These Air Fryer Baked Potatoes are crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and under an hour of cooking time, you’ll have perfectly baked potatoes ready to enjoy as a side dish or topped with your favorite fillings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour, these potatoes are perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a hassle-free side dish.
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Crispy Skin: The air fryer gives these potatoes a perfectly crispy outer layer while keeping the inside soft and fluffy.
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Versatile: Top with butter, sour cream, cheese, or any of your favorite baked potato toppings for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
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4 medium-sized russet baking potatoes, washed and dried (about 8 ounces each)
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1 ½ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (or vegetable oil)
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1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
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1 ½ teaspoons fresh cracked black pepper, for topping
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Butter, for topping
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). If your air fryer model does not need preheating, disregard this step. Check your air fryer’s user manual for best results.
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Prepare the Potatoes: Use a pastry brush to liberally brush each potato with olive oil. Sprinkle kosher salt on both sides of the potatoes.
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Cook the Potatoes: Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket. Bake for 25 minutes on one side. After 25 minutes, carefully flip the potatoes and cook for an additional 20 to 25 minutes on the other side.
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Check for Doneness: To check if the potatoes are fully cooked, insert a kitchen knife into the center of each potato. If the knife goes in easily, the potatoes are done. If not, continue cooking in 5-minute increments until they are fully cooked.
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Serve: Once cooked, use a sharp kitchen knife to slice down the center of each potato. Use a fork to fluff the inside of the potato. Garnish with butter and fresh cracked pepper. Serve immediately while hot.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
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Cook Time: 50 minutes
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Total Time: 55 minutes
Variations
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Different Potatoes: Substitute Yukon Gold potatoes for russet potatoes for a different flavor and texture.
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Toppings: Top with sour cream, shredded cheese, chives, or any of your favorite baked potato toppings.
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Spicy Version: Add chili powder, garlic powder, or cayenne pepper to the potatoes before cooking for extra flavor.
Storage/Reheating
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Refrigerator: Store leftover baked potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Reheat: To reheat, place the potato back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes to restore its crispiness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of potato?
Yes, you can substitute with Yukon Gold or even sweet potatoes, though cooking times may vary slightly.
Do I need to poke holes in the potatoes before air frying?
No, it’s not necessary to poke holes in the potatoes with this method as the air fryer allows steam to escape naturally.
Can I cook more than 4 potatoes at once?
If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook the potatoes in batches to ensure they cook evenly.
Can I make these potatoes ahead of time?
You can prep the potatoes by brushing them with oil and seasoning, then refrigerate them for a few hours before air frying.
How do I make sure the skin gets crispy?
Ensure you coat the potatoes well with oil and season generously with salt before air frying for the crispiest skin.
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Baked Potatoes are a perfect combination of crispy, golden skin and fluffy interior. With minimal prep and cooking time, they’re the ultimate easy side dish for any meal. Top with your favorite fixings, and you’ve got a satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Print
Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Air Fryer Baked Potatoes are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, making them the perfect easy side dish or base for your favorite toppings. Ready in under an hour, this simple recipe uses just a few ingredients to deliver a delicious and satisfying result every time. A must-try for anyone with an air fryer!
Ingredients
4 medium-sized russet baking potatoes (8 ounces each), washed and dried
1 ½ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (or vegetable oil)
1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt (or sea salt as an alternative)
1 ½ teaspoons fresh cracked black pepper (for topping)
Butter (for topping)
Instructions
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). (Skip this step if your air fryer model doesn’t require preheating.)
Prepare the Potatoes: Use a pastry brush to liberally brush each potato with olive oil. Sprinkle kosher salt evenly on both sides of the potatoes.
Air Fry the Potatoes: Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket. Cook for 25 minutes on one side, then carefully flip the potatoes and continue cooking for an additional 20-25 minutes.
Check for Doneness: Insert a kitchen knife into the center of each potato. If the knife goes in easily, the potatoes are done. If not, continue cooking in 5-minute increments until they are fully cooked.
Serve: Slice each potato down the center using a sharp knife. Fluff the insides with a fork and top with butter and freshly cracked black pepper. Serve hot.
Notes
“You can substitute sea salt for the kosher salt for a slightly different flavor.”
“Yukon Gold potatoes can be used instead of russet potatoes for a creamier texture.”
“If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook the potatoes in batches.”
“You can line the air fryer with parchment paper, but avoid doing so while preheating if your air fryer requires preheating.”
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
