Get ready to elevate your dinner game with a mouthwatering twist on a classic favorite! Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly baked potato, its crispy skin giving way to a fluffy interior, all topped with savory pulled pork smothered in rich BBQ sauce. This "Air Fryer Baked Potatoes with Pulled Pork BBQ Sauce" recipe is not only easy to make but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds. In just 50 minutes, you can whip up a delicious meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. Ready to impress your taste buds? Let’s dive into this delectable recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 2 cups pulled pork
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C). Ensure the air fryer basket is clean and dry.
- Thoroughly wash russet potatoes under cold running water. Pat them completely dry with paper towels.
- Using a fork, pierce each potato multiple times around its surface to allow steam to escape during cooking.
- Lightly coat each potato with olive oil, ensuring even coverage. Sprinkle generously with salt and black pepper.
- Place potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded and have space between them for proper air circulation.
- Cook potatoes at 400°F for 35-40 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking time to ensure even browning and crispy skin.
- While potatoes are cooking, warm the pulled pork in a separate pan and mix with BBQ sauce until heated thoroughly.
- Check potato doneness by inserting a fork - it should slide in easily when potatoes are fully cooked.
- Remove potatoes from air fryer, slice open lengthwise, and fluff the interior with a fork.
- Top each potato generously with warm pulled pork and additional BBQ sauce.
- Serve immediately while potatoes are hot and crispy, garnishing with optional fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Opt for large russet potatoes, as their starchy texture makes them perfect for baking and achieving that fluffy interior.
- Don’t Skip the Piercing: Be sure to pierce the potatoes with a fork multiple times. This allows steam to escape during cooking, preventing them from bursting in the air fryer.
- Season Generously: A light coat of olive oil followed by a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper will enhance the flavor and help achieve that crispy skin you crave.
- Air Fryer Arrangement: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Give each potato enough space to allow hot air to circulate, ensuring even cooking and browning.
- Check for Doneness: Use a fork to test if the potatoes are done. They should be tender and easy to pierce. If they’re still firm, give them a few more minutes in the air fryer.
- Warm the Pork: While the potatoes are cooking, heat your pulled pork with BBQ sauce in a separate pan. This ensures that your topping is warm and ready to go when the potatoes are done.
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: Consider adding fresh herbs like chopped parsley or cilantro on top for a burst of color and flavor that will make your dish even more enticing.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 707kcal
Carbohydrates: 81g
Protein: 37g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 75mg
