A baked potato is a classic comfort food, and when made in the air fryer, it’s even better! The Air Fryer Baked Potato recipe guarantees a crispy, golden skin with a light and fluffy interior—perfect for a side dish, loaded with toppings, or just as a snack. Unlike traditional oven baking, the air fryer cooks the potatoes faster while still achieving the same deliciously crispy exterior.
The air fryer is a game-changer when it comes to cooking baked potatoes. Not only does it save time, but it also eliminates the need to heat up your oven. With just a few simple ingredients—potatoes, olive oil, salt, and pepper—you’ll have perfectly cooked baked potatoes ready to enjoy in just 30 minutes. The best part? You can customize them with your favorite toppings, whether you like sour cream, cheese, chives, or bacon bits.
Whether you’re cooking a single potato or a batch for the whole family, this air fryer method ensures that every bite is perfectly cooked. Let’s dive into how to make the best Air Fryer Baked Potato!
Why You Will Love Making This Recipe
There are so many reasons why this Air Fryer Baked Potato will become your new favorite way to cook potatoes:
- Quick & Efficient: Air fryers cook potatoes faster than traditional oven baking, reducing cooking time to about 30 minutes.
- Crispy Skin: The air fryer creates a crispy, golden skin on the outside of the potato, while keeping the inside light and fluffy.
- No Preheating Required: Unlike an oven, the air fryer doesn’t need to preheat, making it even more convenient for a fast snack or side dish.
- Simple & Healthy: This recipe requires minimal ingredients—just potatoes, olive oil, and seasoning—making it a healthy, low-calorie option compared to deep-fried potatoes.
- Versatile: Customize your baked potato with any toppings you love. From classic sour cream and chives to cheese and bacon, the possibilities are endless.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: These potatoes are great for meal prepping, as they store well and can be reheated easily, making them an ideal addition to your weekly meals.
Ingredients
- 4 medium russet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional toppings:
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheese
- Chives
- Bacon bits
- Butter
Equipment Used
- Air Fryer: The main appliance for cooking the potatoes. It ensures a crispy skin while keeping the inside soft and fluffy.
- Large Pot (optional): For washing and scrubbing the potatoes thoroughly before air frying.
- Fork: To prick holes into the potatoes, allowing steam to escape during the cooking process.
- Basting Brush or Spoon: For rubbing olive oil evenly on the potatoes to help achieve a golden, crispy skin.
- Tongs: To safely turn the potatoes halfway through cooking for even crisping.
- Cutting Board & Knife: For slicing the baked potatoes and adding toppings once they’re done cooking.
- Serving Plate: To serve your delicious, perfectly cooked baked potatoes.
Directions & Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a paper towel. Use a fork to prick several holes into each potato to allow steam to escape during cooking.
- Season the Potatoes: Rub each potato with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. The olive oil will help create that crispy skin while the seasonings enhance the flavor.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
- Air Fry the Potatoes: Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they aren’t touching to allow air circulation. Air fry the potatoes at 400°F for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through. Cook until the skin is crispy and the inside is tender when pierced with a fork.
- Check for Doneness: Once the potatoes are done, check their softness by poking a fork into the center. If they feel soft and the fork goes in easily, they’re ready to be served!
- Serve: Cut a slit in the top of each baked potato, fluff the inside with a fork, and add your favorite toppings. Enjoy immediately!
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 160
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fat: 0g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 1g
This Air Fryer Baked Potato is naturally low in fat and calories, offering a healthy, high-fiber snack or side dish option. Top it with your choice of toppings for a customizable meal!
Variations
- Cheesy Baked Potato: Top your potato with shredded cheddar cheese, and melt it in the air fryer for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
- Loaded Baked Potato: Add sour cream, crispy bacon bits, shredded cheese, and chives for a classic loaded potato.
- Spicy Baked Potato: Sprinkle chili powder, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne pepper on the potato before cooking for a flavorful twist.
- Garlic Herb: Mix minced garlic, rosemary, or thyme with olive oil and rub it on the potatoes before cooking for a fragrant, savory flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I cook multiple potatoes at once in the air fryer?
Yes, you can cook multiple potatoes in the air fryer at once, but make sure they’re not overcrowded. This allows for proper air circulation to ensure they cook evenly.
2. How do I know when my potato is done?
The potato is done when the skin is crispy, and a fork easily pierces the inside. If it’s still firm, continue cooking for a few more minutes.
3. Can I use other types of potatoes?
While russet potatoes are ideal for baked potatoes, you can use other types such as sweet potatoes or red potatoes. Cooking times may vary, so check for doneness with a fork.
Pro Tips By Emma
- Don’t skip the pricking: Pricking the potatoes with a fork helps steam escape and prevents them from bursting in the air fryer.
- For extra crispy skin: After air frying, brush the skin with a little more olive oil and air fry for 2-3 more minutes.
- Make ahead: If you’re meal prepping, cook the potatoes and store them in the fridge. Reheat them in the air fryer for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Air Fryer Baked Potato with:
- Toppings: Top with sour cream, butter, chives, shredded cheese, or bacon bits for a loaded baked potato experience.
- Side Dishes: Pair with grilled vegetables, roasted chicken, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Snack: Enjoy as a simple snack with your favorite dip, like ranch or guacamole.
Perfect Air Fryer Baked Potato : Crispy Skin & Fluffy Interior
Equipment
- Air Fryer: The main appliance for cooking the potatoes. It ensures a crispy skin while keeping the inside soft and fluffy.
- Large Pot (optional): For washing and scrubbing the potatoes thoroughly before air frying.
- Fork: To prick holes into the potatoes, allowing steam to escape during the cooking process.
- Basting Brush or Spoon: For rubbing olive oil evenly on the potatoes to help achieve a golden, crispy skin.
- Tongs: To safely turn the potatoes halfway through cooking for even crisping.
- Cutting Board & Knife: For slicing the baked potatoes and adding toppings once they're done cooking.
- Serving Plate: To serve your delicious, perfectly cooked baked potatoes.
Ingredients
- 4 medium russet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional toppings:
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheese
- Chives
- Bacon bits
- Butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a paper towel. Use a fork to prick several holes into each potato to allow steam to escape during cooking.
- Season the Potatoes: Rub each potato with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. The olive oil will help create that crispy skin while the seasonings enhance the flavor.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
- Air Fry the Potatoes: Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they aren’t touching to allow air circulation. Air fry the potatoes at 400°F for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through. Cook until the skin is crispy and the inside is tender when pierced with a fork.
- Check for Doneness: Once the potatoes are done, check their softness by poking a fork into the center. If they feel soft and the fork goes in easily, they’re ready to be served!
- Serve: Cut a slit in the top of each baked potato, fluff the inside with a fork, and add your favorite toppings. Enjoy immediately!
Notes
Top with cheese: Melt some shredded cheddar or Parmesan on top during the last few minutes of cooking.
Go loaded: Add sour cream, crispy bacon bits, chives, or butter for a loaded baked potato.
Spicy twist: Sprinkle chili powder or paprika on the potatoes before cooking for a kick of heat.
Crispy skin: Brush the skin with olive oil or butter for an extra-crispy, golden exterior.