Life with three little ones means chaos is often the default, but dinner doesn’t have to be. I remember one frantic Tuesday evening, juggling homework help, bath time, and a rumbling stomach. My usual oven-baked potato routine felt too slow.
Then, a lightbulb moment! What about a baked potato in air fryer? I grabbed some Russets, quickly seasoned them, and popped them into our trusty air fryer.
The result? A perfectly crispy-skinned, fluffy-centered air fryer baked potato that cooked in a fraction of the time. My kids devoured them, loaded with their favorite toppings, and peace (and deliciousness) reigned.
Since then, the baked potato in air fryer has become a staple in our home, a simple act of food love that brings everyone to the table. This method truly delivers the best air fryer potato every single time, making it our go-to for a quick, comforting side or even a main meal. If you’ve never tried a baked potato in air fryer, prepare for a game-changer!
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baked potato in air fryer
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 2–4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Life with three little ones means chaos is often the default, but dinner doesn’t have to be. This incredible air fryer baked potato recipe offers a fast, delicious solution, delivering an unbelievably crispy skin and wonderfully fluffy interior. It cooks much faster than a traditional oven-baked potato, uses less energy, and heats your kitchen less.
Ingredients
2–4 medium Russet Potatoes
1-2 tablespoons Olive Oil
1/2 teaspoon Sea Salt
1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- Thoroughly scrub your Russet potatoes under cold water, then pat them completely dry. Use a fork or a small knife to pierce each potato 8-10 times all over to prevent them from exploding in the air fryer
- Drizzle each potato with olive oil, rubbing the oil all over the potato skin. Sprinkle generously with sea salt and black pepper, ensuring the skin is well coated for a super crispy finish
- Place the prepared potatoes in your air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd; cook in batches if necessary for even cooking. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 30-45 minutes, adjusting time based on potato size and air fryer model
- After about 20 minutes, flip the potatoes to ensure even cooking and browning. Continue air frying until the skin is wonderfully crispy and a fork easily pierces the center, indicating they are perfectly cooked
Notes
Always choose similarly sized potatoes to ensure even cooking. Don’t skip piercing; it allows steam to escape, preventing bursting and creating a fluffier interior.
For an even crispier skin, you can rub a little extra oil halfway through cooking. Ensure your air fryer basket isn’t too crowded as air circulation is key to the perfect crispy texture. Trust the fork test: when it slides in easily, your baked potato is ready!
To store leftovers, let them cool completely, then place in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For reheating, use the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid the microwave to maintain crispy skin.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 medium potato
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Air Fryer Baked Potato, Crispy Skin, Quick Meal, Easy Side, Russet Potatoes
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS AIR FRYER BAKED POTATO RECIPE
This incredible baked potato in air fryer recipe will quickly become your family’s favorite. You will love the speed; it cooks much faster than a traditional oven-baked potato. Furthermore, you achieve an unbelievably crispy skin and a wonderfully fluffy interior, which is exactly what you want in a perfect air fryer baked potato.
Plus, preparing a baked potato in air fryer uses less energy and heats your kitchen less, especially on warm days. Everyone needs a reliable method for a great potato in air fryer, and this one is foolproof. Seriously, once you experience this crispy air-fried potato, you will never go back.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED
Making a delicious baked potato in air fryer requires just a few basic ingredients. You likely have most of these on hand already! This simple list helps you create the best air fryer potato.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Russet Potatoes | 2-4 medium, scrubbed clean |
| Olive Oil | 1-2 tablespoons |
| Sea Salt | 1/2 teaspoon or to taste |
| Black Pepper | 1/4 teaspoon or to taste |
SUBSTITUTIONS & VARIATIONS
You can easily customize your baked potato in air fryer to suit any taste! Instead of Russets, try Yukon Golds or even sweet potatoes for a delicious variation on your air fryer baked potato. For different flavors, experiment with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or even a dash of chili powder before cooking your potato in air fryer.
A sprinkle of rosemary or thyme also adds a wonderful aromatic touch to a baked potato in air fryer. You can also coat the skin with a little butter instead of olive oil for extra crispiness on your air-fried potato.
Just as a baked potato in air fryer offers endless customization with different spices and potatoes, you can easily elevate other simple ingredients into a gourmet experience. For instance, consider how a few simple seasonings can transform seafood into a flavorful main dish with our recipe for Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Creating the perfect baked potato in air fryer is incredibly straightforward. Follow these steps for a consistently delicious result every time.
