Mash the potatoes and other ingredients together with a potato masher until they have reached your desired consistency.
Spoon the filling back into the potato shells, mounding it to fit as necessary.
Refrigerate until ready to serve.
When you are ready to bake the potatoes put them in an air fryer basket. Cook at 400 F for 8 minutes.
Top the potatoes with the remaining 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese and bacon bits. Be careful not to touch the hot sides of the air fryer basket while you do this.
2 slices bacon
Return the potatoes to the air fryer and cook for 2 more minutes at 400 F to melt the cheese and crisp the bacon.
Notes
To cook the potatoes in the oven bake at 350 F for 20 minutes. Then top with remaining cheese and bacon and cook for 5 more minutes.