Air Fryer Baked Potato

How to Make Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

Follow these simple steps to make the perfect baked potato in the air fryer:

1. Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures that the air fryer is hot enough to crisp the skin of the potato, while still cooking the inside to perfection.

2. Prepare the Potatoes

Start by washing the potatoes thoroughly. Scrub away any dirt or debris, as you’ll be eating the skin, and you want it to be clean.

Once they’re clean, pat the potatoes dry with a towel. This will help the oil (if you’re using it) stick to the skin.

Optional: Poke the potatoes with a fork 6-8 times all over the surface. This allows steam to escape during cooking and helps prevent the potatoes from bursting open.

3. Coat with Oil and Season

Lightly coat each potato with a thin layer of olive oil or vegetable oil. This helps create the crispy skin. Then, sprinkle the potatoes with salt and any other seasonings you like, such as pepper, garlic powder, or paprika.

If you prefer a more basic version, simply oil the potatoes and salt them—sometimes simple is best.

4. Place in the Air Fryer

Place the prepared potatoes in the air fryer basket. Make sure they’re arranged in a single layer with a little space between each potato, allowing the hot air to circulate around them. If you’re cooking multiple potatoes, make sure they’re not overcrowded, as this can affect cooking time and the crispiness of the skin.

5. Air Fry the Potatoes

Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the potatoes for 25-35 minutes, depending on their size and thickness.

• Smaller potatoes may only need about 25 minutes.
• Larger potatoes may need up to 35 minutes.

After about 15-20 minutes, check on the potatoes. You can turn them halfway through cooking to ensure they cook evenly, but it’s not absolutely necessary if you’re short on time.

To test for doneness, insert a fork or knife into the center of the potato. The potato is ready when it’s tender and easily pierced, and the skin should be crisp and golden.

6. Serve and Enjoy!

Once your potatoes are cooked to perfection, carefully remove them from the air fryer (they’ll be hot!). You can serve them as-is or slice them open and add your favorite toppings.

Here are some delicious ideas for topping your air fryer baked potato:

• Classic: Butter, sour cream, chives, salt, and pepper.
• Loaded: Cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, sour cream, and green onions.
• Tex-Mex: Salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and jalapeños.
• Vegetarian: Steamed broccoli, melted cheese, and a drizzle of ranch dressing.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

• Choose the Right Potatoes: While any potato can work for baked potatoes, Russet potatoes are the best choice due to their high starch content. They have a fluffy interior that’s perfect for baking.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Make sure the potatoes have plenty of room in the air fryer for air to circulate. If you’re cooking multiple potatoes, leave space between them to ensure they cook evenly.
• Check for Doneness: Potato sizes vary, so make sure to check for tenderness by inserting a fork or skewer. If it slides in easily, the potatoes are done.
• Adjust for Size: Larger potatoes will need more time, so keep an eye on the clock and test smaller ones first.
• Double Check the Skin: If you like your potato skin super crispy, you can cook the potatoes for a few more minutes after they’re tender. Just keep an eye on them to avoid burning.

Variations and Toppings for Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

Once you’ve mastered the basic air fryer baked potato, you can experiment with different seasonings, fillings, and toppings. Here are a few ideas:

1. Herb-Infused Baked Potatoes

Before cooking, sprinkle the potatoes with a mix of dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano for extra flavor.

2. Cheesy Baked Potato

Add shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan) on top of the potato and return it to the air fryer for a couple more minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

3. Garlic Parmesan Baked Potato

Mix garlic powder and parmesan cheese with your oil before coating the potatoes. This will give you a savory, cheesy, and slightly garlicky twist.

4. Breakfast Baked Potato

Top your baked potato with a fried egg, some crispy bacon, and a bit of cheddar cheese for a hearty breakfast or brunch.

5. Sweet Potato Variation

Sweet potatoes can be made in the air fryer using the same method. They’ll take a bit longer to cook (about 35-45 minutes), but the results will be just as delicious, with their natural sweetness and soft, fluffy interiors.

6. Vegan or Dairy-Free Baked Potato

For a healthier or dairy-free option, top your baked potato with avocado, salsa, and vegan sour cream or a drizzle of olive oil and fresh herbs.

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

• Crispy Skin, Fluffy Interior: The air fryer delivers the perfect balance of crispy skin and soft, fluffy insides, without the need for excessive oil.
• Quick and Easy: In just 25-35 minutes, you’ll have perfectly baked potatoes, without the hassle of heating up a whole oven.
• Versatile: Whether you like them simple with just butter and salt or loaded with toppings, baked potatoes are one of the most customizable dishes around.
• Healthy Option: With little or no oil required, air fryer baked potatoes are a healthier alternative to other methods like deep-frying or pan-frying.

Conclusion

If you love baked potatoes, you’re going to love making them in the air fryer. With its ability to cook potatoes quickly and evenly, while crisping the skin to perfection, the air fryer takes baked potatoes to a new level. It’s the perfect tool for anyone who enjoys crispy potatoes without the extra time or mess of traditional oven baking. Try this simple recipe, and enjoy a healthier, faster way to enjoy your favorite side dish!