Air Fryer Baked Potato
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I love how Air Fryer Baked Potato gives you skin so crispy it crackles when you press it and an inside so fluffy it practically falls apart on its own, with way less time and effort than the oven. Just rub it with olive oil and salt, and that pat of butter melting into the steamy center at the end is hard to beat.
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It’s my go-to side for weeknight dinners, holiday meals, and game day when I need something hearty and completely hands-off. Everyone tops their own potato however they want, which makes it an easy crowd-pleaser for the whole family. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in the air fryer to bring that crispy skin back to life.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.
How to Make an Air Fryer Baked Potato with Step-By-Step Instructions
Scroll down for the full recipe card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.
Making a perfect baked potato in the air fryer is so much easier than you’d think, and I’ll walk you through each step.
Prepare Your Potatoes
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F/200°C. While it heats up, scrub your potatoes well with a vegetable brush to remove any dirt from the potato skins, then pat them completely dry with a towel. Drying them thoroughly is what helps that skin crisp up properly.
I use Russet potatoes because they bake up beautifully, with a super-crispy skin and a perfectly fluffy center. Idaho potatoes are a great alternative, too.
Prick and Season the Potatoes
Using a fork, prick a few holes all over each potato. Piercing potatoes lets steam escape, which prevents them from bursting while they cook.
Then, in a prep bowl, rub them all over with the olive oil, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Make sure every surface is coated so you get that even, golden crust and flavorful skin.
Air Fry the Seasoned Potatoes
Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer and bake in the preheated air fryer for 35 to 45 minutes, flipping halfway through. The size of your potatoes will determine exactly how long they need, so start checking around the 35-minute mark of cooking time.
To check if they’re done, slide a sharp knife through the center. The knife should glide through easily, and the potatoes should be light and fluffy inside with a nice, crisp skin.
Add Your Desired Toppings
Slice open each cooked baked potato with a chef’s knife, add butter, then pile on whatever you love. Sprinkle liberally with freshly chopped parsley, green onions, vegan bacon bits, or any of your favorite toppings. Serve warm and enjoy!
This best baked potato travels well to potlucks and family gatherings. Let them cool for about 10 minutes before wrapping individually in aluminum foil, or you’ll make the skin soggy if you wrap them too soon.
Transport them in an insulated bag, a covered dish, or an airtight container wrapped in a microfiber kitchen towel to hold in the heat if you plan to serve them warm. If you’re adding butter or toppings, pack those separately and let everyone load up their own when you arrive.
Ingredients
- 4 russet potatoes medium
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper freshly cracked
- 4 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F/200°C.
- Wash the potatoes with a vegetable brush to remove any dirt and then pat them dry. Using a fork, prick holes in your potatoes. Then rub them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place them in the air fryer basket and bake for 35-45 minutes turning halfway.4 russet potatoes, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper
- To test they are cooked to perfection, slide a knife through the potatoes, they should be nice and crispy on the outside and light and fluffy on the inside. Add butter to each potato and a topping of your choice. They come out perfectly every time, enjoy your air fryer baked potatoes!4 tablespoons butter
Notes
Nutrition
How to Store Leftovers
Let any leftover Air Fryer Baked Potatoes cool completely, then wrap each one in foil or place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 400°F for about 10 minutes, and the skin crisps right back up beautifully.
For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap potatoes individually in heavy-duty aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer bag before freezing. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the air fryer until warmed all the way through.
What to Serve With Air Fryer Baked Potato
It’s pretty satisfying on its own, but pairing it with the right sides takes the whole meal up a notch.
A crisp garden salad or a simple coleslaw works really well alongside it, and other air-fried vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts make for a hearty, well-rounded plate.
If you want something a little more cozy, a bowl of tomato soup or a creamy broccoli cheddar soup soup pairs beautifully with baked potatoes. Top it with your favorite baked potato toppings like sour cream, Greek yogurt, shredded cheese, chives, or baked beans to turn it into a complete meal all on its own.
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