Hey y’all! If you’ve been searching for the crispiest, fluffiest baked potatoes with minimal fuss, you’re in the right spot. Air Fryer Baked Potatoes are a game-changer for weeknights, dinner parties, or any time you crave classic comfort food without the long oven wait. With golden, crispy skin and a pillowy soft inside, these potatoes are so tasty and easy to make, they’ll be your go-to side dish. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Baked Potatoes Recipe
- Quick and easy, ready in almost half the time compared to oven-baked potatoes.
- Delivers wonderfully crispy skin and irresistibly fluffy insides.
- Minimal ingredients mean maximum potato flavor.
- Perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or as a hearty vegetarian meal base.
- Customizable – top with your favorite fixings for a personalized dish!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
- 4 medium russet potatoes (about 7–8 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Step-by-Step Directions for Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
Prep the Potatoes
- Scrub the potatoes thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt, then pat dry with a paper towel.
- Prick each potato several times with a fork (about 6–8 pricks per potato) to allow steam to escape while cooking.
Season and Ready for the Air Fryer
- Rub each potato with olive oil, making sure they’re evenly coated for that signature crispy skin.
- Sprinkle kosher salt (and optional pepper) all over each potato.
Air Fry the Potatoes
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes (if your model requires preheating).
- Arrange the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring none touch for maximum crispness.
- Cook for 35–40 minutes, flipping the potatoes halfway through. Test with a fork—it should glide easily into the center.
Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the potatoes carefully from the air fryer (they’ll be hot!). Let them rest a minute or two.
- Slice open, fluff the insides with a fork, and add your favorite toppings. Dig in!
Air Fryer Baked Potatoes Notes & Tips
- Choose evenly sized russet potatoes for even cooking.
- If you like extra crispy skin, cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, but monitor closely to avoid drying out. For more air fryer tips, check out Food Network’s air fryer mistakes to avoid.
- Want a lower sodium option? Swap kosher salt for your favorite salt-free seasoning blend!
Variations: Air Fryer Baked Potatoes Three Ways
- Cheesy Garlic: Brush potatoes with a mix of melted butter and minced garlic before air frying; top with shredded cheddar afterward.
- Tex-Mex Loaded: Fill cooked potatoes with black beans, salsa, and avocado for a fiesta-inspired meal.
- Herb-Infused: Sprinkle dried rosemary or thyme with the salt and drizzle with olive oil for an aromatic kick.
Required Equipment for Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
- Air fryer (basket or oven style, 4 quart or larger recommended)
- Fork
- Knife
- Basting brush (optional)
- Small bowl (for oil, optional)
Storage Instructions & Shelf Life for Leftover Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
- Let potatoes cool completely, then wrap individually in foil or plastic wrap.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To reheat, place in the air fryer at 350°F for 6–8 minutes, or microwave on high for 2–3 minutes.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
- Serve as a side to grilled steak, juicy roast chicken, or hearty chili.
- Transform into a meal by piling high with steamed broccoli, shredded cheese, and sour cream.
- Pair with a crisp green salad for a classic, balanced dinner.
Pro Tips for the Best Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
- Always pat potatoes dry before oiling for ultra-crispy skin (Serious Eats on perfect baked potatoes).
- If your air fryer is on the smaller side, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- For extra fluffy interiors, let potatoes rest for 2–3 minutes before slicing open.
Air Fryer Baked Potatoes FAQ
- Can I use different types of potatoes in this recipe?
- Russets yield the best results, but Yukon Golds or sweet potatoes work too; just adjust cooking time as needed.
- Do I need to wrap the potatoes in foil?
- No foil needed—direct contact with the air fryer basket gives you that irresistible crispy skin!
- Is this recipe healthy?
- Yes! Air frying uses less oil than traditional baking. For nutrition info, check potato nutrition facts.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Try these Air Fryer Baked Potatoes today and discover a new family favorite – crispy, fluffy, and oh-so-satisfying every single time!
Ingredients
- 4 medium russet potatoes, scrubbed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, for serving
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives, for garnish
Instructions
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1Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
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2Pierce each potato several times with a fork. Rub potatoes with olive oil, then sprinkle with sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
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3Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd.
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4Air fry the potatoes at 400°F (200°C) for 35-40 minutes, turning them halfway through cooking, until the skins are crisp and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
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5Remove the potatoes from the air fryer. Slice each potato open, fluff the insides with a fork, and top with unsalted butter and chopped chives. Serve hot.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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