We love baked potatoes-they're crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, a classic simple side made from whole potatoes baked until tender. Air fryers make the perfect baked potato every single time, reaching high circulating heat to crisp the skin while keeping the interior fluffy - typically done in about 35-40 minutes at 400°F.
Waiting for your oven to preheat is no longer a thing.
Picture this: we pop those spuds in the air fryer and in no time, they're ready.
We've tried it ourselves, and now it's a household favorite. Perfectly cooked potatoes with zero hassle.
No need to babysit the oven or guess if they're done.
Just sit back, relax, and let the air fryer do its magic. Trust us, after trying this method, you won't go back.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
You'll need just a few things to make the magic happen:
- Russet Potatoes: The perfect spud for baking.
- Olive Oil: Helps achieve that crispy skin.
- Salt: Classic seasoning for flavor.
- Optional Toppings: Butter, sour cream, chives, cheese, bacon bits-go wild!
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
Nail your baked potatoes every time with these tips:
- Pick Similar-Sized Potatoes: For even cooking - choose potatoes that are similar in size, within about 2 ounces (50 g) so they finish at the same time.
- Poke 'em: Use a fork to pierce the potatoes, so they don't explode, piercing 6-8 times to allow steam to escape.
- Don't Crowd the Basket: Give them space to cook evenly; spacing is important for even browning, as with other air-fried items like crispy air fryer breakfast potatoes.
Variations and Add-Ons
Take your baked potatoes to the next level:
- Loaded: Top with cheese, bacon, and sour cream, a classic American combination for loaded baked potatoes, using sharp cheddar for best meltability.
- Herbed: Mix in some rosemary or thyme for an aromatic twist - use fresh, finely chopped herbs for the brightest flavor.
- Spicy: Add a sprinkle of chili powder for a kick.
Easy Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
Equipment
- Air-fryer
- Fork
- Brush
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 2-4 russet potatoes
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Optional toppings: butter sour cream, chives, cheese, bacon bits
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- Scrub the potatoes clean and pat them dry.
- Use a fork to pierce the potatoes several times.
- Brush the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
- Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry for 35-40 minutes, turning them halfway through.
- Check for doneness by poking with a fork; they should be tender inside.
- Serve immediately with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Cooking times may vary based on the size of your potatoes and the model of your air fryer.
- For extra crispiness, give the potatoes another light brush of olive oil halfway through cooking.
- Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer for best results.
Nutrition
Serve these baked potatoes alongside a crisp, savory option like smashed potatoes for extra crunch. For a simple fruit-based finish, try air fryer baked apples for an easy dessert.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.
