Name: Air-Fryer Baked Potatoes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 2 to 4 medium-large russet or baking potatoes; 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil or light oil; Salt (sea salt or kosher to taste); Optional: black pepper or preferred seasonings

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Imagine the perfect baked potato with delightfully crispy skin and an irresistibly soft, fluffy interior — all achieved quickly and hands-off using your air fryer. Whether as a comforting side dish or a savory base for your favorite toppings, air-fryer baked potatoes offer an easy way to elevate your meals with minimal fuss.

In just under an hour, you can have warm, flavorful potatoes that pair wonderfully with everything from butter and sour cream to cheese and fresh herbs. Get ready to enjoy this simple yet satisfying culinary staple made effortlessly in your air fryer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hands-off cooking with minimal prep delivers perfectly crispy and fluffy potatoes every time.
Air fryer speeds up baking time compared to traditional oven methods while preserving great texture and flavor.
Highly versatile base that pairs well with a wide range of toppings and meal ideas.

Ingredients

Medium-Large Potatoes (2–4): Choose russet or similar baking potatoes for ideal starch content and fluffy interior when cooked.
Olive Oil (1–2 tablespoons): A light coating helps crisp the skins while adding subtle flavor and aiding seasoning adhesion.
Sea Salt or Kosher Salt: Generous seasoning enhances the potato skins’ natural taste and creates a delightful crunch.
Black Pepper (optional): Adds a gentle spicy kick if desired, complementing the savory flavors.
Other Seasonings (optional): Consider garlic powder, smoked paprika, or dried herbs to customize your potatoes.

Instructions

Prep the Potatoes: Start by washing and scrubbing the potatoes thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt. Pat them dry completely, then poke several holes all over each potato with a fork. This step allows steam to escape during cooking, preventing bursting and ensuring even texture inside.
Oil and Season the Skins: Lightly coat each potato in olive oil, rubbing evenly over the entire surface to promote crispiness. Sprinkle salt and any other desired seasonings, then gently rub again so the flavors stick well and distribute evenly on the skin.
Arrange Potatoes in the Air Fryer Basket: Place the seasoned potatoes into the air fryer basket, spaced apart to ensure air circulates freely around each one. Avoid overcrowding to allow even browning and crisping of the skins.
Cook at 400°F (200–205°C): Set your air fryer temperature to 400°F and cook the potatoes for 35 to 50 minutes. Smaller or medium potatoes cook faster, roughly 35-40 minutes, while larger potatoes require closer to 45-50 minutes. Halfway through, flip or rotate the potatoes for uniform browning on all sides.
Check for Doneness: Use a fork or knife to gently pierce the center of a potato. It should slide in easily without resistance, indicating a fluffy, tender inside. The skin should be crisp and well-browned, creating a lovely contrast.
Serve and Garnish: Remove the potatoes safely from the air fryer and let them cool slightly to handle. Slice open each potato and fluff the soft flesh with a fork. Top as preferred with butter, sour cream, cheese, fresh herbs, or your favorite hearty toppings to enjoy.

You Must Know

Use potatoes of similar size to ensure even cooking throughout the batch.
Avoid wrapping potatoes in foil, which traps moisture and results in soggy skins instead of crisp ones.
If your air fryer is smaller, cook potatoes in multiple batches instead of crowding the basket for best crispness.
Leftover baked potatoes keep well in the fridge and reheat beautifully in the air fryer to retain crisp skins.
For a complete meal, try toppings like chili, beans, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad alongside.

Storage Tips

Store any cooled baked potatoes in an airtight container or wrap in foil in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the air fryer to maintain crisp skin and fluffy interior instead of using a microwave.

Serving Suggestions

Enhance your air-fryer baked potatoes with classic toppings such as butter and sour cream or mix it up with shredded cheese, green onions, and crispy bacon bits. For a heartier option, add chili, black beans, or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

Professional Tips

Choosing russet potatoes ensures the fluffiest texture due to their high starch content.
Pricking holes in potatoes is essential to prevent steam buildup and ensure a perfectly cooked interior.
Flipping halfway through cooking promotes even browning and avoids any soggy spots.
Applying oil before seasoning helps the salt and spices adhere properly, creating flavorful, crispy skins.

FAQs

Can I use different types of potatoes?: Yes, but russet potatoes work best for baking due to their fluffiness. Waxy potatoes may yield denser results.
How do I know when the potatoes are done?: The skin should be crisp and a fork should slide easily into the center without resistance.
Can I cook more than 4 potatoes at once?: Depending on your air fryer size, cooking more may overcrowd the basket. Cook in batches if needed for best results.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?: Preheating is optional but can help start cooking quicker and ensure consistent temperature throughout.
How do I store leftover baked potatoes?: Cool them completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container. Reheat in air fryer for best skin texture.
Can I add toppings before reheating leftovers?: It is best to reheat potatoes plain and add fresh toppings afterward to retain freshness and texture.
What are some good topping ideas?: Butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, chives, bacon bits, chili, beans, or sautéed vegetables work wonderfully.