Air Fryer Baked Potato

These Air Fryer Baked Potatoes are crispy on the outside with a fluffy, tender inside. Perfectly seasoned with kosher salt and cracked black pepper, they’re a simple yet delicious side dish. Customize them with your favorite toppings for a full meal or snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Air fryer baked potatoes are the perfect balance of crispy skin and soft, fluffy interiors. The air fryer speeds up the process, so you can enjoy a baked potato in less time than it would take in the oven. With just a few simple ingredients like olive oil, salt, and pepper, you can achieve a restaurant-quality baked potato in the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether you’re serving them as a side or dressing them up with your favorite toppings, these potatoes are versatile, easy, and delicious.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 4 medium-sized russet baking potatoes (about 8 ounces each), washed and dried

• 1 ½ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil or vegetable oil

• 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt

• 1 ½ teaspoons fresh cracked black pepper (for topping)

• Butter (for topping)

Directions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (if your model does not require preheating, disregard this step).

2. Use a pastry brush to liberally brush each potato with olive oil.

3. Sprinkle kosher salt on both sides of the potatoes.

4. Place the potatoes in the basket of your air fryer and cook for 25 minutes on one side. Carefully flip the potatoes and cook for another 20-25 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a kitchen knife into the center of each potato. If the knife goes in easily, the potatoes are done. If not, continue cooking in 5-minute increments until they are fully cooked.

5. Slice each potato down the center with a sharp knife and use a fork to fluff the inside.

6. Garnish with butter and freshly cracked black pepper. Serve while hot.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cooking Time: 50 minutes

• Total Time: 55 minutes

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover baked potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-10 minutes to restore the crispy skin, or microwave for 2-3 minutes if you prefer a quicker method.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?

Russet potatoes are ideal for baked potatoes due to their high starch content, but you can also use other types of potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different.

2. Can I cook more than 4 potatoes at once?

Yes, you can cook more potatoes, but be sure to leave enough space between them in the air fryer basket for even cooking. If needed, you can cook in batches.

3. Can I wrap the potatoes in foil for a different texture?

For a softer skin, you can wrap the potatoes in foil before air frying. However, the skin won’t be as crispy as it is when cooked directly in the air fryer without foil.

4. How do I know when the potatoes are done?

The best way to check if your potatoes are done is by inserting a kitchen knife or fork into the center. If it slides in easily, they are cooked through. If there’s resistance, continue cooking in 5-minute increments.

5. Can I top these potatoes with something other than butter?

Absolutely! These baked potatoes are versatile and can be topped with sour cream, cheeses, chives, or even a hearty chili for a full meal.

6. Can I make these potatoes crispy without oil?

Oil helps achieve that crispy skin, but if you want a lower-fat version, you can skip the oil. The skin won’t be as crispy, but the potato will still be soft and delicious.

7. Can I make these potatoes ahead of time?

While baked potatoes are best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare them in advance and reheat them in the air fryer for a quick meal later.

8. How can I make the inside of the potato fluffier?

Fluffing the potato with a fork after slicing it open helps to break up the starches, making the inside light and airy. For an extra touch, add a little butter or sour cream when fluffing for a creamy texture.

9. Can I cook sweet potatoes in the air fryer the same way?

Yes, you can cook sweet potatoes in the air fryer, but they will require a slightly shorter cooking time. Typically, they need 35-40 minutes at 400°F, depending on size.

10. Can I add seasonings or herbs to the potatoes?

You can customize the seasoning to your liking by adding garlic powder, paprika, or herbs like rosemary or thyme before cooking. Just brush the potatoes with oil and sprinkle the seasonings on for added flavor.

Conclusion

These Air Fryer Baked Potatoes are the perfect side dish for any meal. They’re quick, simple, and packed with flavor. The air fryer gives them a perfectly crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior, making them a satisfying addition to any plate. Customize with your favorite toppings for a personalized treat, and enjoy this easy, delicious recipe anytime!

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