Note: This video is for demonstration purposes and may use a slightly different method.
prep the potatoes
First, thoroughly scrub your Russet potatoes under cold water. Then, pat them completely dry. Use a fork or a small knife to pierce each potato 8-10 times all over. This prevents them from exploding in the air fryer. This crucial step ensures a safe baked potato in air fryer.
season the potatoes
Next, drizzle each potato with olive oil. Rub the oil all over the potato skin. Sprinkle generously with sea salt and black pepper. You really want to coat the skin well for a super crispy air fryer baked potato. This seasoning elevates your simple potato in air fryer.
air fry the potatoes
Place the prepared potatoes in your air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they don’t overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary for an even baked potato in air fryer. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 30-45 minutes. The exact time depends on your potato size and air fryer model.
flip & finish
After about 20 minutes, flip the potatoes to ensure even cooking and browning. Continue air frying until the skin is wonderfully crispy and a fork easily pierces the center. You will love the crispy exterior of this air-fried potato. This ensures your baked potato in air fryer is perfectly cooked.
PRO TIPS FOR SUCCESS
Achieving the ultimate baked potato in air fryer is simple with a few smart tricks. Always choose similarly sized potatoes; this ensures they cook evenly in your air fryer. Don’t skip piercing the potato; it allows steam to escape, preventing bursting and creating a fluffier interior for your air fryer potato.
For an even crispier skin on your baked potato in air fryer, you can rub a little extra oil halfway through cooking. Also, ensure your air fryer basket isn’t too crowded; air circulation is key to that perfect air-fried potato texture. Finally, trust the fork test when it slides in easily, your baked potato in air fryer is ready!
Achieving that sought-after crispy skin on your baked potato in air fryer relies on key techniques like proper oiling and even cooking. These same principles are crucial when aiming for the perfect crunch in other beloved dishes, such as Crispy Baked Chicken Wings.
STORAGE & REHEATING TIPS
If you happen to have leftover baked potato in air fryer, store them properly. Let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For reheating, the air fryer is your best friend again!
Reheat your air fryer baked potato at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the skin is crispy again. Avoid the microwave if you want to maintain that wonderful crispy skin on your air-fried potato. This method ensures your leftover baked potato in air fryer tastes just as good as fresh.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH THIS RECIPE
A delicious baked potato in air fryer is a meal in itself, especially with plenty of toppings! We often serve our air fryer baked potato with classic fixings like butter, sour cream, chives, and shredded cheddar cheese. For a heartier meal, top your baked potato in air fryer with homemade chili, slow-cooker pulled pork, or even a quick chicken salad.
You can also enjoy this versatile potato in air fryer alongside grilled chicken, steak, or a simple green salad for a balanced dinner. The possibilities are endless with this fantastic air-fried potato.
A versatile air fryer baked potato pairs wonderfully with a variety of hearty mains, making it a complete and satisfying meal. If you’re looking for another hands-off, flavor-packed dinner that complements perfectly, explore our BBQ Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe.
FAQS
how long to cook a baked potato in air fryer?
Generally, a medium-sized baked potato in air fryer takes 30-45 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Larger potatoes will require more time.
do you wrap potatoes in foil in air fryer?
No, do not wrap your potato in air fryer in foil. Wrapping prevents the skin from getting crispy, which is a highlight of an air fryer baked potato.
can i make sweet potatoes in the air fryer?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes cook beautifully as an air fryer potato. Follow the same instructions for a delicious baked potato in air fryer alternative, though cooking times might vary slightly.
how to get crispy skin on a baked potato in air fryer?
To achieve super crispy skin on your baked potato in air fryer, ensure you coat it well with olive oil and salt, and don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. This promotes excellent air circulation for a truly crispy air-fried potato.
A baked potato is a universally loved comfort food, traditionally prepared by baking in a conventional oven until the skin is crisp and the interior is tender and fluffy. The advent of kitchen appliances like the air fryer has introduced a quicker and more energy-efficient method to achieve this classic dish, resulting in a perfectly cooked potato with a satisfyingly crispy exterior in less time.
NUTRITION INFORMATION (PER SERVING)
This nutrition information is for one plain medium baked potato in air fryer (approx. 200g), without toppings. These values are estimates.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Fat | 2g |
| Carbohydrates | 39g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Protein | 5g |