Hello everyone, today we are talking about potato skins. The other day, my wife and I were talking and she said, “You know what I haven’t had in ages? Potato skins! Usually, when I order them at restaurants, they are dry or overcooked, but I bet you could make some great ones.” Now, I had never made potato skins. I just never thought about it–probably because they are never really that good at restaurants. It is said that TGI Fridays came up with the appetizer in 1974, but, like anything, there are a couple other restaurants that claim they came up with the idea. Either way, we know that TGI Fridays definitely introduced them to the masses. I decided to give it a go and make them for my wife. With potato skins, my wife and I also feel that bacon bits are a requirement. The best way to cook the bacon is on a parchment paper-covered baking sheet in the oven. Cook the bacon for 14-18 minutes at 400 degrees (best bacon ever), place it on a paper towel to remove excess grease, and chop it into bits.
Now, I know a lot of people prefer to bake their potatoes, but I think baking potatoes in the oven just dries them out. I like to pierce holes into the potatoes with a fork and microwave them in a little chicken broth for 15-20 minutes. They don’t lose all of their moisture and the broth gives them a delicious flavor. After microwaving the potatoes and letting them cool down for a bit (they are hot and can burn the heck out of you if you don’t let them cool for a while), cut them in half and use a spoon to scoop out the middle, leaving about a 1/4 inch ring of potato in the skin. Next, brush them with some garlic butter and bake in an air fryer (or oven) for about 5-10 minutes at 400 degrees. Then, top with cheese and return them to the air fryer for about 2-3 minutes at 350 degrees until the cheese is melted. Top the melted cheese with sour cream (or ranch dressing!), bacon bits, and minced chives for the ultimate potato skin experience. They turned out amazing! So much flavor! So, next time you want a delicious treat and aren’t worried about calories, give this recipe a try and prepare to finally have the potato skins you always wanted. Enjoy!
