Enjoy perfectly crispy-skinned baked potatoes with soft, fluffy interiors, all made effortlessly in your air fryer. This quick and easy side dish is ready to be topped with your favorite ingredients for a versatile and satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy and Fluffy: The air fryer creates the perfect texture—crispy skin with a fluffy center.
- Quick and Easy: Faster than traditional oven baking, with no compromise on flavor.
- Customizable: Top with butter, sour cream, cheese, or your favorite add-ons.
- Healthy Option: Minimal oil and a naturally gluten-free, vegetarian-friendly side.
- Effortless Cleanup: The air fryer makes for a mess-free cooking experience.
Ingredients
- 4 medium-sized russet potatoes, washed and dried
- 1½ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
- Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
- Butter (for topping)
Directions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- Using a pastry brush or your hands, coat each potato with olive oil.
- Sprinkle kosher salt evenly over all sides of the potatoes.
- Arrange in the Basket: Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are spaced apart to allow even cooking.
- Cook the Potatoes:
- Air fry for 25 minutes.
- Flip each potato carefully and cook for an additional 20–25 minutes, or until a knife easily pierces through the center.
- Serve:
- Remove the potatoes from the air fryer.
- Using a sharp knife, slice down the center of each potato and fluff the insides with a fork.
- Top with butter and freshly cracked black pepper. Serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories per Serving: ~200 kcal
Variations
- Loaded Potatoes: Add sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped bacon, and chives for a hearty meal.
- Herb Infusion: Sprinkle dried rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning before air frying.
- Sweet Potatoes: Swap russet potatoes for sweet potatoes for a naturally sweeter side.
- Garlic-Lover’s Delight: Rub garlic powder or minced garlic into the oil for a garlicky kick.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter or skip the butter entirely and opt for avocado or salsa.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover baked potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Freezing: Freeze baked potatoes without toppings for up to 2 months. Reheat in the air fryer or oven until heated through.
FAQs
1. Do I need to poke holes in the potatoes before air frying?
No, the air fryer cooks potatoes evenly without the need to pierce them.
2. Can I use other types of potatoes?
Yes, Yukon Gold or red potatoes also work well, but adjust the cooking time based on their size.
3. How can I tell if the potatoes are done?
Insert a knife or skewer into the center; it should slide in easily when fully cooked.
4. Can I cook more than four potatoes at once?
Yes, but ensure they are spaced apart in the basket for even airflow. Cook in batches if needed.
5. Can I skip the oil?
You can, but the oil helps create a crispy, flavorful skin.
6. How do I make these extra crispy?
Brush a little more oil on the potatoes and air fry for an additional 5 minutes.
7. Can I add toppings while cooking?
It’s best to add toppings like cheese or bacon after cooking to prevent burning.
8. Are air fryer baked potatoes healthier than oven-baked?
They use less oil and cook faster, retaining more nutrients while still being flavorful.
9. Can I use foil in the air fryer?
It’s not recommended for baked potatoes, as it can hinder airflow and prevent crisping.
10. How can I customize these for meal prep?
Bake several potatoes, refrigerate them, and add different toppings throughout the week for variety.
Conclusion
Air fryer baked potatoes are a simple, foolproof way to achieve crispy skins and fluffy interiors in less time than traditional methods. With endless topping options and minimal prep, they’re a versatile addition to any meal. Try this recipe today and enjoy perfectly baked potatoes with ease!
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Air Fryer Baked Potato Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Enjoy crispy-skinned, fluffy baked potatoes made in your air fryer! A quick, easy, and versatile side dish ready for your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
- 4 medium-sized russet potatoes, washed and dried
- 1½ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
- Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
- Butter (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- Using a pastry brush or your hands, coat each potato with olive oil.
- Sprinkle kosher salt evenly over all sides of the potatoes.
- Arrange in the Basket: Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are spaced apart to allow even cooking.
- Cook the Potatoes:
- Air fry for 25 minutes.
- Flip each potato carefully and cook for an additional 20–25 minutes, or until a knife easily pierces through the center.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Air frying
- Cuisine: American