Craving a fluffy, perfectly cooked baked potato but don’t want to wait forever for it to bake in the oven? Let me introduce you to my go-to time-saving solution: air fryer baked potatoes! When cooked in the air fryer, baked potatoes turn out with a crispy outer skin and a soft, pillowy inside—all in a fraction of the time. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish or loading them up for a hearty main, this method offers the best of both worlds: speed and flavor!
Using simple ingredients like Russet or Idaho potatoes, olive oil, salt, and pepper, plus your favorite toppings like bacon, sour cream, and cheese, this recipe is versatile and oh-so-delicious. Best of all, the air fryer eliminates the need for preheating and minimizes cook time, making it the perfect weeknight option or a fuss-free addition to your dinner parties.
Let’s dig into this easy recipe that will have you tossing your oven-baked method out the window!
You don’t need a long list of fancy ingredients to make these delicious air fryer baked potatoes. Here are the essential ingredients you’ll need, and feel free to get creative with the toppings!
Ingredients:
- 4 medium Russet or Idaho potatoes (about 7 ounces each) – These are the best varieties for baking, as they have the right balance of starch and fluffiness.
- Olive oil, avocado oil, or avocado oil spray – This helps to crisp up the skin and lock in moisture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – For seasoning the potato skin.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – Adds a little bit of extra flavor.
Optional Toppings:
To take your baked potatoes to the next level, here are some classic and flavorful topping ideas:
- Butter – A must for that rich, creamy touch.
- Sour Cream – For tangy creaminess.
- Scallions – Fresh green onions for a hit of color and mild flavor.
- Cheddar Cheese – Sharp cheese will melt beautifully into the warm potato.
- Chili – A hearty addition if you want something more substantial.
With just a few ingredients and your favorite toppings, you can easily customize your baked potatoes to suit any meal or dietary preference.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that we’ve got all the ingredients ready, let’s dive into the cooking process. Cooking potatoes in the air fryer is all about simplicity and achieving that crispy skin and soft interior.
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Start by giving your potatoes a good scrub under running water to remove any dirt. Once cleaned, dry them thoroughly with a towel. Drying is key here since it helps the skin crisp up perfectly in the air fryer.
Step 2: Pierce and Season
Using a fork, poke holes all around each potato—this prevents them from bursting during cooking by allowing the steam to escape. Next, rub each potato generously with olive oil or avocado oil to coat the skin. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper , making sure the seasoning is spread evenly across the surface of the potatoes.
Step 3: Arrange in Air Fryer
Place the seasoned potatoes in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Ensure the potatoes are spaced out and not overlapping so the hot air can circulate evenly around each one.
Step 4: Air Fry at 400ºF
Preheat your air fryer to 400ºF . Once preheated, cook the potatoes for 30 minutes on one side. After the first 30 minutes, flip them over and continue cooking for an additional 10 minutes . The total cook time is around 40 minutes , but you’ll know the potatoes are done when a fork or knife easily pierces through the center of the potato. If they’re still firm, cook them for a few more minutes.
Air frying ensures that the skin becomes crispy while the inside turns soft and ready to soak up all your tasty toppings!
Serving and Storing Your Air Fryer Baked Potato
Step 5: Serve with Delicious Toppings
Once the potatoes are done cooking, carefully use tongs to remove them from the air fryer basket (they’ll be hot!). Slice each potato open lengthwise, and give the inside a little fluff with a fork.
Now comes the fun part—toppings! Here’s where you can get creative and tailor your baked potato to your liking. Start with a pat of butter and let it melt into the steaming potato. Top it off with sour cream, crispy bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, or even a hearty spoonful of chili. Don’t forget to add a sprinkle of scallions for a fresh finish!
Step 6: Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you have any leftover baked potatoes, you can easily store them for later. First, let them cool completely. Once cool, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days .
To reheat, you can either pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes at 350ºF (to get the skin crispy again), or microwave them to save time. You can even repurpose leftovers by turning them into twice-baked potatoes or potato skins!
Conclusion
And there you have it—perfectly cooked, crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside air fryer baked potatoes ! This recipe is the ultimate side dish or even a meal on its own with the right toppings. The air fryer makes this often-time-consuming dish a breeze to prepare, and once you try it, you’ll never go back to the oven method again.
Remember, the beauty of baked potatoes is their versatility, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and fillings to make them your own. Enjoy!