December 19, 2024
Review RecipeAir Fryer Baked Potatoes
These air fryer baked potatoes are crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy inside, and made with just a few simple ingredients. Ready in under an hour, they’re an easy recipe perfect for any meal or as a base for your favorite toppings.
Jump to Recipe
Table of Contents
- Air Fryer Baked Potatoes Ingredients
- Air Fryer Baked Potatoes Substitutions and Additions
- How To Make Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
- Troubleshooting This Air Fryer Baked Potato Recipe
- How To Serve Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
- How To Store Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
- Air Fryer Baked Potato Frequently Asked Questions
- JUMP TO RECIPE
Air fryer baked potatoes are a game-changer for anyone who loves perfectly cooked, crispy-skinned potatoes without the long wait of traditional baking. With their fluffy insides and golden exterior, these potatoes strike the perfect balance of texture and flavor. Whether you’re looking for a simple side dish or a base for your favorite toppings like sour cream and bacon bits, this recipe delivers consistency every time.
What You Need To Know
- MAIN INGREDIENTS: Russet baking potatoes, extra virgin olive oil, kosher salt, fresh cracked black pepper, butter.
- QUICK STEPS: Preheat air fryer to 400°F, brush potatoes with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, bake in air fryer for 25 minutes on one side, flip and bake for another 20–25 minutes, slice open, fluff insides, garnish with butter and pepper
- TOTAL TIME AND YIELD: 55 minutes, 4 servings
Why This Recipe
- This recipe uses russet potatoes, chosen for their high starch content, which creates the ideal contrast between crispy skin and soft, fluffy insides.
- The air fryer cooking method reduces the cooking time, allowing you to enjoy perfect baked potatoes in under an hour without sacrificing quality.
Air Fryer Baked Potatoes Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these potatoes:
- 4 (8-ounce each) medium-sized russet baking potatoes, washed and dried
- 1 ½ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons fresh cracked black pepper (for topping)
- Butter (for topping)
Air Fryer Baked Potatoes Substitutions and Additions
Olive Oil: Substitute with avocado oil for a neutral flavor and higher smoke point, or use vegetable oil as a budget-friendly alternative. For a unique taste, you can try garlic-infused oil, which pairs well with a variety of toppings.
Kosher Salt: Replace with sea salt for a slightly milder flavor. If you prefer a stronger punch, garlic salt can be used.
Black Pepper: For a spicier kick, use cayenne pepper or smoked paprika. Both add a touch of heat and complexity without overwhelming the dish.
Butter: Swap for sour cream or cream cheese for a tangy finish.
Toppings: Experiment with additions like bacon bits, shredded cheese, or green onions to enhance the flavor and texture.
How To Make Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
This air fryer baked potato recipe makes it easy to create crispy potatoes with soft, fluffy insides. Follow the simple steps below to enjoy perfectly baked potatoes, whether as a tasty side dish or a base for your favorite toppings.
STEP ONE: Set your air fryer to 400°F. If your air fryer model doesn’t require preheating, skip this step, but refer to your manual to determine if it’s needed. Preheating helps create even cooking and achieves crispy skin on the potatoes.
STEP TWO: Wash and dry the russet potatoes thoroughly using a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Moisture can prevent the potatoes from crisping up properly, so make sure they’re completely dry.
STEP THREE: Use a pastry brush to coat each potato evenly with olive oil. This step is key for creating the flavorful skin and enhancing the crispiness during cooking.
STEP FOUR: Sprinkle kosher salt on both sides of the potatoes. This not only adds flavor but also helps draw out moisture from the skin, improving its texture.
STEP FIVE: Arrange the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each one to allow proper airflow. Avoid overcrowding, as it may lead to uneven cooking.
STEP SIX: Start Cook the potatoes at 400°F for 25 minutes on one side. This initial cook time allows the potato flesh to start softening and the skin to begin crisping.
STEP SEVEN: Carefully flip each potato using tongs to avoid burns. Continue cooking for another 20–25 minutes, depending on the size of your potatoes. Larger potatoes may require a few extra minutes.
STEP EIGHT: Insert a sharp knife into the center of each potato. If it slides in easily, the potatoes are ready. If there’s resistance, continue cooking in five minute increments until the desired texture is reached.
STEP NINE: Using a knife, slice down the center of each potato. Use a fork to fluff the potato flesh, creating a soft, pillowy texture.
STEP TEN: Top the potatoes with butter, fresh cracked black pepper, or your favorite toppings such as sour cream, green onions, or bacon bits. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Troubleshooting This Air Fryer Baked Potato Recipe
Potatoes don’t cook through completely.
Use potatoes of similar size to promote even cooking, and test doneness with a sharp knife before serving. If they’re not fully cooked, return them to the air fryer in five minute increments.
