Add Preferred Source
I didn’t think twice-baked potatoes could get any easier, but this Air Fryer Twice Baked Potato Casserole proves me wrong. The creamy mashed potato filling is so rich, loaded with sour cream, butter, and melty cheddar that stretches into the most gorgeous cheese pull with every scoop. Crispy bacon and fresh green onions on top make every bite ridiculously good.
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Affiliate, if you purchase through those links, I earn a commission. Thank you!
I make this for holiday dinners, potlucks, and family gatherings because it pairs with absolutely everything and always disappears fast. It’s budget-friendly, feeds a big group easily, and comes together faster than the traditional oven version. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat really well.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.
How to Make Air Fryer Twice Baked Potato Casserole with Step-By-Step Instructions
Scroll down for the full recipe card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.
Let’s walk through every step so your cheesy mashed potatoes comes out perfectly creamy with an irresistible golden top.
Prep Your Baking Dish and Potatoes
Start by lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish and setting it aside. Pierce your potatoes all over with a fork so steam can escape while they cook.
Air Fry the Potatoes Until Tender
Place the potatoes, or russet potatoes for a fluffier, creamier texture, in your prepared baking dish set inside the air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 40 minutes, until tender when pressed, adding a few extra minutes for larger potatoes.
A good air fryer like this one makes this step effortless because it has enough basket space, allowing my potatoes to come out golden on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
Mash the Potato Filling Until Creamy
Peel the potato skins and transfer the potato flesh to a large mixing bowl. Add sour cream, then mash everything together using a potato masher or potato ricer, along with the milk, softened butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, until the mixture is smooth and creamy and reaches your desired consistency.
Fold in three-quarters of the shredded cheddar cheese, half of the bacon bits, and half of the green onions for a rich, flavorful base.
DO MORE WITH YOUR
AIR FRYER
This eBook is a collection of 86 recipes I make again and again in my own kitchen. If you love good food and easy instructions, this book was made for you.
Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.
Includes ad-free recipes like:
∙ Cheesy Egg Bites
∙ Broccoli Cheddar Soup
∙ Asparagus Casserole
∙ Walking Taco Casserole
∙ Chocolate Cake Cookies
...and much more!
Spread Into the Dish and Add the Toppings
Spread the mashed potato mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Top with extra cheese and remaining bacon pieces, making sure you get even coverage across the whole casserole. This silicone spatula is perfect for spreading the filling without dragging it around.
Air Fry the Casserole Until Bubbly
Air fry the assembled casserole, uncovered, at 375°F for 15 minutes until it’s heated through and the cheese is fully melted and bubbling. Keep an eye on it toward the end.
Broil for a Golden Top
For a gorgeous golden finish, slide the casserole under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes. I like wearing these oven gloves so I can pull the dish out safely the moment the top is golden and spotted with color. Watch it closely because it can go from perfect to overdone fast.
Garnish and Serve
Scatter the remaining green onions over the top right before serving for a pop of freshness and color. Serve it hot straight from the dish and enjoy!
If you’re bringing this to a holiday meal or family gathering, secure it in a covered or foil-wrapped dish or a sturdy airtight container. Then place it in an insulated casserole carrier like this one to keep it warm and the edges crispy until serving.
Air Fryer Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 pounds potatoes scrubbed
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese divided
- ½ cup cooked bacon pieces
- ½ cup green onions chopped
Instructions
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Pierce potatoes with a fork and bake in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 40 minutes or until tender. Let cool slightly.2 pounds potatoes
- Peel potatoes and place the flesh in a large bowl. Mash with sour cream, milk, butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until creamy. Stir in ¾ cup cheddar cheese, half the bacon, and half the green onions.½ cup sour cream, ¼ cup milk, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, Salt and pepper, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, ½ cup cooked bacon pieces, ½ cup green onions
- Spread into the prepared dish, then top with the remaining cheddar and bacon. Air fry for 15 minutes, uncovered, until bubbly. For a golden top, broil for 1–2 minutes, watching closely.
- Garnish with the remaining green onions before serving.
Notes
- Don’t skip the fork piercing: Piercing the potatoes before air frying lets steam escape so they cook evenly all the way through without bursting.
- Let the potatoes cool slightly before peeling: Trying to peel piping hot potatoes is painful and messy. Give them 5 to 10 minutes, and the skins slip off much more easily.
- Soften your butter before mixing: Cold butter doesn’t incorporate smoothly into the mash, so let it sit at room temperature before you start so the filling comes together creamy and lump-free.
- Mix cheese and bacon into the filling first: Stirring the majority of the cheese and bacon into the potato mixture distributes the flavor throughout rather than just on top, so every scoop is loaded.
- Watch the broiler closely: One to two minutes is all it takes to go from perfectly golden to burnt. Stay right by the oven and pull the casserole the moment the top looks golden and spotted.
- Flash freeze for make-ahead portions: For individual portions, freeze scoops on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 1 hour before transferring to containers to prevent sticking and promote even reheating.
Nutrition
DO MORE WITH YOUR
AIR FRYER
This eBook is a collection of 86 recipes I make again and again in my own kitchen. If you love good food and easy instructions, this book was made for you.
Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.
Includes ad-free recipes like:
∙ Cheesy Egg Bites
∙ Broccoli Cheddar Soup
∙ Asparagus Casserole
∙ Walking Taco Casserole
∙ Chocolate Cake Cookies
...and much more!
How to Store Leftovers
Allow the casserole to cool fully before storing. Keep it in a sealed airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat single servings in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, or warm the entire casserole in a 350°F oven, covered, for about 20 minutes until hot.
For longer storage, wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or use a freezer-safe dish and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The casserole maintains its creamy texture and full flavor even after freezing.
What to Serve With Air Fryer Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Serve with grilled or roasted chicken, juicy steak, or pulled pork for a complete meal. Pair with simple green vegetables, such as roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or a fresh salad, to balance the creamy, cheesy richness.
For larger spreads or holiday dinners, this complements turkey, ham, or prime rib. It holds its own as a hearty, crowd-pleasing side.
More Easy Recipes for You to Try at Home
If you love cooking in the air fryer, you’ll definitely want to try these easy recipes next!
