Description
Crispy Deep-Fried Potato Skins are a crunchy, savory snack combining golden, crispy potato shells with flavorful seasonings and optional toppings like cheddar cheese, bacon bits, and green onions. Perfect for game nights, parties, or customizable snacking, this easy recipe delivers unbeatable flavor and texture with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes
- Vegetable oil, for deep frying (about 4 cups)
- Salt, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Optional Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup bacon bits
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Wash and dry the russet potatoes thoroughly. Pierce them several times with a fork. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 45 minutes or until tender. Allow to cool enough to handle safely for scooping.
- Scoop and Season: Cut the cooled potatoes in half lengthwise. Gently scoop out most of the potato flesh, leaving about a quarter-inch thick shell intact. Set aside the scooped flesh for other uses. Lightly brush the potato skins with oil and sprinkle both inside and outside with salt and garlic powder.
- Deep Fry for Crunch: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the potato skins in the hot oil. Fry for 3 to 5 minutes until golden brown and ultra-crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and bacon bits on each hot potato skin. Return to the fryer or oven briefly to melt the cheese perfectly. Finish by sprinkling chopped green onions for freshness.
Notes
- Dry Thoroughly: Make sure potato skins are dry before frying to avoid oil splatter and sogginess.
- Oil Temperature: Maintain a consistent oil temperature near 350°F for even crisping and to avoid greasy results.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Fry in small batches for proper oil circulation and golden, crispy results.
- Use Starchy Potatoes: Russet potatoes provide the ideal crispy shell with fluffy interiors.
- Rest After Frying: Place skins on a wire rack after frying to keep bottoms crispy and avoid steam buildup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking and Deep Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 potato skins
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: potato skins, deep-fried potato skins, appetizer, snack, crispy potatoes, game day snacks, savory snack, party appetizer
