If you’re looking for a way to fall in love with the humble potato all over again, Air Fryer Baked Potatoes are about to steal your heart. Perfectly crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, each bite is pure comfort and satisfaction. The air fryer works its magic, turning simple pantry staples into a side dish worthy of center stage. Whether you’re serving a cozy weeknight meal or loading them up for a gathering, these potatoes are a fuss-free revelation you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just three ingredients, yet each plays a starring role in the final flavor and texture of these Air Fryer Baked Potatoes. You don’t need anything fancy—just the basics, used brilliantly, to yield seriously impressive spuds.
- 4 medium russet potatoes, scrubbed and dried: Russets are the classic choice for baked potatoes, thanks to their fluffy interiors and sturdy, crispable skins.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: This coats the potatoes in a sheen that helps achieve that irresistible, crackly golden crust.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: A good sprinkle before cooking ensures every bite bursts with flavor, and also enhances that sought-after crispy texture.
How to Make Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 400°F and let it warm up for about 5 minutes. Preheating isn’t just a technicality here—it guarantees that the potatoes start cooking the moment they hit the basket, helping you achieve those perfectly crispy skins that make Air Fryer Baked Potatoes so crave-worthy.
Step 2: Prep the Potatoes
Rub each potato all over with olive oil, giving it a glossy coat. Sprinkle them generously with kosher salt so every surface is seasoned. This simple step does double duty: oil helps the skin crisp while salt draws out moisture and amps up the flavor.
Step 3: Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket
Place the potatoes in your air fryer basket, making sure they’re not crowded or touching. Allowing space ensures the hot air can move freely, crisping every side to perfection. If you love extra crispy skins, pierce each potato with a fork a few times before air frying, allowing steam to escape.
Step 4: Air Fry Until Perfectly Cooked
Cook the potatoes at 400°F for 35 to 45 minutes, giving them a flip halfway through. The exact timing depends on the size of your potatoes and your air fryer’s quirks. You’ll know they’re ready when the skins are deep golden and a fork glides easily through the center. Don’t rush this part—those extra minutes give you the fluffiest insides and the crunchiest skin!
Step 5: Serve and Fluff
Remove your hot potatoes, let them cool briefly, then slice open and fluff with a fork. This is the glorious moment when you reveal that pillowy center. Pile on your favorite toppings, from a pat of melty butter to a scatter of chives, and get ready to savor every bite.
How to Serve Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
Garnishes
Half the fun of Air Fryer Baked Potatoes is dressing them up. Classic options like salted butter, sour cream, sharp cheddar cheese, and chives are always fabulous. For a vegan twist, try creamy cashew sauce, fresh dill, or a drizzle of olive oil with cracked pepper. Don’t be shy—pile it high and make each potato your masterpiece!
Side Dishes
These potatoes play nicely with just about any entrée. Serve alongside grilled veggies, roasted chicken, a juicy steak, or even a crisp green salad for a simple yet satisfying meal. They’re hearty enough to be the star, but subtle enough to let any main shine.
Creative Ways to Present
Unleash your imagination! Turn Air Fryer Baked Potatoes into a DIY topping bar at your next get-together—think bacon bits, sautéed mushrooms, chopped scallions, salsa, or even chili for a full meal. Or, scoop out the centers and whip them with vegan cheese before stuffing them back in for twice-baked magic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra potatoes (lucky you!), let them cool completely, then stash them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to four days, remaining just as tasty for weekday meals or quick snacks.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze Air Fryer Baked Potatoes for longer storage. Once cooled, wrap each potato tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to three months; just thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, pop leftover potatoes back in the air fryer at 375°F for 5 to 7 minutes. This brings back that signature crispy skin while keeping the interior soft. If you’re in a pinch, the microwave works too, but you might lose a bit of the crunch.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Side Dish
Russet potatoes are the top choice for Air Fryer Baked Potatoes because their starch content gives the classic fluffy inside, but you can definitely try this with Yukon Gold or sweet potatoes for a fun twist. Just adjust cooking time as needed!
Do I need to poke holes in the potatoes before air frying?
While it’s optional, piercing the potatoes a few times with a fork helps steam escape as they cook. This reduces the very slim chance of bursting and can also make the skins even crispier.
How do I know when the potatoes are done?
Your best bet is to test with a fork or sharp knife; it should glide through the thickest part of the potato without resistance. The skin will be golden and crisp, and the center fluffy and tender.
Can I cook more than four potatoes at once?
You can, as long as your air fryer basket isn’t overcrowded. Air needs to circulate to get those awesome results, so if you’re making a larger batch, cook them in batches for best crispiness.
Are Air Fryer Baked Potatoes healthier than oven-baked?
Because they use less oil and cook faster, Air Fryer Baked Potatoes are a lighter option. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free and vegan, and you control every ingredient that goes in!
Final Thoughts
Once you try Air Fryer Baked Potatoes, they’ll quickly earn a permanent spot in your weeknight dinner rotation. They’re wildly simple, effortlessly delicious, and endlessly customizable. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making baked potatoes way more often than you ever imagined!
Print
Air Fryer Baked Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free
Description
Enjoy perfectly crispy skinned baked potatoes without heating up your kitchen by using the air fryer. These vegan and gluten-free potatoes are simple to prepare and customizable with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
Potatoes:
- 4 medium russet potatoes, scrubbed and dried
Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
- Prepare Potatoes: Rub each potato with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
- Air Fry: Place potatoes in the air fryer basket without touching. Air fry for 35–45 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Finish and Serve: Let cool slightly, slice open, and fluff the insides. Serve with desired toppings.
Notes
- Cooking time may vary based on potato size and air fryer model.
- For crispier skin, pierce potatoes before cooking.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer at 375°F for 5–7 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 potato
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
