If you love baked potatoes but don’t want to wait an hour for the oven, this Air Fryer Baked Potato recipe is your new go-to! These potatoes are extra crispy on the outside, fluffy and tender on the inside, and ready in less time than traditional oven-baked versions. With just a little oil, salt, and pepper, you’ll have the perfect side dish that pairs with just about anything.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy & Fluffy: Golden skin with a soft, creamy center every time.
- Quick & Easy: No oven needed—your air fryer does all the work.
- Minimal Ingredients: Just potatoes, oil, salt, and pepper.
- Customizable: Load them up with your favorite toppings for endless variety.
Ingredients
- 3 medium russet potatoes (about 300 g each)
- 1 ½ tablespoons oil (olive oil or vegetable oil)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for 5 minutes. - Prep the Potatoes
Wash and scrub the potatoes well, then dry them completely with a towel. Wet potatoes won’t crisp properly. - Season
Rub the potatoes all over with oil, then sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Use a fork to poke each potato once in the middle to release steam while cooking. - Cook
Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them. Cook for about 40 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.- Smaller potatoes: Check around 30–35 minutes.
- Larger potatoes: They may need 45–50 minutes.
- Check for Doneness
Insert a knife into the center of a potato—it should slide in easily. If not, cook 5–10 minutes longer. - Serve
Slice open, fluff the insides with a fork, and add your favorite toppings like butter, cheese, sour cream, bacon, or fresh herbs.
Pro Tips
- Dry thoroughly: The drier the potato, the crispier the skin.
- Preheat the fryer: Ensures even cooking from the start.
- Check size: Adjust cook time based on potato size.
Favorite Topping Ideas
- Salted butter and shredded cheddar
- Sour cream with fresh chives
- Crispy bacon bits
- Broccoli and cheese
- Salsa or chili
- Pulled pork or shredded chicken
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–5 days.
- Reheat: Pop them back in the air fryer at 400°F for 5–10 minutes until hot and crispy again.
Leftover Ideas
Turn extra baked potatoes into Breakfast Potatoes, toss them into a Cheesy Ham & Potato Casserole, or stir them into Potato Soup for a hearty upgrade.
Serving Suggestions
Air Fryer Baked Potatoes pair beautifully with:
- Roasted Pork Tenderloin
- Perfect Roast Chicken
- Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs
- Italian Beef
✅ Conclusion:
These Air Fryer Baked Potatoes are everything you love about the classic side dish but faster, crispier, and easier. Whether served with butter and cheese or loaded up with chili and bacon, they’re guaranteed to become a weeknight favorite!