How Long for Two Baked Potatoes in Air Fryer

How Long to Cook Two Baked Potatoes in an Air Fryer: A Complete Guide

Air fryer baked potatoes are a game-changer for anyone craving that perfect combination of crispy, salty skin and fluffy, tender insides—without the long wait of an 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, timing, and tips to ensure your potatoes turn out restaurant-quality every time.

Why Use an Air Fryer for Baked Potatoes?

Before diving into the specifics, let’s talk about why air fryers are so great for baked potatoes. The circulating hot air in an air fryer crisps up the potato skin beautifully while cooking the inside to a soft, fluffy texture. Plus, it’s faster than a traditional oven and doesn’t heat up your kitchen. For just two potatoes, an air fryer is ideal because it’s energy-efficient and perfect for small batches. According to Serious Eats, air fryer baked potatoes can be ready in about 40 minutes, compared to over an hour in a conventional oven.

How Long Does It Take to Cook Two Baked Potatoes?

The cooking time for two baked potatoes in an air fryer depends on their size, the air fryer model, and the temperature setting. Most recipes recommend cooking at 400°F (200°C), which yields a crispy skin and tender interior. Here’s a breakdown based on potato size:

• Small potatoes (4-6 ounces): 25-30 minutes
• Medium potatoes (8-10 ounces): 35-45 minutes
• Large potatoes (12 ounces or more): 45-60 minutes

For two medium-sized russet potatoes (about 8-10 ounces each), expect a cooking time of 35-45 minutes at 400°F, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking. If your potatoes are larger, you might need closer to an hour, as noted in a user review on Allrecipes, where a commenter mentioned cooking for a full hour to achieve extra-crispy skin.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

Here’s how to get those spuds just right:

1. Choose the Right Potatoes: Russet potatoes are the go-to choice for baking due to their high starch content, which creates that fluffy interior. Make sure your two potatoes are similar in size for even cooking.
2. Prep the Potatoes: Scrub the potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove dirt, then pat them dry with a paper towel. Prick each potato 4-6 times with a fork to allow steam to escape and prevent bursting. Rub them with a thin layer of olive oil or avocado oil, then sprinkle generously with kosher or sea salt. The oil helps crisp the skin, and the salt adds flavor and texture.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Some models, like the Wonder Oven mentioned on Love and Lemons, don’t require preheating, but most benefit from a quick 3-5 minute preheat to ensure consistent heat.
4. Cook the Potatoes: Place the two potatoes in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them for air circulation. Cook for 35-45 minutes, flipping them halfway through with tongs to promote even browning. Check for doneness by piercing the center with a sharp knife or fork—it should slide in easily with no resistance. For precision, the internal temperature should reach 205-210°F.
5. Rest and Serve: Remove the potatoes with tongs and let them rest for 5 minutes to avoid burning your fingers. Slice them lengthwise, pinch the sides to open, and fluff the insides with a fork. Add your favorite toppings, like butter, sour cream, chives, or shredded cheese.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

To elevate your baked potatoes, keep these tips in mind:

• Don’t Wrap in Foil: Wrapping potatoes in foil traps steam and results in soggy skin. For that crispy exterior, cook them uncovered.
• Check for Doneness: If your potatoes aren’t tender after the recommended time, cook in 5-minute increments until done. A knife test is more reliable than a fork, as forks can pierce too easily and give a false sense of doneness.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Two potatoes should fit comfortably in most air fryer baskets, but ensure they don’t touch to allow proper air circulation.
• Experiment with Seasonings: Beyond salt, try garlic powder, paprika, or dried herbs for extra flavor. One user on Reddit mentioned rotating potatoes frequently for even crispiness, which can enhance the texture.

Common Questions About Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

Can I cook the potatoes faster? To speed things up, you can microwave the potatoes for 5-7 minutes before air frying. This cuts the air fryer time to about 10-12 minutes at 400°F, as suggested by some recipes. However, this may slightly affect the crispiness of the skin.

Do I need to flip the potatoes? Yes, flipping halfway through ensures even browning and prevents one side from getting too dark. Use tongs to avoid burning yourself.

What if my potatoes are different sizes? If one potato is significantly larger, it may need a few extra minutes. Start checking the smaller one around 30 minutes and remove it if it’s done, letting the larger one continue cooking.

Topping Ideas to Make It a Meal

Once your potatoes are ready, the fun part is piling on the toppings. Here are a few ideas to turn your baked potatoes into a satisfying dish:

• Classic: Butter, sour cream, chives, and a sprinkle of black pepper.
• Loaded: Shredded cheddar, crispy bacon bits, and green onions.
• Tex-Mex: Black beans, salsa, guacamole, and a dollop of sour cream.
• Veggie-Packed: Sautéed spinach, roasted broccoli, and grated Parmesan.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you have leftovers, let the potatoes cool to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 375°F for 5-10 minutes to restore the crispy skin. Microwaving is faster but can make the skin soggy.

Final Thoughts

Cooking two baked potatoes in an air fryer is a quick, easy way to enjoy a classic comfort food with minimal effort. At 400°F, expect 35-45 minutes for medium-sized russets, and don’t skip the oil and salt for that perfect crispy skin. Whether you keep it simple with butter or go all out with a toppings bar, your air fryer baked potatoes will be a hit. So, fire up your air fryer and enjoy a delicious, hassle-free side dish tonight!