🥔 Air Fryer Blooming Baked Potatoes
These potatoes “bloom” like an onion when cut just right, creating crispy edges and fluffy centers — all in the air fryer.
🔹 Ingredients
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2 large russet potatoes
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2 tbsp olive oil (or melted butter)
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp paprika
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½ tsp salt
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¼ tsp black pepper
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Optional: shredded cheese, sour cream, bacon bits, chives, or ranch for serving
🔹 Tools You’ll Need
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Sharp knife
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Cutting board
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Air fryer
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Pastry brush (optional)
🔹 Instructions
1. Prep the Potatoes:
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Scrub and dry the potatoes thoroughly.
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Using a sharp knife, make vertical cuts about ¼ inch apart across the potato — BUT don’t cut all the way through. Leave about ½ inch at the bottom intact.
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Then rotate the potato 90°, and make horizontal cuts across it, forming a grid pattern. The potato should start to “bloom” when cooked.
2. Season:
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Gently fan out the cuts and brush with olive oil (or butter), making sure it gets between the slices.
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Mix garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl, then sprinkle generously over the potato and between slices.
3. Air Fry:
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Place the potatoes in your air fryer basket.
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Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until the outside is golden and crisp and the inside is fork-tender.
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Time may vary depending on the size of the potatoes and your air fryer model.
4. Optional Cheese Melt:
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Sprinkle shredded cheese on top in the last 3–5 minutes of cooking to let it melt.
5. Serve:
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Serve hot, loaded with toppings like sour cream, green onions, bacon bits, or your favorite sauce.