Air fryer baked potatoes are a game-changer for anyone who loves the crispy skin and fluffy interior of a baked potato but doesn’t want to wait the usual hour it takes in the oven. With the air fryer, you can cook your baked potatoes in roughly half the time. Making them a quick and easy option for a weeknight meal or a hearty lunch. The best part? The air fryer creates a perfect balance between a crispy, golden skin and a soft, tender interior. Giving you the ideal baked potato every time.
When choosing potatoes for baking, starchy varieties like Russet potatoes are the best choice. The high starch content in Russets allows the potatoes to cook in their own moisture, resulting in a fluffy interior. Other starchy varieties like King Edward or Desiree potatoes also bake beautifully. Providing the same soft, light texture inside while achieving a crispy, golden skin on the outside. Avoid using waxy potatoes, as they don’t bake as well and tend to be more dense and creamy in texture.
Making baked potatoes in the air fryer is incredibly easy. Simply scrub the potatoes clean, prick them with a fork to allow steam to escape, and lightly coat them with oil and salt for that crispy, flavourful skin. Place them in the air fryer basket and cook for around 35 to 40 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes. You’ll know they’re done when the skin is golden and the potato feels soft when you gently squeeze it.
These air fryer baked potatoes make the perfect side dish to accompany steak or chicken. Alternatively, serve them on their own for a satisfying lunch.
PREP 5 minutes
COOK 45 minutes
SERVES 2 people
KIT you will need an air fryer and paper towel
Ingredients for air fryer baked potato
4 medium russet potatoes (King Edward or Desiree potatoes also bake well)
1 tablespoon of olive oil (or melted butter)
Sea salt and ground black pepper
To serve:
Butter, sour cream, grated cheese, chives, bacon bits, etc.
Method
Start by giving your potatoes a good scrub under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. Especially important if you plan to leave the skin on for that extra crispy texture. Once clean, pat them dry thoroughly using a clean tea towel or paper towel. Dry potatoes will roast better in the air fryer.
Next, take a fork and prick each potato several times all over. This allows steam to escape during cooking and helps prevent them from bursting. Then, rub each potato all over with olive oil or melted butter – either works beautifully. The oil not only helps the skin crisp up but also adds a lovely richness. After that, season the potatoes generously with salt and pepper, or add your favourite spices like garlic granules, smoked paprika, or even a pinch of chilli flakes for a little heat.
Preheat your air fryer to 200°C for about 5 minutes. This ensures a hot environment that’ll get your potatoes cooking evenly from the start. Once preheated, place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them for the air to circulate. Cook for 35 to 40 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure an even crisp on all sides.
To check if they’re done, insert a fork or knife into the centre – if it slides in easily, your potatoes are perfectly cooked. If they’re still firm in the middle, continue cooking for another 5 to 10 minutes.
Once ready, remove the baked potatoes from the air fryer. Cut a slit down the middle and gently squeeze the sides to fluff up the inside. Top with butter, sour cream, grated mature cheddar, crispy bacon bits, or fresh chives – whatever you love most. Delicious as a side or a comforting main!
Tips for Air Fryer Baked Potato
1. Choose the right potatoes
Russet potatoes are perfect for baking due to their fluffy texture. Select potatoes that are similar in size to ensure even cooking.
2. Scrub and dry
Wash the potatoes thoroughly and dry them with a paper towel. The skin gets nice and crispy when dry.
3. Pierce the potatoes
Use a fork to poke a few holes in each potato. This allows steam to escape during cooking and prevents them from bursting.
4. Coat with oil and season
Lightly rub the potatoes with olive oil or butter and season with salt. This helps the skin become golden and crispy while enhancing the flavour.
5. Preheat the air fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for 2–3 minutes to ensure the potatoes cook evenly from the start.
6. Place potatoes in a single layer
Arrange the potatoes in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Airflow is key to getting that perfect crispy skin!
7. Cook time depends on size
Air fry for 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway through. Larger potatoes may need a little more time, while smaller ones may cook faster.
8. Check for doneness
To check if the potatoes are fully cooked, insert a fork or skewer. It should slide in easily. If not, cook for an additional 5 minutes.
9. Add your toppings
Once cooked, slice the potato open and fluff the insides with a fork. Top with your favourite fixings like cheese, sour cream, butter, chives, or even bacon bits.
10. Serve immediately
Enjoy your perfectly crispy-skinned baked potatoes as a side dish or a satisfying main!
Similar recipes
If you love these easy air fryer baked potato recipe then you will like my air fryer sweet potato recipe that I cooked on the Channel 5 TV show Air Fryers: Do You Have The Right One. Or maybe you will also love my air fryer potato wedges and the air fryer hash browns recipe.
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