I can’t believe it’s taken me 10 years of blogging to learn that the very best baked potatoes are air fryer baked potatoes. Here’s how to make them with just a few simple steps!
Today, I’m spilling my secret to getting the best baked potatoes ever.
What are the benefits of baking potatoes in an air fryer? The benefits of baking potatoes in an air fryer are a delicious crispy-soft texture and a faster cook time.
This easy, foolproof method will get you those deliciously crispy skins and fluffy insides every time. My perfect baked potatoes can be served as a side dish or the main event, loaded up with some healthy toppings.
Plus, potatoes cook faster in an air fryer than they do in an oven. Baking a potato in the oven takes about an hour. However, an air fryer is essentially a small convection oven, cooking a potato in just 30-40 minutes.
Air fryers also use less energy than your oven. No need to heat up your entire oven space anymore to get perfect fluffy baked potatoes.
Once you try this method, you’ll never go back to regular oven-baked potatoes. Here’s everything you need to know about baking potatoes in an air fryer.
How to Make Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
All you need for this recipe is some potatoes and your preferred potato toppings. Keep things simple by adding a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, then sprinkle salt and black pepper on top. You can also load them up with your favorite toppings after you air fry.
How long does it take to bake a potato in an air fryer? It takes between 30-40 minutes to bake a potato in an air fryer. The cooking time will be longer if you use a large potato.
Tips for Buying Potatoes
I use russet potatoes (also called Idaho potatoes) in this recipe. They are the classic brown-skinned potatoes with firm, white flesh. The potatoes’ nutrient-dense skin is thick, making them perfect for getting those crispy potato skins in the air fryer.
I’ve heard of people trying air fryer sweet potatoes, red potatoes, or Yukon gold potatoes as well, but I’d say russet potatoes are the best choice for cooking this way.
Potato skins contain potassium, vitamin C, calcium, and good carbohydrates like fiber. Plus, a baked potato is gluten-free.
When buying potatoes, look for firm potatoes with as few blemishes as possible. Bruises, cuts, soft ends, wrinkles — and those spouts — are all signs the potato is past its prime.
Also, pick potatoes that are organic or grown using organic methods if possible. Potatoes are on the Dirty Dozen list, which means they are among the 12 foods grown with the most pesticides. You can read more about the Dirty Dozen here.
How to Cook Potatoes in the Air Fryer
Just follow these simple steps for perfect air fryer potatoes every time! The complete air fryer baked potato recipe is in the recipe card below.
PREHEAT YOUR AIR FRYER: Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F. Preheating your air fryer ensures that your potatoes will cook evenly.
PREP THE POTATOES: First, scrub the potatoes well and pat them dry with a kitchen towel. Then, poke them a few times with a fork to create small holes across their surface. This will prevent them from exploding in the air fryer.
SEASON THE POTATOES: Next, rub them with olive or avocado oil and sprinkle them with kosher salt (or sea salt, if you prefer).
COOK THE POTATOES: Transfer the potatoes to the basket of an air fryer and cook at 400 degrees F. You’ll want to cook until the outside of the potatoes are crispy and the insides are easily pierced by a fork. This should take about 30-40 minutes, depending on the size of your potatoes.
Air Fryer Baked Potato Serving Suggestions
Air Fryer Baked Potato Serving SuggestionsWhen the potatoes are cool enough to handle, then transfer them to a platter or individual plates. Next, slice them open, fluff up their insides with a fork, and top them with your favorite fixings.
There are tons of ways to top your potato. Here are some of my favorite healthy topping ideas:
- Chopped chives or green onions
- Freshly ground pepper
- Greek yogurt or cashew sour cream
- Cherry tomatoes
- Fresh salsa
- Cooked vegetables like broccoli and spinach
- Chickpeas
- Black beans
A Few More Recipe Tips
Here are a few more helpful tips to keep in mind when you’re cooking your potatoes.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating your air fryer is super helpful in ensuring your potatoes cook evenly.
Don’t Crowd the Air Fryer: This helps ensure your potatoes bake evenly. You want to make sure to get that crispy skin after all. Not crowding your food actually goes for almost all air fryer recipes.
Reheating Potatoes: You can also use air frying to reheat your baked potatoes. Bake them in the air fryer basket at 400 degrees F for about 3-4 minutes. The potatoes should be warmed through, and the skin should be crispy.
Love this recipe? You may also like:
- 7 Ways To Cook Broccoli: Rated Best To Worst
- How To Save A Smoothie For Later
- The Best Way To Freeze Soup And Chili For Later
Air Fryer Baked Potatoes: Perfect Every Time!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side, Main
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Description
Air fryer baked potatoes are easy, crispy, and iconic. The insides will be tender and perfect for any number of toppings.
Ingredients
- 4 medium russet potatoes
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F to ensure your potatoes cook evenly.
- Scrub the potatoes well and pat them dry with a kitchen towel. Then, poke them a few times with a fork’s tines. (You need to poke holes to prevent them from exploding in the air fryer).
- Next, rub them with some olive or avocado oil and sprinkle them with kosher salt.
- Transfer them to the basket of the air fryer. Cook at 400°F until the outsides are crispy and the insides are tender. You’ll know the potatoes are done when they’re easily pierced by a fork. This should take about 30-40 minutes, depending on the size of your potatoes.
- Using tongs, transfer the potatoes to a platter or individual plates.
- Next, slice them open, fluff up their insides with a fork, and top them with your favorite fixings.
Notes
Don’t crowd the air fryer: This helps ensure your potatoes bake evenly. You want to make sure to get that crispy skin after all.
Reheating potatoes: You can also use your air fryer to reheat your baked potatoes. Bake them at 400 degrees F for about 3-4 minutes, or until they’re warmed through with crispy skin.
Nutrition
- Calories: 168 kcal per serving
Leave A Review + Read The Comments →