If you’re looking for a foolproof way to get restaurant-quality baked potatoes at home, Air Fryer Baked Potatoes are the answer! The air fryer works its magic, giving every potato a super crispy skin and a perfectly fluffy inside, all with hardly any prep or waiting. It’s honestly my favorite “set it and forget it” comfort food, ideal for weeknight dinners, hearty lunches, or even a fun baked potato bar with friends and family. Once you’ve tasted just how incredible Air Fryer Baked Potatoes can be, you’ll never want to make them any other way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
A great baked potato starts with just a few simple ingredients, but each one is important for creating that signature flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need and how each contributes to the ultimate Air Fryer Baked Potatoes experience.
- Russet potatoes: These are the classics for baked potatoes because their high starch content results in that fluffy, tender center.
- Olive oil: Rubbing your potatoes in oil gives the skin a rich flavor and helps it crisp up beautifully.
- Kosher salt: Sprinkling salt ensures every bite has great flavor, and it also helps create crunchy skin.
- Butter (optional): Melts into the hot potato for a classic, creamy finish.
- Sour cream (optional): Offers a dreamy tang that pairs perfectly with the warm, earthy potato.
- Shredded cheese (optional): Adds gooey, melty goodness for anyone who loves cheesy potatoes.
- Chopped green onions (optional): Brings a gentle onion bite and a pop of color.
- Bacon bits (optional): For a salty, smoky crunch that takes loaded potatoes over the top.
How to Make Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
Start by giving your russet potatoes a good scrub under running water. You want every bit of dirt gone since we’re going to be enjoying those crispy skins. Pat them completely dry with a towel. With a fork, poke holes all over to let steam escape as they cook—this little trick prevents potato explosions and helps the insides get fluffy.
Step 2: Season for Perfection
Now for the flavor-building moment! Pour olive oil into your hands and give each potato a gentle massage, making sure every inch is covered. Next, sprinkle kosher salt all around the surface. Not only does this season the potato, but it also acts as a secret weapon for that unbelievable crunch you get in every bite.
Step 3: Preheat and Arrange
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes—starting with a hot basket helps the skin crisp from minute one. Place the potatoes inside, making sure they’re not touching so hot air surrounds each one. This ensures a uniformly crispy skin that’s pure bliss to bite into.
Step 4: Air Fry to Fluffy and Crispy
Cook the potatoes for about 35 to 40 minutes, turning them over halfway through to encourage even cooking. They’re ready when the skins are deeply golden and crisp, and a knife glides right through without resistance. If you want super extra-crispy skins, give them another light brush of oil with 5 minutes left to go.
Step 5: Rest, Slice, and Serve
Once the Air Fryer Baked Potatoes are perfectly cooked, let them rest for a few minutes so the insides finish steaming. Then slice them open lengthwise, fluff the interior with a fork, and add all your favorite toppings. Serve these beauties piping hot for maximum enjoyment!
How to Serve Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
Garnishes
Here’s where the fun really starts! Classic toppings like melty butter, tangy sour cream, gooey cheese, green onions, and crispy bacon bits turn Air Fryer Baked Potatoes into mini meals. Add chili, salsa, or even steamed broccoli for a creative twist. Don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh pepper or a dash of smoked paprika for a finishing touch!
Side Dishes
These baked potatoes are a star side next to grilled steaks, roast chicken, veggie stir fry, or BBQ favorites. They balance well with crisp salads, creamy coleslaw, or roasted veggies. Honestly, they fit in just about anywhere on the dinner table, making them truly versatile.
Creative Ways to Present
Make a build-your-own potato bar for parties by laying out bowls of all your toppings—everyone gets to build their dream spud. For a fun appetizer, cut the Air Fryer Baked Potatoes into wedges and serve with different dipping sauces. Or, stuff them with hearty fillings like chili, taco meat, or sautéed mushrooms for a dazzling main course.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra Air Fryer Baked Potatoes, let them cool completely before popping them into an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. They hold up well and are perfect for quick lunches or late-night snacks.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze baked potatoes! Once cool, wrap each potato tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
To bring that fresh-baked feel back, reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through and the skins are crisp again. You can also use the oven or even the microwave if you’re in a hurry, but the air fryer delivers that signature crunch every time.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes besides russet?
Russet potatoes are best for fluffy interiors and crisp skins in Air Fryer Baked Potatoes, but you can try Yukon Golds for a slightly creamier center. Just know that cook times might vary with smaller or thinner-skinned potatoes.
Do I need to wrap the potatoes in foil?
No foil needed! The air fryer does all the work to make the skins extra crispy. In fact, wrapping in foil would prevent that perfect crunchy finish you’re after.
How do I know the potatoes are fully cooked?
Your Air Fryer Baked Potatoes are ready when a sharp knife or fork slides in easily with no resistance. If you’re unsure, add an extra 5 minutes and check again—baked potatoes are quite forgiving!
Can I cook more than four potatoes at once?
It depends on the size of your air fryer basket. The most important thing is not to overcrowd, since good airflow equals crispy skins. Work in batches for best results if you’re making a crowd-pleasing batch.
What’s the best way to get even crispier skins?
For ultra-crispy skins on your Air Fryer Baked Potatoes, you can brush them with a little more olive oil during the last five minutes of cooking. Also, make sure the skins are dry before oiling, and leave a little space between each potato in the basket.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried Air Fryer Baked Potatoes before, I promise this will be a total game changer for your kitchen routine. They’re unbelievably easy, endlessly customizable, and absolutely delicious every single time. Grab a few potatoes and try this recipe—you’re about to fall in love with a seriously satisfying side dish!
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Air Fryer Baked Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Air Fryer Baked Potatoes are a hassle-free way to enjoy perfectly crispy-skinned potatoes with fluffy interiors. Customize with your favorite toppings for a satisfying side or main dish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 4 medium russet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Optional Toppings:
- butter
- sour cream
- shredded cheese
- chopped green onions
- bacon bits
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
- Prepare Potatoes: Scrub and dry the potatoes. Poke holes in each, rub with olive oil, sprinkle with salt.
- Cook Potatoes: Place in the air fryer basket, ensuring they’re not touching. Cook for 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy.
- Serve: Rest for a few minutes, then slice open, fluff the insides, and add toppings. Serve hot.
Notes
- Cooking time may vary based on potato size.
- For extra crispiness, brush with more oil before the final 5 minutes.
- Great as a side dish or main course.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 potato
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
