When it comes to comfort food that’s simple, satisfying, and adaptable, baked potatoes always hit the mark. Traditionally, oven-baked potatoes have been the gold standard but if you’re looking for a faster, more energy efficient method with unbeatable results, then this air fryer baked potato recipe is for you.
What makes air fryer baked potatoes stand out? It’s all about texture and time. Unlike the oven, the air fryer circulates hot air quickly around the potatoes, resulting in a perfectly crisp, golden skin while keeping the inside light, fluffy, and soft. Best of all, you won’t need to wait for the oven to preheat, which saves you valuable time especially on busy weeknights or when you’re craving something hearty but simple.
This recipe uses russet potatoes, which are ideal for baking due to their high starch content and thick skin. A quick coating of extra virgin olive oil ensures the skin turns beautifully crisp, while a sprinkle of sea salt enhances the flavor and adds a delicious crunch to every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Baked Potato Recipe
- Quick and Easy: No preheating the oven. Just prep the potatoes, toss them in the air fryer, and walk away.
- Crispy Skin, Fluffy Inside: The air fryer gives you a beautiful contrast of textures every single time.
- Minimal Ingredients: You only need three pantry staples: potatoes, olive oil, and sea salt.
- Customizable Toppings: These baked potatoes are a blank canvas top with butter, sour cream, cheese, chives, bacon, or keep it simple with just salt and pepper.
Step by Step Overview
Start by selecting two medium russet potatoes. Make sure to scrub them clean, as we’re keeping the skins on for that classic baked potato experience. Use a fork to poke a few holes around each potato to allow steam to escape during cooking this step prevents them from bursting.
Next, rub each potato generously with extra virgin olive oil, then coat evenly with sea salt. This not only seasons the potato but also helps the skin crisp up in the air fryer.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the potatoes in the basket, ensuring there’s space around each one for air to circulate. Cook for 40 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of your potatoes and your specific air fryer model. You’ll know they’re done when a fork easily pierces through the center.
Once cooked, slice them open, fluff the inside with a fork, and get creative with your favorite toppings!
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
- Size Matters: Choose potatoes of similar size so they cook evenly.
- Don’t Skip the Oil: Olive oil gives you that restaurant quality crispy skin.
- Check Early: All air fryers are a little different. Start checking around the 40 minute mark.
- Maximize Air Flow: Don’t overcrowd the basket; give each potato room for that hot air to circulate.
- Make Ahead: These are great for meal prep simply reheat in the air fryer for 5 7 minutes to restore the crispiness.
Whether you’re making them as a side for dinner, loading them up for a satisfying lunch, or meal prepping for the week, these air fryer baked potatoes are sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
2
5
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minutesCrispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside this air fryer baked potato recipe is a quick and easy way to enjoy the perfect baked potato without turning on your oven.
Ingredients
Russet Potatoes 2 medium sized
Olive Oil (extra virgin) for rubbing
Sea Salt to season generously
Directions
- Prep the Air Fryer: Preheat it to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare Potatoes: Wash and dry the potatoes thoroughly. Prick each potato with a fork a few times.
- Oil and Season: Rub each potato with olive oil and sprinkle sea salt over the surface.
- Cook: Place potatoes in the air fryer basket. Cook for 40 to 60 minutes, depending on size, until fork tender and crispy on the outside.
- Serve: Slice open, fluff with a fork, and top as desired.
