Air Fryer Loaded Chicken and Potatoes with Cheddar and Bacon
A hearty one-pan meal that combines tender chicken chunks, crispy baby potatoes, and melted cheddar cheese with crispy bacon pieces. The air fryer creates perfectly golden potatoes with fluffy interiors while keeping the chicken juicy. Topped with fresh green onions, this loaded dish makes an excellent weeknight dinner or casual entertaining option. The simple seasoning blend lets the natural flavors shine through while the cheese and bacon add indulgent comfort food appeal.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs little potatoes, halved
- 1 lb chicken breasts, diced into 1-inch chunks
- 1 small onion, cut into large chunks
- 2 Tbsp oil
- 1 tsp seasoning saltregular salt + herbs1:1no-msg
more control
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup bacon pieces, cookedturkey bacon1:1healthier
less fat
- 3 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- 1
Slice little potatoes in half and cut onion into large chunks
- 2
Dice chicken into one-inch chunks
- 3
Place potatoes, chicken, and onion in gallon-size zip bag with oil and all seasonings
- 4
Seal bag and toss until everything is thoroughly coated
- 5
Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray
- 6
Pour mixture into basket and cook at 400°F for 20 minutes, shaking halfway through
- 7
Sprinkle cheese over cooked mixture and add bacon pieces on top
- 8
Cook for another 5 minutes at 400°F until cheese melts
- 9
Top with sliced green onions and serve
Tips
Shake the air fryer basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning of potatoes and chicken.
Use similar-sized potato halves for uniform cooking and crispy edges.
Let cheese melt completely during the final 5 minutes to create the perfect loaded topping.
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days in sealed container
Can prep ingredients and season up to 4 hours ahead, store in refrigerator
Serve immediately while cheese is melted and potatoes are crispy
Common Mistakes
Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket to avoid uneven cooking
Don't skip shaking halfway through to prevent sticking and ensure browning
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
less fat
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FAQ
Can I use frozen potatoes?
Yes, but thaw and pat dry first. Add 5-7 extra minutes to cooking time for best results.
What if I don't have seasoning salt?
Mix 1 tsp regular salt with 1/2 tsp garlic powder and 1/4 tsp onion powder as substitute.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store in refrigerator up to 3 days. Reheat in air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to restore crispiness.