Yes, you can definitely buy frozen potato skins! Potato skins, sometimes called potato peelers or potato jackets, are the outer skin of a potato that is usually removed before cooking. However, the skins themselves can make for a delicious appetizer or snack when baked or fried. Many grocery stores stock bags of pre-made frozen potato skins to save consumers the time and effort of peeling and preparing them from scratch.
Where to Buy Frozen Potato Skins
Frozen potato skins are widely available for purchase at most major grocery stores. Here are some of the most common places to find them:
Grocery Store Freezer Section
Check the freezer section of your local grocery store, near where items like frozen french fries and tater tots are stocked. Most stores will carry at least one or two options for frozen potato skins from major brands like Ore-Ida or store brands. They are usually stocked alongside other frozen appetizers.
Online Grocery Delivery Services
If you prefer grocery shopping online, you can add frozen potato skins to your virtual cart! Retailers like Instacart, Amazon Fresh, and Walmart Grocery offer freezer aisle products for delivery or pick up. Search for “potato skins” on their websites or apps to see options.
Wholesale Clubs
Warehouse stores like Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s Wholesale sell large multi-packs of frozen potato skins at a great value. This is a cost-effective way to buy them if you need potato skins for a party or frequent family snacks. Check the frozen foods section.
Restaurant Supply Stores
Restaurant supply stores sell bulk cases of frozen potato skins intended for food service businesses, but many are open to the public for personal shopping as well. The potato skins may come plain, seasoned, or filled so restaurants can customize them.
Varieties of Frozen Potato Skins
Frozen potato skins come in a few different varieties and flavors:
Plain
Plain frozen potato skins have been simply fried or baked with no additional seasonings or toppings. These are a blank canvas to load up with your favorite cheese, bacon, broccoli, salsa, or any other creative toppings once heated.
Seasoned
Many brands sell potato skins with light seasonings added like salt, pepper, garlic powder, or chili seasoning. The seasonings give them a boost of flavor.
Filled
Some frozen potato skin products come pre-filled with toppings like cheddar cheese, bacon, chili, or broccoli baked inside. This saves you the step of filling them yourself.
Crinkle Cut
Crinkle cut frozen potato skins have a wavy, ridged texture for extra crispness. The grooves help catch toppings and sauces too.
Waffle Cut
Waffle cut frozen potato skins are shaped into small wedges with square divots, resembling a waffle fry. The crevices add surface area for scooping up cheese, bacon, or sour cream.
Nutrition Information
Here is the typical nutrition information for frozen potato skins:
Serving Size
The standard serving size is around 8-10 potato skin pieces. Packages often contain multiple servings.
Calories
Plain frozen potato skins are around 140-170 calories per serving. Filled or topped potato skins range from 220-300 calories per serving depending on additions.
Fat
Around 10 grams of fat per serving is common, with saturated fat around 2-3 grams. Much of this comes from frying or cooking oil.
Sodium
Frozen potato skins can be moderate to high in sodium, from 200-600 milligrams depending on added salt and fillings. Compare brands and limit portions for less sodium.
Carbohydrates
A serving averages 15-25 grams of carbohydrate from the potato and small amounts of sugar or batter coatings.
Protein
Protein is low, around 3-5 grams per serving unless filled with bacon, cheese, or other proteins.
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 |
| Fat | 10g |
| Sodium | 350mg |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Protein | 4g |
How to Cook Frozen Potato Skins
Cooking frozen potato skins is quick and easy. Here are some tips:
Oven Baking
– Preheat oven to 425°F. Place frozen potato skins on a baking sheet.
– Bake 15-20 minutes until heated through and crispy.
Air Frying
– Preheating air fryer to 400°F then cook 5-8 minutes, shaking basket halfway.
Microwaving
– Microwave frozen potato skins on a microwave-safe plate for 2-3 minutes, checking frequently.
Deep Frying
– In a pot or deep fryer, heat 2-3 inches oil to 350°F. Add potato skins and fry 3-5 minutes until golden brown.
Grilling
– Place frozen potato skins directly on a hot grill, 4-5 minutes per side. Use tongs to flip.
How to Fill and Top Potato Skins
Jazz up plain baked frozen potato skins with fun toppings. Here are some tasty ideas:
Cheese and Bacon
– Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or bleu cheese
– Crispy cooked bacon crumbles
– Chives
Chili and Cheese
– Beef or turkey chili
– Shredded cheese like cheddar or pepper jack
– Sour cream
– Chives or green onion
Broccoli and Cheese
– Cooked broccoli florets
– Melted cheddar
– Diced tomatoes
BBQ Chicken
– Shredded smoked barbecue chicken
– Shredded cheddar or mozzarella
– Ranch dressing
– Chives
Greek
– Hummus or baba ganoush
– Feta cheese crumbles
– Diced tomatoes, olives, onions
– Tzatziki sauce
Get creative with your favorite flavors! The toppings options are endless.
Serving Ideas
Here are some fun ways to serve loaded baked potato skins:
Game Day Appetizer
Potato skins are a perfect game day snack alongside dips and wings. Customize them with your favorite sports team’s colors.
Potluck Dish
Bring a tray of cheesy bacon potato skins to share at your next potluck or party.
Low Carb Meal Option
For a low carb diet, enjoy protein-filled potato skins without the bread bowl.
Vegetarian Entree
Create meatless potato skins with veggie crumbles, black beans, or grilled eggplant.
Holiday Side
Serve loaded baked potato skins alongside roasts and glazed hams for holidays.
Tips for the Best Potato Skins
Use these tips for outrageously delicious frozen or homemade potato skins:
– Choose large russet potatoes with even widths.
– Rub skins with oil or butter before baking for crispness.
– Season fillings boldly with spices, garlic, herbs, hot sauce.
– Mix cheese blends like cheddar and parmesan or feta and mozzarella.
– Fry cooked bacon extra crispy and chop into bits.
– Add cool contrast with chilled sour cream or Greek yogurt.
– Garnish with fresh chives, scallions, dill, or paprika for color.
Storing Leftover Potato Skins
Here is how to store leftover baked potato skins:
– Let potato skins cool completely after cooking.
– Place in a sealed container or resealable plastic bag.
– Store in the refrigerator up to 3-4 days.
– Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to serve again.
– Frozen baked potato skins keep several months in the freezer.