Dinners · 4 min read
Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
Air Fryer Baked Potatoes are the easiest way to get that steakhouse-style baked potato at home: crisp, salty skin with a fluffy, steaming center. Made with just three ingredients: russet potatoes, oil, and kosher salt.
★ 5.0 (3)
Making air fryer baked potatoes is my favorite way to get a steakhouse-style potato at home. The air fryer's circulating heat gives you a crisp, salty skin and a fluffy, steaming center using just russet potatoes, olive oil, and kosher salt. It's faster than a conventional oven and doesn't heat up the kitchen, which makes it a great beginner air fryer recipe. I remember the first time I tried this method, I was surprised at how easily the potatoes turned out perfect.
Reasons to love this air fryer baked potato recipe
- No oven heat: The air fryer cooks the potatoes quickly without warming up your kitchen, so you can enjoy a baked potato even on a hot summer day.
- Perfectly crispy skin: The high heat and air circulation create a crackly skin that you'd normally only get from a deep fryer, with just a light coating of oil.
- Forgiving technique: Even if you forget to flip them at the 20-minute mark, they still come out great. This is a recipe that's hard to mess up.
Key ingredients for perfect air fryer baked potatoes
- Russet potatoes: These are the best choice for baking because their high starch content creates a fluffy, light interior. Look for potatoes that are similar in size so they cook evenly. Yukon Gold can be substituted, but the texture will be slightly denser.
- Olive oil: A light coating helps the skin brown and crisp. Avocado oil works as a neutral substitute. Use just enough to coat the potatoes, not so much that they become greasy.
- Kosher salt: The coarse grains add a satisfying crunch and seasoning to the skin. If you use fine table salt, reduce the amount to about half a teaspoon.
Kitchen tools for air fryer baked potatoes
- Air fryer (any model that can hold four medium potatoes in a single layer)
- Tongs for flipping the potatoes halfway through
- A fork for testing doneness
Tips for making the best air fryer baked potatoes
- Scrub the potatoes well and pat them completely dry before adding oil. Any moisture on the skin will prevent it from crisping.
- Use a large bowl to toss the potatoes with olive oil and salt, making sure every surface is coated evenly.
- Flip the potatoes once halfway through the cooking time to promote even browning on all sides.
Expert tips for extra crispy air fryer baked potatoes
- For the crispiest skin, let the potatoes rest for 5 minutes after they come out of the air fryer before cutting. This lets the steam finish cooking the inside while the skin stays crackly.
- If your air fryer runs hot, start checking for doneness at the 35-minute mark. A fork should slide into the center with no resistance.
- Don't overcrowd the basket. Leave at least an inch of space between potatoes so the hot air can circulate; otherwise, they'll steam and the skins will be soft.
Air fryer baked potato variations to try
- Loaded Baked Potato: After cooking, split the potato open and top with shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, sour cream, and fresh chives.
- Garlic Herb: Stir a minced garlic clove and a teaspoon of dried rosemary or thyme into the olive oil before coating the potatoes.
- Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the salt mixture for a subtle heat that pairs well with chili or barbecue.
- Cheesy Crust: Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the potatoes during the last 5 minutes of cooking so it melts and forms a crispy, cheesy shell.
What to serve with air fryer baked potatoes
Toppings for air fryer baked potatoes
- Classic: butter, sour cream, chives, and shredded cheddar
- Bacon and cheese: crumbled bacon, sharp cheddar, and a dollop of ranch dressing
- Broccoli and cheese: steamed broccoli florets and melted cheddar
Side dishes to serve with baked potatoes
- Grilled steak or roasted chicken
- A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette
- Steamed asparagus or green beans
How to store leftover air fryer baked potatoes
Store leftover baked potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let them cool completely before storing to avoid condensation, which can make the skin soggy. For best results, wrap each potato individually in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in the container.
Can you freeze air fryer baked potatoes?
You can freeze baked potatoes for up to 3 months. Let them cool completely, then wrap each potato tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. To serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the air fryer or oven.
Best ways to reheat air fryer baked potatoes
The best way to reheat a baked potato is in the air fryer at 350°F for 5 to 7 minutes, or until heated through and the skin turns crispy again. You can also use a microwave, but the skin will soften. If you prefer the oven, reheat at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
Source recipe: Air Fryer Baked Potatoes (SnapChef ID 803b66a1-5663-4bce-91f8-6764df9729d2). Nutrition is estimated per serving.
Ingredients
Directions
- Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees.
- Wash potatoes, and pat them dry.
- Place potatoes in a bowl and coat with olive oil. Place potatoes into the basket of the air fryer.
- Sprinkle salt on top.
- Flip after 20 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- After the final 20 minutes of cooking remove them from the air fryer. Allow them to cook slightly before cutting into them.
- Serve with your favorite toppings.
Tap a step number to check it off as you cook.
Nutrition Facts per serving · estimated
Amount per serving
% Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet (FDA).
Good to know
Questions, answered
Do I need to poke holes in the potatoes before air frying?
The recipe doesn't call for it, and the air fryer's circulating heat cooks them evenly without the need for venting. However, if you're worried about bursting, you can poke a few holes with a fork. It won't affect the texture.
Can I use olive oil spray instead of brushing the potatoes?
Yes, you can use a light coating of olive oil spray. Just make sure to spray all sides evenly. The oil helps the salt stick and promotes browning, so don't skip it entirely.
How long should I cook larger potatoes?
The recipe calls for medium russet potatoes and a 40-minute total cook time. If your potatoes are larger, add 5 to 10 minutes and check for doneness with a fork. If they're smaller, start checking at 30 minutes.
Why are my potato skins not crispy?
The most common reason is overcrowding the air fryer basket. If the potatoes are touching, the steam gets trapped and softens the skin. Also, make sure the potatoes are completely dry before adding oil, and flip them halfway through.
