Let me paint the scene.
It’s game night. You want something hearty. Something cheesy. Something that makes people hover around the kitchen pretending they’re “just checking on things.”
That’s when I make Air Fryer Philly Cheesesteak Potatoes.
I combined two comfort food legends — crispy air fryer baked potatoes and a classic Philly cheesesteak filling — and honestly, I haven’t looked back. You get tender potatoes with crispy skins, juicy shaved steak, sautéed peppers and onions, and melted provolone all in one bite.
If that doesn’t sell you, I don’t know what will.
Why You’ll Love These Cheesesteak Potatoes
I tested this recipe a ridiculous number of times. I tried russets. I tried Yukon Golds. I overloaded them with cheese once (zero regrets).
Here’s why this version wins:
- Crispy air fryer potatoes in under 40 minutes
- Juicy steak cooked to perfection
- Gooey melted provolone
- Perfect for dinner, game day, or meal prep
- Way easier than making actual sandwiches
Ever tried assembling cheesesteaks for a crowd? It gets chaotic fast. These loaded potatoes? Simple. Contained. No bread falling apart.
The Key to Perfect Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
Choose the Right Potato
Use large russet potatoes.
Russets give you:
- Crispy skin
- Fluffy interior
- Enough space for serious toppings
Smaller potatoes won’t hold enough filling. And we are not here for skimpy toppings.
Crisp the Skin Properly
I rub each potato with:
- Olive oil
- Salt
That simple step creates that crispy air fryer potato skin everyone loves.
I cook mine in the COSORI Air Fryer Max XL 5.8QT
https://amzn.to/4aW2HNJ
It fits four large potatoes easily. The heat circulates evenly, so I don’t rotate them constantly.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Philly Cheesesteak Potatoes
For the Potatoes
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
For the Cheesesteak Filling
- 1 pound shaved ribeye steak (or thin-sliced sirloin)
- 1 green bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 small yellow onion (sliced)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 6–8 slices provolone cheese
Optional toppings:
- Mushrooms
- Banana peppers
- Cheese sauce drizzle
Step-by-Step: How to Make Air Fryer Philly Cheesesteak Potatoes
Step 1: Air Fry the Potatoes
Scrub and dry the russets.
Pierce them with a fork a few times.
Rub with olive oil and sprinkle salt evenly.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
Cook for 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway through.
The skins should feel crisp and the inside soft when pierced.
Step 2: Slice & Fluff
Let them cool slightly.
Slice down the center.
Use a fork to fluff the interior.
Don’t scoop too much out — you want a sturdy base.
Step 3: Cook the Cheesesteak Filling
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
Add butter.
Sauté onions and peppers for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Push veggies to the side.
Add shaved steak.
Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Cook until just browned. It cooks fast, so don’t walk away.
Mix everything together once the steak finishes.
Step 4: Assemble
Spoon the steak mixture generously over each potato.
Top with provolone slices.
Place the stuffed potatoes back into the air fryer at 375°F for 3–4 minutes.
The cheese should melt and bubble slightly.
Tips That Make a Huge Difference
After making these more times than I should admit, here’s what I learned:
Use Thinly Shaved Steak
Ask your butcher for shaved ribeye.
Or use pre-sliced steak from the store.
Thicker steak won’t give you that authentic Philly cheesesteak flavor.
Don’t Overcook the Steak
Overcooked steak turns chewy.
Cook it quickly over high heat.
Remove from heat as soon as it browns.
Toast the Inside of the Potato
Want next-level flavor?
Brush a little melted butter inside the potato and air fry for 2 minutes before adding filling.
It adds extra richness.
Why This Beats Traditional Cheesesteaks
Let’s be honest.
Sandwiches get messy.
Bread gets soggy.
Filling falls out.
With Philly cheesesteak stuffed potatoes, everything stays contained. You get all the flavor without juggling a sandwich.
Plus, potatoes feel heartier. More satisfying. More comfort food vibes.
Flavor Variations
Mushroom Lover’s Version
Add sliced mushrooms while cooking peppers and onions.
They add deep, savory flavor.
Spicy Kick
Add:
- Jalapeños
- Crushed red pepper
- Pepper jack cheese
Ever wanted your cheesesteak to fight back? Here you go.
Cheese Sauce Upgrade
Drizzle homemade cheese sauce over the top.
It feels indulgent.
It tastes incredible.
It makes zero apologies.
Tools That Make It Easier
I already mentioned my air fryer, but a few tools help:
Cast Iron Skillet
I use a Lodge 10.25-Inch Cast Iron Skillet
https://amzn.to/4tGoUqx
It gives the steak a beautiful sear.
Sharp Chef’s Knife
Thin slicing peppers and onions matters.
A quality knife speeds everything up.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
To reheat:
- Air fry at 350°F for 4–6 minutes.
The skin crisps again. The cheese melts again.
Microwaving works in a pinch, but you lose that crispy texture. And we worked hard for that texture.
Nutrition & Balance
Are these light? Not exactly.
But they’re balanced.
You get:
- Protein from steak
- Fiber from potatoes
- Veggies from peppers and onions
And honestly, comfort food feeds your soul too. 🙂
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
- Rub potatoes with oil and salt.
- Air fry 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Sauté peppers and onions in butter.
- Add steak and seasonings; cook until browned.
- Slice potatoes open and fluff.
- Fill with steak mixture.
- Top with provolone.
- Air fry at 375°F for 3–4 minutes until cheese melts.
Notes
- Use russet potatoes for best texture.
- Do not overcook steak.
- Let potatoes cool slightly before slicing.
- Add extra cheese during final minute for browning.

