Air Fryer Baked Potato

Save this recipe on:

Golden, crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside—this Air Fryer Baked Potato might just become your favorite go-to side dish. It captures the comfort of a traditional oven-baked potato in a fraction of the time, all while delivering unbeatable texture. The air fryer works its magic to create that crisp skin we crave, without needing to crank up the big oven.

Perfect for busy weeknights or as a satisfying base for toppings galore, this baked potato turns out consistently delicious every time. Whether you’re serving it alongside steak, chili, or enjoying it fully loaded with sour cream, cheese, and chives, the simplicity of this method makes it a kitchen essential.

---

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Baked Potato

• Quick & Efficient: Done in under 40 minutes without heating the entire kitchen.
• Crispy Perfection: Achieves that ideal contrast of crunchy skin and fluffy center.
• Minimal Ingredients: Just potatoes, oil, and salt—your pantry has it all.
• Versatile: Perfect as a side, a main with toppings, or meal prep for the week.

---

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Making the perfect air fryer baked potato is all about the right prep and tools. Here’s what you need and why each is important:

• Air Fryer: The hero of this recipe. It circulates hot air evenly around the potatoes, giving you that irresistible crispness.
• Fork: To pierce the potatoes before cooking. This helps steam escape and ensures even cooking inside.
• Oil Brush or Hands: Use to coat the potatoes in oil, allowing the skins to crisp up beautifully.
• Tongs: For safe handling when flipping or removing hot potatoes from the air fryer.
• Cooling Rack (optional): If you’re prepping a batch, let them rest here so the bottoms don’t steam and lose crispness.

---

Ingredients for the Air Fryer Baked Potato

• Russet Potatoes: Their starchy flesh makes them ideal for baking—fluffy and light inside.
• Olive Oil: Helps the skin turn golden and crisp.
• Sea Salt: For flavor and a subtle crunch on the skin.
• Optional Toppings: Butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, chives, bacon bits—build it your way!

---

How To Make the Air Fryer Baked Potato

Step 1: Choose the Right Potatoes

Pick medium to large russet potatoes that are uniform in size for even cooking. Scrub them clean and pat dry.

Step 2: Prep for Crispiness

Pierce each potato with a fork a few times. Rub all over with olive oil, then sprinkle generously with sea salt.

Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection

Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through. They’re done when a fork slides in easily and the skin is crisp.

Step 4: Load It Up!

Slice open, fluff the insides with a fork, and add your favorite toppings. Serve hot and enjoy that delicious contrast of textures.

---

How to Serve and Store Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

Serve these right out of the air fryer for the ultimate crispy experience. They’re a great side to grilled meats, hearty stews, or turned into a full meal with loaded toppings like BBQ pulled pork or a veggie medley.

For storage, let the potatoes cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–8 minutes to revive the crisp skin.

You can also freeze baked potatoes! Wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to bake a potato in the air fryer?

Typically 35–40 minutes at 400°F. Larger potatoes may need an extra 5 minutes.

Do I need to wrap the potatoes in foil?

Nope! In fact, foil traps moisture and prevents the skins from crisping.

Can I use a different type of potato?

Yes, but russet potatoes offer the best fluffy interior and crispy exterior combo. Yukon golds or red potatoes will be more waxy.

How do I know when the potato is fully cooked?

A fork should slide in easily without resistance. The center should be soft and steamy.

Can I prep these ahead of time?

Absolutely! Cook them in advance and reheat in the air fryer to bring back the crisp.

What toppings go well with air fryer baked potatoes?

Try butter, sour cream, shredded cheddar, green onions, bacon bits, or even chili or steamed broccoli with cheese sauce.

---

Want More Potato Ideas?

If you love this Air Fryer Baked Potato, here are some other delicious and comforting dishes you might enjoy:

• Simple Cheesy Potatoes Recipe for Effortless Cooking with melty goodness in every bite.
• Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe for ultra creamy and buttery spoonfuls.
• Oven Fried Potatoes & Onions that bring old-school charm and crispy edges.
• Easy Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole if you’re craving a full meal.
• Simple and Quick German Potato Salad for a zesty, tangy twist.

---

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest side dish board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you top it with classic sour cream and chives or go bold with chili and cheese?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

For more quick comfort food ideas, follow me on Pinterest @Americanrecipesbyheart.

---

Print

Save this recipe on: