If you’re after a quick, crowd-pleasing side or the perfect party snack, these air fryer mini baked potatoes are your new go-to. Made with mall new potatoes, tossed in olive oil and cooked until golden and crispy in the air fryer, they delivery big flavour in bite-sized form. Fork-tender on the inside with irresistibly crispy skins on the outer, each potato is then split and stuffed with cool sour cream, finely chopped chives and crispy bacon piece. A final pinch of Maldon Smoked Sea Salt adds a rich, bold finish that takes these humble spuds to the next level.
How to Make Air Fryer Mini Baked Potatoes with Sour Cream, Chives & Crispy Bacon
Using the air fryer means no fuss and no long oven times – just line the basket with parchments paper, cook the potatoes in a single layer, and in minutes you’ll have perfectly crispy air fryer potatoes ready to serve.
This quick potato recipe is ideal for parties, BBQs, or even a fun side dish for weeknight dinners. They’re also a smart way to use up leftover potatoes – simply reheat and top before serving. Whether you’re entertaining a crowd or treating yourself – these mini loaded baked potatoes are guaranteed to disappear fast!
Prepare and Cook the Potatoes
- Preheat the air fryer to 200C. Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper for easy clean-up.
- Toss the new potatoes with 2 tbsp olive oil and a pinch of Maldon Smoked Sea Salt. Add the potatoes to the air fryer basket and cook for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are crisp and fork-tender.
Cook the Bacon
- Set the potatoes aside to cool slightly as you add the lardons to the air fryer basket, this time lined with parchment paper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until crisp. Transfer to a plate lined with kitchen paper to soak up any excess oil.
Assemble and Serve
- Cut slits on the tops of the potatoes. Dollop each potato with a little sour cream. Scatter over the lardons and chives. Finish with Maldon Smoked Sea Salt and lots of freshly ground black pepper.
Tips
What’s the best potato for this recipe?
The best potato for air fryer mini baked potatoes is a waxy, small variety, such as baby new potatoes, Charlotte potatoes and baby Yukon Golds. This is because these types of potatoes hold their shape well, have a creamy texture inside and create a beautifully crispy skin in the air fryer. Make sure to look for potatoes that are evenly sized for consistent cooking, and avoid starchy varieties like russets that can dry out and crumble when cooked small.
Can this be made vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, this air fryer mini baked potatoes recipes can be easily adapted for a vegetarian or vegan. For the vegetarian version, instead of using bacon, try swapping to a vegetarian bacon alternative. such as Richmond Meat Free Bacon Rashers or THIS Isn’t Bacon Plant Based Rashers. To make this suitable for a vegan, swap sour cream with a plant-based alternative, such as Greenvie Vegan Sour Cream or cashew-based cream.
Can you make air fryer mini baked potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time.
- Cook the potatoes in advance. Air fry the mini potatoes until fork-tender and crispy. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Prep the toppings. Chop the chives, cook the bacon (or vegan alternative) and mix the sour cream ahead of time. Keep topping stored separately in the fridge.
- Reheat before serving. Reheat the mini potatoes in the air fryer at 180/200C for 5-8 minutes, until hot and re-crisped. Slice, stuff and season just before serving for best texture and taste.
These methods make this recipe ideal for party prep or hosting a dinner party, so you can enjoy the moment without rushing around in the kitchen.
Serving Suggestions
Here are some delicious and versatile serving suggestions for mini baked potatoes – perfect as party bites, sides, or even a fun main course!
- Garlic butter and freshly parsley
- Cream cheese & smoked salmon
- Smashed avocado with lime, chilli flakes and coriander
- Kimchi and sesame seeds with a drizzle of sriracha mayo
Storage and Reheating
How to store mini baked potatoes in the fridge
Let the mini baked potatoes cool completely. Store in an airtight container lined with paper towel to absorb moisture. Store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, pop into the air fryer at 180/200C for 5-8 minutes.
How to store mini baked potatoes in the freezer
Place the mini baked potatoes on a tray lined with parchment and freeze until solid (roughly 1-2 hours). Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months. When reheating, pop into the air fryer at 180/200C for 12-15 minutes. To speed things up, thaw in the fridge overnight to speed up the reheating time.
If you try this recipe, let us know in the comments! For more easy air fryer recipes, browse our full collection.
