- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- Scrub the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Make Cuts for Blooming:
- Place a potato on a cutting board. Starting at one end, make parallel cuts about 1/8 to 1/4 inch apart, stopping before you reach the bottom. Repeat for each potato.
- Brush with Olive Oil:
- Brush the potatoes with olive oil, ensuring the oil gets into the cuts. Season with salt and pepper.
- Air Fry:
- Place the prepared potatoes in the air fryer basket. Cook for 30-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
- Melt Butter and Add Cheese:
- While the potatoes are cooking, melt the butter. Once the potatoes are done, brush them with melted butter, making sure to get the butter into the cuts. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Broil (Optional):
- If your air fryer has a broil function, you can use it for an additional 1-2 minutes to melt and slightly brown the cheese.
- Garnish:
- Garnish the Blooming Baked Potatoes with chopped green onions if desired.
- Serve:
- Serve the Blooming Baked Potatoes hot with a side of sour cream.
- Enjoy:
- Enjoy the crispy and cheesy goodness of your Air Fryer Blooming Baked Potatoes!
This recipe offers a fun and visually appealing way to enjoy baked potatoes, with the added convenience and speed of the air fryer. Customize the toppings to your liking, such as bacon bits or additional herbs.