Best Baked Potatoes in Air Fryer

Introduction

Best Baked Potatoes in Air Fryer are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and ready faster than the oven. Hot circulating air creates that perfect jacket-potato skin while keeping the centers light and tender. With just a few simple steps, this method delivers steakhouse-quality baked potatoes any night of the week—no long oven preheat required.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Crispy skin, fluffy interior

• Faster than oven baking

• Minimal ingredients

• Energy-efficient and easy

• Perfect base for endless toppings

Ingredients (serves 4)

• 4 medium russet potatoes

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp salt

• Optional toppings: butter, sour cream, cheese, chives, bacon

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Air fryer

• Fork

• Paper towels

• Tongs

Step-by-step process (detailed)

1. Wash and dry

Scrub potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove dirt. Pat completely dry—dry skins crisp better.

2. Pierce

Use a fork to poke 6–8 holes around each potato. This allows steam to escape and prevents bursting.

3. Oil and season

Rub potatoes all over with olive oil, then sprinkle evenly with salt. Massage to coat the skin completely.

4. Preheat the air fryer

Preheat air fryer to 400°F (205°C) for 3–5 minutes for best crisping.

5. Air fry

Place potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 35–45 minutes, flipping halfway, until skins are crisp and a knife slides easily into the center.

6. Check doneness

Potatoes are done when the internal temperature reaches 205–210°F or when the centers feel soft when squeezed with tongs.

7. Rest briefly

Let potatoes rest 5 minutes. This finishes steaming the interior.

8. Serve

Slice open, fluff the inside with a fork, add butter and your favorite toppings, and serve hot.

Mistakes to avoid

• Skipping drying — soggy skin

• No oil — dull, tough skins

• Overcrowding — uneven cooking

• Not flipping — uneven crisping

• Undercooking — firm centers

Variations of Best Baked Potatoes in an Air Fryer

• Garlic Skin — rub with garlic powder

• Cheesy Potato — add cheese during the last 2 minutes

• Herb Crusted — add rosemary or thyme

• Loaded — top with bacon, cheese, and sour cream

• Sweet Potatoes — same method, cook 30–40 minutes

Tips for storage & make-ahead

• Refrigerate cooked potatoes up to 4 days

• Reheat in an air fryer at 375°F for 5–7 minutes

• Avoid microwaving if you want crispy skins

• Great for meal prep

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need foil?
No, foil prevents crisping.

Why russet potatoes?
They have the best fluffy interior for baking.

Can I cook different sizes together?
Try to use similar sizes for even cooking.

Are air fryer potatoes healthier?
Yes—less oil than oven or fried versions.

Conclusion

Best Baked Potatoes in Air Fryer prove that simple food done right is unbeatable. Crispy skins, cloud-like centers, and endless topping options make this method a go-to for quick dinners and comfort-food cravings alike.