Perfectly crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside—the Air Fryer Baked Potato is your new favorite sidekick for any meal. Whether you’re serving it up beside steak, piling it high with chili, or simply enjoying it with a generous pat of butter, this easy air fryer recipe delivers all the comfort and satisfaction of a classic baked potato in a fraction of the time.
The air fryer does wonders to the humble potato, giving it that crave-worthy, oven-roasted texture without heating up your kitchen. Plus, it’s incredibly hands-off. Once they’re in the basket, you can focus on the rest of dinner or just kick back while they get perfectly golden and delicious.
What Kind of Potatoes Should I Use?
Russet potatoes are your best bet for baking in the air fryer. Their thick skin crisps up beautifully, while the starchy interior becomes soft and fluffy. Choose medium to large potatoes that are relatively uniform in size for even cooking.
Ingredients for the Air Fryer Baked Potato
- 4 medium russet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Optional: cracked black pepper, garlic powder, or your favorite seasoning blend
How To Make the Air Fryer Baked Potato
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
Scrub the russet potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry. Pierce each potato a few times with a fork to allow steam to escape while cooking.
Step 2: Season
Rub each potato with olive oil, then sprinkle generously with kosher salt. Add any additional seasoning you’d like at this stage.
Step 3: Air Fry
Place the potatoes in your air fryer basket, leaving space between each one for air to circulate. Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the skins are crisp and a knife inserts easily into the center.
Step 4: Serve
Slice open each potato, fluff the insides with a fork, and add your favorite toppings like butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, bacon bits, or chives.
Serving and Storing Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
Serve them immediately for the best texture and flavor. They’re excellent with grilled meats, roasted veggies, or topped with hearty chili for a complete meal.
To store, let potatoes cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to regain their crisp skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when the potato is done?
A fork or knife should slide easily into the center. You can also give it a gentle squeeze—it should feel soft inside.
Can I wrap them in foil?
It’s not necessary in the air fryer and actually prevents the skin from crisping. For crispy skin, skip the foil.
What toppings go well?
Butter, sour cream, cheddar, green onions, bacon bits, broccoli and cheese, or even taco-style toppings like seasoned beef and salsa.
Can I use other types of potatoes?
Yes, but russets give the best results for baked-style potatoes. Yukon Gold or red potatoes will be softer and less fluffy.
Can I cook more than four at a time?
Yes, as long as your air fryer basket allows space between them for air circulation. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
Want More Potato Side Dish Ideas?
If you love this Air Fryer Baked Potato, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites:
- Cheesy Ranch Oven Roasted Potatoes for a gooey, savory twist.
- Mexican Potatoes with a bold and spicy kick.
- Funeral Potatoes for that creamy, cheesy, comforting bake.
- Best Scalloped Potatoes when you’re in the mood for rich and indulgent.
- Oven Roasted Root Vegetables to mix it up with other hearty veggies.
Save This Pin + Share Your Results
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest side dish board so you can come back to it anytime.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go classic with butter, or load it up with chili and cheese? Have a favorite topping combo? Share it!
Looking for daily kitchen inspiration? Check out more recipes over on my Pinterest at Nina Dishes.
Air Fryer Baked Potato
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Air Fryer Baked Potato recipe creates that perfect contrast of a crispy skin with a fluffy interior in under an hour. It’s a simple, reliable way to enjoy baked potatoes without heating up your oven. Whether you’re serving them as a side or loading them up for a main, they’re a must-try for air fryer fans.
Ingredients
4 medium russet potatoes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Optional cracked black pepper
Optional garlic powder
Optional seasoning blend
Instructions
1. Scrub the russet potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry. Pierce each potato a few times with a fork to allow steam to escape while cooking.
2. Rub each potato with olive oil, then sprinkle generously with kosher salt. Add any additional seasoning you’d like at this stage.
3. Place the potatoes in your air fryer basket, leaving space between each one for air to circulate. Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the skins are crisp and a knife inserts easily into the center.
4. Slice open each potato, fluff the insides with a fork, and add your favorite toppings like butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, bacon bits, or chives.
Notes
Don’t skip piercing the potatoes—this keeps them from bursting.
For extra crispy skin, avoid wrapping in foil.
Reheat leftovers in the air fryer to bring back the crispy texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 baked potato
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 310 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Air Fryer, Baked Potato, Easy Sides
