How Long for Two Baked Potatoes in Air Fryer

Want to make a perfectly cooked air fryer baked potato? This recipe will leave you with crispy potato skin and a fluffy inside!

Baked potatoes are a classic comfort food, loved for their versatility and satisfying texture. When it comes to cooking them, the air fryer has become a game-changer, delivering that perfect balance of crispy skin and fluffy interior in less time than a traditional oven. If you’re wondering how long it takes to cook two baked potatoes in an air fryer, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will walk you through the process, share tips for perfect results, and address common questions to ensure your potatoes turn out restaurant-quality every time. Let’s dive into the details of making two baked potatoes in an air fryer, including prep tips, cooking times, and topping ideas to elevate your meal.

Why Use an Air Fryer for Baked Potatoes?

Air fryers are fantastic for baking potatoes because they use rapid hot air circulation to create a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and fluffy. Compared to a conventional oven, which can take over an hour, an air fryer cuts cooking time significantly—often by 20-30 minutes. Plus, it’s more energy-efficient and doesn’t heat up your kitchen, making it ideal for small households or warm weather. For two baked potatoes, the air fryer is especially convenient, as most models can easily accommodate this quantity without overcrowding, ensuring even cooking.

Choosing the Right Potatoes

For the best results, opt for Russet potatoes. Their high starch content and low moisture make them perfect for baking, yielding that classic fluffy interior and crisp skin. Aim for medium to medium-large potatoes (8-10 ounces each) to ensure even cooking in the air fryer. If your potatoes are significantly different in size, you may need to adjust cooking times slightly, as smaller potatoes cook faster than larger ones. Always select potatoes that are firm, free of sprouts, and have smooth, unblemished skin for the best texture and flavor.

Preparation Steps for Perfect Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

Getting your potatoes ready is simple but crucial for achieving that ideal texture. Here’s how to prep two Russet potatoes for the air fryer:

• Wash and Dry: Scrub the potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove dirt, using a brush if needed. Pat them completely dry with a paper towel to ensure the skin crisps up properly.
• Poke Holes: Use a fork to pierce each potato 8-10 times all over. This allows steam to escape during cooking, preventing the potatoes from bursting and ensuring a fluffier interior.
• Season the Skin: Rub each potato with about 1 teaspoon of olive oil or avocado oil. This helps the skin crisp up and adds flavor. Sprinkle generously with kosher or sea salt to enhance the taste and texture. Optionally, add a pinch of black pepper or garlic powder for extra flavor.
• No Foil Needed: Skip wrapping the potatoes in aluminum foil. Foil traps moisture, leading to soggy skin, which defeats the purpose of using an air fryer for that crispy exterior.

Cooking Time and Temperature for Two Baked Potatoes

The cooking time for two baked potatoes in an air fryer depends on their size and your air fryer model, but a good starting point is 400°F (200°C) for 40-50 minutes. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: If your air fryer requires preheating, set it to 400°F for 3-5 minutes. Some models, like the Ninja Foodi, don’t need preheating, so check your manual.
2. Arrange the Potatoes: Place the two prepared potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they’re spaced about 1 inch apart for proper air circulation. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
3. Cook and Flip: Air fry at 400°F for 40-50 minutes, flipping the potatoes halfway through to ensure even browning. For medium potatoes (8-10 ounces), 40-45 minutes is usually sufficient. Larger potatoes (12 ounces or more) may need closer to 50 minutes.
4. Check for Doneness: The potatoes are done when a sharp knife or fork slides easily into the center without resistance, or when the internal temperature reaches 205-210°F. If they’re not quite done, return them to the air fryer for an additional 3-5 minutes and check again.

Tips for Consistent Results

To make sure your baked potatoes turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Use Similar-Sized Potatoes: Potatoes of the same size cook at the same rate, preventing one from being undercooked while the other is overdone.
• Check Your Air Fryer’s Capacity: Most air fryers, like the Philips XXL, can handle two medium potatoes comfortably. If you’re using a smaller model, ensure there’s enough space for air to circulate.
• Avoid Overcooking: Cooking at too high a temperature (above 400°F) can create a thick, firm layer under the skin, as noted by Serious Eats. Stick to 390-400°F for the best texture.
• Speed It Up (Optional): If you’re short on time, microwave the potatoes for 5-7 minutes before air frying. This can cut the air fryer time to 10-15 minutes, though the skin may not be as crispy.

Topping Ideas to Elevate Your Baked Potatoes

Once your potatoes are cooked, the fun part begins—topping them! Slice each potato lengthwise, gently pinch the sides to open, and fluff the insides with a fork. Here are some delicious topping ideas to suit different tastes:

• Classic: Butter, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped chives, and crispy bacon bits.
• Tex-Mex: Black beans, salsa, guacamole, pickled red onions, and cilantro.
• Mediterranean: Sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil.
• Meaty: Pulled pork, barbecue sauce, shredded cheese, and green onions.
• Veggie-Loaded: Roasted broccoli, mushrooms, and a sprinkle of parmesan.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you have leftover baked potatoes, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 400°F for 5-10 minutes until warmed through and the skin re-crisps. Alternatively, microwave them for 1-2 minutes, though this may soften the skin. For longer storage, wrap cooled potatoes individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Common Questions Answered

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about air fryer baked potatoes:

• Can I cook more than two potatoes? Yes, but don’t overcrowd the basket. Most air fryers can handle 2-4 medium potatoes, depending on size. Ensure there’s space for air circulation to avoid uneven cooking.
• Do I need to prick the potatoes? Yes, poking holes prevents the potatoes from bursting by allowing steam to escape. It also helps achieve a fluffier interior.
• Can I use other types of potatoes? While Russets are ideal, you can use Yukon Gold, red potatoes, or sweet potatoes. Adjust cooking time based on size—sweet potatoes may take 5-10 minutes longer if larger.
• Why are my potatoes not crispy? Ensure you dry the potatoes thoroughly after washing, use enough oil, and avoid wrapping in foil. Flipping halfway through also promotes even crisping.

The key to perfect air fryer baked potatoes is coating them in olive oil and salt and pepper before air frying 400ºF for 30 minutes. They’ll end up crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.