Air fryer baked potatoes cook up crispy on the outside with a fluffy, tender interior that’s just begging for butter. … Kimberly Holland is a writer and editor with 17 years of experience in food, lifestyle, travel, and health content. She is an Editorial Director for Southern Living. … I’ll admit I have a pretty sizzling love affair with my air fryer. I’ve likely convinced no fewer than a dozen people to invest in this countertop appliance because I am a firm believer in its powers—and no dish holds more proof of those powers than air fryer baked potatoes. Baking potatoes in the air fryer may not seem as sexy as making, let’s say, air fryer chicken wings or air fryer corn on the cob. After all, a baked potato is a blank canvas, a bit of a bore compared to the toppings you’re likely to pile on it. But what you probably already know if you’re a fan of the essential jacket potato is that a potato baked in the oven, with its crispy, salted skin, is worlds ahead of a potato “baked” in the microwave.
So, can you bake a potato in an air fryer? Absolutely, and it’s a game-changer. Air fryers are fantastic for making baked potatoes because they deliver that coveted crispy skin and fluffy interior in less time than a traditional oven. The circulating hot air cooks the potato evenly, crisping the skin while keeping the inside tender. Plus, it’s more energy-efficient and doesn’t heat up your kitchen like an oven does. Let’s walk through why air fryer baked potatoes are so great, how to make them step-by-step, and some tips to ensure they turn out perfect every time, along with a few topping ideas to elevate your spud game.
Why Choose an Air Fryer for Baked Potatoes?
The air fryer’s magic lies in its ability to mimic the high, dry heat of an oven but in a more compact, efficient package. Unlike microwaving, which can leave the skin soggy, or oven-baking, which takes over an hour, air fryers cook potatoes in about 35-50 minutes, depending on size. The constant airflow ensures the skin gets crispy without drying out the interior. Another perk? You don’t need to preheat the air fryer for most models, saving you time. As Serious Eats points out, the air fryer’s high heat and airflow guarantee a crisp skin and even cooking, making it ideal for small batches or single potatoes.
Choosing the Right Potatoes
Russet potatoes, also known as Idaho potatoes, are the gold standard for baking. Their high starch content creates that fluffy, light interior, while their thick skin crisps up beautifully. Yukon Gold potatoes are a decent alternative if you prefer a creamier texture, but they won’t be as fluffy. Avoid smaller varieties like red or baby potatoes, as they cook too quickly and don’t deliver the same classic baked potato experience. When selecting potatoes, aim for ones that are roughly the same size—about 6 to 12 ounces—to ensure even cooking. Scrub them thoroughly under running water to remove dirt, as the skin is delicious when crispy.
Step-by-Step Guide to Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
Making a baked potato in the air fryer is straightforward, but a few key steps ensure perfection. Here’s how to do it:
the Potatoes: Start by washing and scrubbing your potatoes to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a clean towel—dry skin is crucial for crispiness. Use a fork to poke 4-8 holes in each potato. This allows steam to escape, preventing the potato from bursting and helping it cook evenly.
and Season: Rub each potato with a thin layer of oil. Olive oil is a popular choice for its flavor, but avocado oil works well for its high heat tolerance and neutral taste. Sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt or kosher salt to enhance the skin’s flavor and texture. For extra flair, you can add black pepper, garlic powder, or dried herbs like rosemary or thyme.
Fry: Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch to allow proper air circulation. Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Cook for 35-50 minutes, depending on the potato size. Flip the potatoes halfway through to ensure even crisping. Smaller potatoes (6-8 ounces) may take closer to 35 minutes, while larger ones (10-12 ounces) might need up to 50 minutes. Check for doneness by piercing the center with a fork or knife—it should slide in easily with no resistance. For precision, the internal temperature should reach 205-210°F.
Remove the potatoes with tongs and let them cool for a few minutes. Slice them open lengthwise, pinch the sides to fluff the interior, and add your favorite toppings. The result? A potato with a golden, crispy skin and a soft, fluffy center, ready to be customized.
Tips for the Perfect Air Fryer Baked Potato
To nail the texture and flavor, keep these tips in mind:
- Don’t Wrap in Foil: Foil traps moisture, leading to a steamed rather than crispy skin. Skip it for the best results.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Ensure there’s space between potatoes in the basket for even cooking. If you’re cooking multiple potatoes, you may need to do batches.
- Check Early: Cooking times vary based on potato size and air fryer model. Start checking for doneness around 30-35 minutes to avoid overcooking.
- No Need to Preheat: Most air fryers don’t require preheating for this recipe, but if yours does, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Reheat Like a Pro: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 400°F for 5-10 minutes to restore crispiness, or use a microwave for a softer texture.
Topping Ideas to Elevate Your Baked Potato
A baked potato is a blank canvas, and the toppings can turn it into a side dish or a full meal. Here are some crowd-pleasers:
- Classic: Butter, sour cream, chives, and a sprinkle of sea salt. Add shredded cheddar or crispy bacon bits for extra indulgence.
- Loaded: Pile on chili, shredded cheese, and a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream for a hearty option.
- Tex-Mex: Top with black beans, salsa, avocado, and cilantro for a south-of-the-border twist.
- Mediterranean: Try sautéed spinach, feta cheese, olives, and roasted red peppers for a fresh, tangy flavor.
- Protein-Packed: Add pulled pork, shredded chicken, or Budget Bytes’ suggested BBQ chicken to make it a main dish.
Common Questions Answered
Do I need to pierce the potatoes? Yes, poking holes is essential to release steam and prevent bursting. It also helps the potato cook evenly.
Can I cook more than one potato at a time? Yes, as long as they’re not touching. Most air fryers can handle 2-4 medium potatoes, depending on the basket size.
Can I use other types of potatoes? Russets are best, but Yukon Golds work for a creamier texture. Avoid smaller potatoes like red or baby varieties for this recipe.
Is it faster than an oven? Definitely. Air fryers cut cooking time by about 15-20 minutes compared to a traditional oven, and you skip the long preheat.
Can I freeze baked potatoes? Yes, but freeze only the flesh if possible, as whole baked potatoes can become less fluffy after freezing. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Why Air Fryer Potatoes Are a Game-Changer
Beyond speed, air fryer baked potatoes are a win for their versatility and ease. You can whip up a single potato without heating up the whole kitchen, making it perfect for quick weeknight dinners. The crispy skin rivals restaurant-quality potatoes, and the fluffy interior is a perfect base for any topping. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly option—potatoes are cheap, and you likely already have oil and salt in your pantry. For more air fryer inspiration, check out Love and Lemons’ take on creative seasoning ideas.
Yes, I’ll be the first to admit I frequently turn to the potato button on my microwave to get me out of a dinner jam, but if I can think ahead, I pick the air fryer for my baked potatoes over even the conventional oven—because it’s faster. A little bit more on the why and how is below, but just take it from me, air fryer baked potatoes are a guaranteed hit, and you’ll never make them another way after you try this technique. No air fryer? You can cook baked potatoes in the oven and microwave, too. With MyRecipes, your personal recipe box, you can save and organize your Southern Living favorites and thousands more in one place. You can keep things pretty simple with this air fryer baked potatoes recipe. The potatoes, some seasonings, and a bit of oil is all you need to get the potato cooking process started. Once the potatoes are done, you can let loose your creativity for toppings.
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