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: 4 medium russet potatoes; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded; 1/2 cup buffalo sauce; 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella); 2 green onions, chopped

Highlighted under: Party Snacks Recipes

I love whipping up Buffalo-Style Airfryer Potato Skins for game days or cozy nights in. The crispy exterior paired with spicy buffalo flavor makes it impossible to resist. I’ve experimented with different toppings, and this version with melted cheese and scallions brings out the best in each bite. Plus, making them in the air fryer means less oil and more crunch, which is perfect for guilt-free snacking. Trust me, these will be your new favorite appetizer!

Created by

Jackies

Last updated on 2026-02-17T15:18:18.810Z

Creating these Buffalo-Style Airfryer Potato Skins was a delightful journey! I wanted to capture the essence of Buffalo wings in a crispy potato skin format, and boy, did it pay off. The air fryer crisps them perfectly while keeping the inside tender and flavorful.

During my trials, I discovered that parboiling the potato halves before air frying really enhances their texture. It's a simple step that makes a world of difference. Each bite explodes with spicy buffalo sauce and melted cheese, making this appetizer a real crowd-pleaser!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Crispy, golden potato skins with a kick of buffalo flavor
Easy to prepare in an air fryer for less mess and oil
Great for parties, snacking, or game day gatherings

      

Choosing the Right Potatoes

When selecting potatoes for this recipe, opt for medium russet potatoes. Their fluffy texture once cooked makes them ideal for crispy skins. Other varieties, like Yukon Golds, can work but may yield a creamier texture that contrasts with the desired crispiness. Ensure the potatoes are firm and blemish-free to avoid any undesirable tastes in your final dish.

After pricking and oiling the potatoes, air frying at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes is crucial. This high heat will create the perfect balance of a tender interior and crisp skin. Keep an eye on them after the 12-minute mark to avoid overcooking; they should be easily pierced with a fork yet hold their shape.

Enhancing Buffalo Flavor

The buffalo sauce you choose will greatly affect the flavor of your potato skins. For a milder heat, opt for a classic brand like Frank's RedHot, while for a fiery kick, consider a sauce containing cayenne or even a habanero twist. Mixing in additional elements like garlic powder or smoked paprika with the buffalo sauce can also amplify the overall taste profile for those who want more depth.

When combining shredded chicken with the buffalo sauce, ensure the chicken is warm to help absorb more flavors. If you're pressed for time, rotisserie chicken is a convenient alternative that can save prep time while still delivering a robust taste. For a vegetarian version, consider using shredded jackfruit or tempeh marinated in the buffalo sauce as an excellent plant-based substitute.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to make your delicious buffalo-inspired dish:

Ingredients

4 medium russet potatoes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
1/2 cup buffalo sauce
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
2 green onions, chopped

These ingredients will set you on your way to making tasty buffalo potato skins!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Buffalo-Style Airfryer Potato Skins:

Prepare the Potatoes

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Wash and dry the russet potatoes, then prick them several times with a fork. Lightly coat them with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Air fry for 15 minutes until fork-tender.

Scoop and Season

After the potatoes cool slightly, cut them in half and carefully scoop out some of the flesh, leaving a thin layer. Season the skins with salt and pepper.

Add Fillings

In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce. Stuff each potato skin with the buffalo chicken mixture, top generously with shredded cheese.

Air Fry Again

Return the stuffed potato skins to the air fryer and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve

Garnish the potato skins with chopped green onions and additional buffalo sauce if desired. Enjoy your delicious creation!

Now you’re ready to enjoy your homemade buffalo potato skins!

Pro Tips

Feel free to customize your potato skins with different toppings like sour cream, ranch dressing, or your choice of vegetables. You can also adjust the heat of the buffalo sauce according to your taste preferences.

Make-Ahead Tips

Prepping these potato skins in advance is an excellent way to streamline your game day or party preparations. You can cook the potatoes, scoop them out, and even mix in the buffalo chicken filling a day ahead. Just keep everything covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to assemble and air fry them. This means all you have to do is air fry them for 5-7 minutes right before serving.

If you'd like to freeze them, assemble the stuffed skins but do not air fry them first. Place them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to serve, cook them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.

Serving Suggestions

These Buffalo-Style Airfryer Potato Skins make an excellent starter or snack, but you can elevate the meal by serving them with a side of celery sticks and a cool ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. This contrast of spicy and cooling flavors enhances the experience, and the crunch of the celery adds another enjoyable texture.

Consider a variety of toppings to cater to different tastes. Some great options include diced tomatoes, crumbled bacon, or even jalapeños for an extra spice. Offering a topping bar can turn this recipe into a fun, interactive eating experience where guests can customize their skins to their liking.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these potato skins ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the stuffed potato skins ahead of time and refrigerate them. Just air fry them when you're ready to serve.

→ What can I substitute for the chicken?

You can use shredded rotisserie chicken, tofu, or even black beans for a vegetarian option.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover potato skins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the air fryer for best results.

→ Can I freeze these potato skins?

Yes, you can freeze the prepared potato skins before cooking them. Just thaw and air fry when you're ready to enjoy!