Buffalo-Style Airfryer Potato Skins

Name: Buffalo-Style Airfryer Potato Skins
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 large russet potatoes; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup buffalo sauce; 2 green onions, sliced; Ranch dressing, for serving

Highlighted under: Creative Sweet Recipe Ideas

I absolutely love making Buffalo-Style Airfryer Potato Skins for game day snacks or casual gatherings. There's something incredibly satisfying about the crunchy texture paired with the spicy, zesty flavors that seem to elevate any occasion. The air fryer makes them wonderfully crispy without the excess oil, allowing the flavors of the buffalo sauce and cheese to really shine through. These potato skins come together quickly, making them a go-to recipe in my household whenever I crave something savory and fun.

Created by

Sandra

Last updated on 2026-02-17T14:18:19.113Z

When I first tried making potato skins in the air fryer, I was amazed at how crispy they turned out without any guilt from frying. My friends were blown away by the flavors, and they couldn't believe they were made with less oil. I recommend using russet potatoes as their starchy nature provides the perfect texture for crispy skins.

One key tip I've learned is to let the air fryer preheat for a few minutes before adding the potato skins—this ensures they cook evenly and achieve that perfect crunch. Paired with a cool ranch dip, these potato skins are a hit every time!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Crispiness that rivals deep-fried versions without the extra oil
Perfectly balanced buffalo flavor with a hint of cheese
Great for entertaining and sure to impress your guests

Tips for Perfect Potato Skins

Choosing the right potatoes is key to achieving optimal texture. I recommend using large russet potatoes because of their starchy texture, which creates a crispy exterior when air-fried. Ensure they're fully washed and scrubbed as some residual dirt can affect flavor. For added flavor, consider soaking them in water for 30 minutes before seasoning and cooking; this can help enhance their overall crunchiness.

When preheating your air fryer, take note of subtle differences between brands. Some models may preheat faster than others, which could impact cooking times. Check a few minutes before the suggested time and adjust accordingly. Remember, the potatoes should be fork-tender and be careful not to overcook, as this could cause them to be too soft during the scooping process.

Customizing Your Potato Skins

This recipe offers a fantastic base for creative variations. If you're aiming for a healthier twist, you could replace cheddar cheese with a low-fat alternative, or opt for a dairy-free cheese substitute if you’re looking to make it vegan. Additionally, try adding toppings like crumbled blue cheese or sautéed bell peppers to amplify flavor and texture.

For those who like a bit more heat, consider mixing some jalapeños with the buffalo sauce before drizzling it over the cheese. This will add depth and an extra kick to your skins, making them even more exciting to eat. Moreover, you can serve these skins with a variety of sauces like spicy aioli or a tangy cilantro lime sauce to complement the buffalo flavor.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create these delicious potato skins:

Ingredients

2 large russet potatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup buffalo sauce
2 green onions, sliced
Ranch dressing, for serving

Instructions

Follow these steps to make the perfect Buffalo-Style Airfryer Potato Skins:

Prepare the Potatoes

Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). While it's heating, wash and scrub the russet potatoes thoroughly. Prick the potatoes with a fork several times, then rub them with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Air Fry the Potatoes

Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket and cook for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. The potatoes should be tender all the way through.

Create the Skins

Once cooked, let the potatoes cool slightly, then cut each potato in half lengthwise. Scoop out some of the flesh, leaving a thin layer for support. Brush the inside and outside with additional olive oil.

Add Cheese and Buffalo Sauce

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese into each potato skin, then drizzle with buffalo sauce. Return them to the air fryer and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for another 5-7 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Serve and Enjoy

Remove the potato skins from the air fryer, top with sliced green onions, and serve with ranch dressing for dipping.

Pro Tips

Feel free to customize your toppings! You can add cooked chicken or different cheese varieties to suit your taste preferences.

Make-Ahead Tips

If you're planning a gathering, you might prepare the potato skins in advance. After scooping out the cooked potatoes, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. When you're ready to serve, simply brush with olive oil, add cheese and buffalo sauce, and air fry as directed. This method retains the crispy texture and simply requires finishing touches before serving.

For longer storage, you can freeze unfilled potato skins. Lay them flat on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag once solid. When ready to use, follow the same steps as for the refrigerator: add toppings and air fry, but remember they may need an extra minute or two of cooking time when cooking from frozen.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your cheese isn't melting well, ensure that you're not overloading the skins. A quarter cup should provide a nice coating without overwhelming the potato. Also, check that your air fryer is preheated properly. If the temperature is off, it could prevent the cheese from melting beautifully, leading to a less than desirable result.

In case your potato skins aren't as crispy as you'd like, consider adjusting the cooking time or temperature slightly. Some air fryers may require a higher setting to achieve that coveted crunch. A good practice is to check them occasionally during the second frying process; small adjustments can make a big difference in achieving the right texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these potato skins ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the potato skins in advance and then air fry them just before serving.

→ What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can bake these skins in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes instead.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore the crispiness.

→ Can I use sweet potatoes instead?

Absolutely! Sweet potatoes will add a delicious twist to this recipe, but cooking times may vary slightly.