Air Fryer Baked Potatoes Recipe: Perfectly Crispy
Air fryer baked potatoes recipe are a simple, delicious, and healthier alternative to traditional oven-baked versions. To make them, start by selecting medium-sized russet potatoes, as their starchy texture creates the perfect fluffy interior. Scrub the potatoes clean, then pat them dry with a paper towel. Pierce each potato with a fork a few times to allow steam to escape during cooking. Lightly coat the potatoes with olive oil and season generously with salt to enhance their flavor. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C), then place the potatoes in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded for even cooking. Cook for 35-45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the skins are crisp and the insides are soft when pierced with a knife. Serve with your favorite toppings, like butter, sour cream, cheese, or chives, for a satisfying and quick meal.
Air Fryer Baked Potatoes Recipe: Perfectly Crispy and Fluffy Potatoes in Minutes
Baked potatoes are a versatile side dish or a wholesome meal on their own, loaded with your favorite toppings. With an air fryer, achieving crispy skin and a soft, fluffy interior is quicker and easier than traditional oven baking. Whether you’re new to air frying or a seasoned pro, this recipe will transform the way you prepare baked potatoes. Not only does the air fryer cut down on cooking time, but it also uses less energy compared to a conventional oven. Plus, the results are restaurant-quality every single time.
Air Fryer Baked Potatoes Recipe
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Fork
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 4 medium russet potatoes (about 5-6 ounces each)
- 1 olive oil
- 1 kosher salt
- 1 black pepper
- optional toppings: butter, sour cream, chives, cheese, bacon bits
Instructions
Preparation
- Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt.
- Pat the potatoes dry with a clean towel.
Prepping the Potatoes
- Using a fork, poke each potato several times all over. This helps the steam escape during cooking.
- Rub each potato with olive oil, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Sprinkle kosher salt and black pepper all over the potatoes.
Air Frying
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Place the prepared potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Cook the potatoes for 35-40 minutes, turning them halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Check for doneness by inserting a fork or knife into the center of the potatoes; they should be tender and easily pierced.
Serving
- Carefully remove the potatoes from the air fryer using tongs.
- Allow them to cool slightly before slicing them open.
- Add your favorite toppings such as butter, sour cream, chives, cheese, and bacon bits.
Notes
Why Use an Air Fryer for Baked Potatoes?
- Faster Cooking: An air fryer reduces cooking time by circulating hot air evenly around the potato.
- Perfect Texture: Achieve a crispy, golden-brown skin while keeping the inside tender and fluffy.
- Healthy Cooking: Requires minimal oil for that signature crispiness.
- Easy Cleanup: Skip the mess of foil and baking trays.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
- Russet potatoes (medium or large) – 2-4 pieces (Russets are the best choice for baking due to their starchy texture).
- Olive oil – 1-2 tablespoons for that golden, crispy finish.
- Salt and pepper – To taste.
- Optional toppings: Butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, chives, bacon bits, or any of your favorites.
Instructions: How to Make Perfect Baked Potatoes in an Air Fryer
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat for 3-5 minutes.
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a kitchen towel.
- Using a fork, poke 6-8 holes around each potato to release steam during cooking.
- Season the Potatoes:
- Rub each potato with olive oil, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Sprinkle salt and pepper generously over the skin for extra flavor.
- Cook the Potatoes:
- Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch each other for even cooking.
- Air fry for 35-45 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes. Flip them halfway through to ensure even crispiness.
- Check for Doneness: Insert a fork or knife into the potato; it should slide in easily when fully cooked. If needed, cook for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Carefully slice the potatoes open, fluff the interior with a fork, and add your desired toppings.
Nutrition Information (per serving, based on a medium potato without toppings)
- Calories: 160
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 0.2g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 10mg
Note: Adding toppings like butter, cheese, or sour cream will increase the calorie and fat content.
Pro Tips for the Best Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Russet or Idaho potatoes are ideal due to their fluffy interior and thick skin.
- Don’t Skip the Oil: A light coating of oil ensures the skin crisps up perfectly.
- Crowding the Basket: Avoid overcrowding; air needs to circulate around each potato for even cooking.
- Reheating: To reheat, pop the potato back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.