Skin doesn’t get crispy.
Make sure the potatoes are completely dry before brushing with oil and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow proper airflow.
Potatoes stick to the air fryer basket.
Lightly coat the basket with non-stick cooking spray or a small amount of oil before placing the potatoes inside.
The potatoes burst during cooking.
Poke a few holes in each potato with a fork before cooking to allow steam to escape and prevent bursting.
Potatoes have uneven texture.
Flip the potatoes halfway through the cooking time to promote even cooking on all sides.
Potatoes take too long to cook.
Make sure the air fryer is preheated, and use medium-sized potatoes to keep the cooking time manageable. Larger potatoes will require extra minutes.
Potatoes dry out.
Avoid skipping the oil step, as it helps lock in moisture during cooking. Don’t slice the potatoes open until ready to serve to keep them fresh and tender.
How To Serve Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
Turn your air fryer baked potatoes into a hearty and satisfying meal by pairing them with complementary sides and toppings.
A warm, savory chili makes an excellent topping, transforming the baked potatoes into a complete dish that’s both filling and flavorful.
For a touch of sweetness, candied carrots offer a great balance to the savory elements on your plate. If you’re looking for more greens, smothered green beans bring a flavorful and slightly sweet side that pairs perfectly with the crispy skin and fluffy insides of the potatoes
MORE AIR FRYER RECIPES
How To Store Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
Storing your air fryer baked potatoes properly allows you to enjoy them later without sacrificing their texture or flavor. Whether you want to make them ahead, keep leftover baked potatoes in the fridge, or freeze them for future meals, these tips will help maintain their quality.
MAKE AHEAD: You can prepare these baked potatoes ahead of time by cooking them fully and letting them cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to serve, reheat them following the instructions below to bring back their crispiness.
IN THE FRIDGE: Store fully cooked potatoes in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil. They will keep for up to three days in the refrigerator. Make sure the potatoes are completely cooled before storing to avoid condensation, which can make the skin soggy.
IN THE FREEZER: To freeze baked potatoes, allow them to cool completely, then wrap each one tightly in aluminum foil or place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw the potatoes in the fridge overnight and reheat using the methods below.
REHEATING:
- Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F for five to eight minutes to restore the crispy skin.
- Oven: Wrap the potato in foil and heat at 350°F for 15–20 minutes.
- Microwave: Place the potato on a microwave-safe plate and heat for two to three minutes, flipping halfway through. This method is quick but won’t crisp the skin.
Air Fryer Baked Potato Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to poke holes in the potatoes before cooking?
Yes, poking a few holes with a fork allows steam to escape and prevents the potatoes from bursting during cooking.
Should I preheat my air fryer for this recipe?
Preheating is recommended if your air fryer model requires it, as it helps achieve even cooking and a crispy skin.
What’s the best way to test if the potatoes are done?
Insert a sharp knife into the center of the potato; if it slides in easily, the potato is fully cooked.
Can I use aluminum foil in the air fryer for this recipe?
Yes, you can wrap the potatoes in aluminum foil if you prefer softer skins, but this will reduce the crispiness.
Can I season the potatoes with more than salt and pepper?
Absolutely, you can add garlic powder, smoked paprika, or even a seasoning blend for more flavor.
These air fryer baked potatoes are the easiest way to get crispy skin and fluffy insides without the wait of oven baking. Whether as a side or a base for your favorite toppings, this recipe is simple, reliable, and always satisfying.
Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
These air fryer baked potatoes are crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy inside, and made with just a few simple ingredients. Ready in under an hour, they’re an easy recipe perfect for any meal or as a base for your favorite toppings.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 4
Ingredients
- 4 medium sized russet baking potatoes, washed and dried (8 ounce each)
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. (If your air fryer model does not need to be preheated, disregard this step. Please check your user’s manual for best results)
- Use a pastry brush to liberally brush each potato with the olive oil.
- Sprinkle kosher salt on both sides of the potatoes.
- Place each potato in the basket of your air fryer and bake for 25 minutes on 1 side, carefully flip the potato and continue cooking for another 20 to 25 minutes.
- To check if your potatoes are fully cooked, insert a kitchen knife into the center of each potato, if the knife goes in easily your potatoes are done. If the knife does not go in easily, continue cooking in 5-minute increments until the potatoes are fully cooked.
- Use a sharp kitchen knife to slice down the center of each potato. Use a fork to fluff the inside of each potato. Garnish with butter and the fresh cracked pepper. Serve while hot.
Notes
- Sea salt can be substituted for the kosher salt.
- You can substitute Yukon Gold potatoes for the plain russet potatoes.
- If you have a smaller air fryer you may need to cook the potatoes in batches.
- You can line your air fryer with parchment paper, but if your model requires preheating, do not line your air fryer while preheating.
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