven and melt the cheese.
Sprinkle with green onions.
If you want it spicy, add serrano or jalapeño peppers.
Serve with fat-free or low-fat sour cream.
ENJOY!!!!

Cheesy Crispy Potatoes are so worth it!

I can't stop raving about these potatoes! The perfect balance of crispy and velvety texture makes them a real treat for the taste buds. And, they surpass the quality of any potato skins you can find in a grocery store. But the best part is that you'll be surprised to know how much lower in calories they are compared to the potato skins served in restaurants. This dish is truly a winner!

Make a Mashed Potato Bar - It's like a salad bar but more fun!

So, what do you do with the potato scooped out of the shell? If you're having a party, I say, make a mashed potato bar! Everyone LOVES "make it your way" mashed potatoes. This is also something fun to serve the next day with a steak, pork chop, chicken, or even a salad.

Are you searching for more recipe options? We have a few suggestions that you might enjoy:

Spicy Chicken Chili - Spice up game day with this chicken chili.
Air Fryer Bacon and Cheese Potato Soup - A loaded potato soup that's cheesy, creamy, and delicious.
Mashed Sweet Potatoes - You'll love this recipe if you love potatoes. Made with sweet corn and spices, it will be a hit!
Spicy Crispy Pan-Seared Salmon - The perfect main course for a mashed potato bar.