Cottage Cheese Air Fryer Baked Potato Skins
Discover how to make crispy Cottage Cheese Air Fryer Baked Potato Skins in just 30 minutes! A healthy, easy, and customizable snack everyone will love.
Ingredients
4 medium russet potatoes
- Russet potatoes are ideal because their skins crisp up beautifully and their fluffy interior pairs perfectly with creamy cottage cheese.
1 cup cottage cheese
- Choose full-fat or low-fat based on your preference. Cottage cheese adds a creamy texture and protein boost to this dish.
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
- For an extra cheesy kick sprinkle cheddar over the top before air frying.
1/4 cup green onions, finely sliced
- Green onions add a fresh slightly tangy flavor that balances the richness of the cheese.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- A touch of garlic enhances the savory depth of the filling.
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- This spice brings a subtle smokiness that complements the crisp potato skins.
Salt and pepper, to taste
- Essential for seasoning both the potato skins and the filling.
1 tablespoon olive oil (or cooking spray)
- A light coating of oil helps the potato skins achieve that perfect crispy texture.
Optional Toppings
Feel free to customize your potato skins with these crowd-pleasers:
- Crispy bacon bits for a smoky crunch
- Diced tomatoes for a refreshing twist
- Fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and flavor
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt for an added creamy topping
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
- Wash and Scrub
- Thoroughly wash and scrub the potatoes to remove any dirt. Dry them with a clean kitchen towel.
- Pierce and Cook
- Use a fork to poke holes all over each potato. This allows steam to escape during cooking.
- Microwave the potatoes for 5–7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re tender but still firm enough to handle. Let them cool slightly.
Step 2: Scoop Out the Centers
- Slice the Potatoes
- Once the potatoes are cool enough to touch, slice each one in half lengthwise.
- Hollow Out the Skins
- Using a spoon, gently scoop out most of the potato flesh, leaving about 1/4 inch to support the skins. Save the scooped-out potato for another use (like mashed potatoes or soups).
Step 3: Season and Crisp the Skins
- Brush with Oil
- Lightly brush the potato skins with olive oil or spray them with cooking spray, ensuring even coverage.
- Season Generously
- Sprinkle the skins with salt, pepper, and a dash of smoked paprika for extra flavor.
- Air Fry
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the potato skins in a single layer in the basket, skin-side down.
- Air fry for 8–10 minutes until the edges are golden and crispy.
Step 4: Fill and Finish
- Prepare the Filling
- Mix the cottage cheese with garlic powder and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Optional: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese for extra creaminess.
Add the Filling
- Spoon the cottage cheese mixture evenly into the crispy potato skins. Top with green onions and any additional toppings you like.
- Melt and Serve
- Return the filled skins to the air fryer and cook for another 3–5 minutes, or until the cheese is warm and slightly melted.
Notes
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 210
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 320mg
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 10g
Recipe Categories
- Course: Appetizer, Snack
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free (with optional adjustments)
- Method: Air Fryer
- Keywords: Cottage cheese, air fryer, baked potato skins, healthy snack, easy recipe
- Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly