There’s nothing quite like a perfectly baked potato—crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and ready to be topped with all your favorites. But who wants to wait an hour for the oven to do its magic? Enter the Air Fryer Baked Potato—your shortcut to spud perfection in less time and with even better texture.
I first started using the air fryer for baked potatoes on a busy weeknight when I didn’t want to heat the kitchen with the oven. To my surprise, they turned out even better than oven-baked—super crispy skins and cloud-like interiors. Now, I’ll never go back.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Faster than oven baking: Ready in about 40 minutes with less heat in your kitchen.
- Crispy perfection: That satisfying crunch when you bite into the skin? It’s all here.
- Effortless prep: Just wash, season, and air fry.
- Great for meal prep: Make a batch and reheat as needed.
- Customizable: Pair with endless toppings or serve as a simple side dish.
Ingredients (Serves 3)
- 3 russet potatoes (about 300 grams each)
- 1½ tablespoons oil (olive, avocado, or vegetable oil all work)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Tip: Russet potatoes are best for baking because of their high starch content, which creates that fluffy texture inside.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
Wash and scrub the russet potatoes thoroughly under cool water to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a clean towel.
Tip: Drying the potatoes ensures the oil sticks and helps them crisp up beautifully.
Step 2: Season & Oil
Rub each potato with oil to coat evenly. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Then, using a fork, pierce each potato once in the middle to allow steam to escape during cooking.
Step 3: Air Fry
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) if your model requires it.
Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they aren’t touching each other (this promotes even airflow and crisping). Air fry for 40 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even browning.
Size tip: Smaller potatoes may need closer to 35 minutes, while larger ones may take 45–50 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a knife or skewer—it should slide in easily.
Step 4: Serve
Once cooked, let the potatoes cool slightly. Then, slice them open, fluff the insides with a fork, and load them up with your favorite toppings!
Topping Ideas
Here’s where the fun begins. Whether you’re going classic or gourmet, here are some topping combos to try:
- Classic: Butter, sour cream, shredded cheddar, green onions, and bacon bits.
- Tex-Mex: Salsa, black beans, avocado, shredded cheese, jalapeños.
- Italian: Marinara sauce, mozzarella, basil, and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
- Vegan: Hummus, sautéed mushrooms, nutritional yeast, chopped herbs.
Pro Tips for the Best Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
- Use evenly sized potatoes so they cook at the same rate.
- Avoid overcrowding the basket—leave space between each potato for proper air circulation.
- Pierce with a fork only once—too many holes will let moisture escape, making the interior drier.
- Don’t wrap in foil—you want the skin to get crispy, and foil traps steam.
How to Store and Reheat
Storage:
- Cool the potatoes completely.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating:
- Air fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 5–8 minutes.
- Microwave: Wrap in a damp paper towel and microwave for 2–3 minutes.
- Oven: Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Baked potatoes aren’t just for steak night! Try them with:
- Grilled chicken or salmon
- Chili or stew spooned on top
- As part of a DIY potato bar
- Alongside a crisp green salad
They also make a fantastic base for leftovers—turn yesterday’s dinner into a whole new meal.
Final Thoughts
The Air Fryer Baked Potato is one of those small kitchen wins that delivers big satisfaction. It’s quick, fuss-free, and yields consistently delicious results every single time. Whether you’re feeding a family or just need a cozy side dish, this method will change how you bake potatoes forever.
So dust off that air fryer and give these a try—you’ll never look at baked potatoes the same way again!
Air Fryer Baked Potato
Ingredients
- 3 russet potatoes about 300 grams each
- 1½ tablespoons oil olive, avocado, or vegetable oil all work
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
- Wash and scrub the russet potatoes thoroughly under cool water to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a clean towel.
Tip: Drying the potatoes ensures the oil sticks and helps them crisp up beautifully.
Step 2: Season & Oil
- Rub each potato with oil to coat evenly. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Then, using a fork, pierce each potato once in the middle to allow steam to escape during cooking.
Step 3: Air Fry
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) if your model requires it.
- Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they aren’t touching each other (this promotes even airflow and crisping). Air fry for 40 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even browning.
Size tip: Smaller potatoes may need closer to 35 minutes, while larger ones may take 45–50 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a knife or skewer—it should slide in easily.
Step 4: Serve
- Once cooked, let the potatoes cool slightly. Then, slice them open, fluff the insides with a fork, and load them up with your favorite toppings!
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