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Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

Section: Perfect Side Dishes to Complete Any Meal

Preparing potatoes in an air fryer yields a delicious contrast between crisp, seasoned skins and fluffy, soft centers. With minimal effort and only a few ingredients—potatoes, oil, salt, and pepper—you get consistently perfect results in less time than oven baking. Simply scrub the potatoes, coat in oil and seasonings, then cook in the air fryer until golden and fork-tender. Serve with your favorite toppings, such as butter, chives, sour cream, cheese, or bacon. Enjoy this quick and easy method for a classic dish that pairs well with a wide variety of meals.

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Recipe Author Maria
Updated as of Fri, 18 Jul 2025 14:43:56 GMT
A baked potato with cheese and jalapenos on top. Bookmark
A baked potato with cheese and jalapenos on top. | foodbymary.com

This Air Fryer Baked Potato recipe delivers beautifully crisped skins and a soft fluffy interior every single time without needing to heat up the oven or worry about soggy results. The air fryer transforms simple potatoes into a dinner-worthy side or hearty lunch perfect for loading with your favorite toppings. No fuss just amazing baked potatoes with hardly any cleanup.

I first tried this method when my oven was packed with roast chicken and veggies. Now the air fryer is my default for baked potatoes and my whole family cheers when they see them on the table.

Ingredients

  • Russet potatoes: choose firm unblemished potatoes for the best texture and flavor
  • Olive oil or avocado oil: these give a flavorful crust and help the salt stick high quality extra virgin olive oil will boost nutrition and taste
  • Kosher salt: this creates that classic steakhouse salted crust use flaky salt for extra crunch if you have it
  • Freshly cracked black pepper: adds a fresh kick and pairs perfectly with buttery potatoes grind just before using for best flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Clean and Dry Cookers Choice:
Scrub the potatoes thoroughly under running water and dry well with a clean towel to ensure the oil and seasoning will adhere and so the skins crisp up nicely
Season Generously:
Rub each potato all over with olive oil making sure every inch is glossy then sprinkle generously with kosher salt and fresh black pepper press in the seasoning so it really sticks
Arrange in Basket:
Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket giving them space between each one so the hot air circulates and the skin crisps up evenly
Air Fry to Perfection:
Cook the potatoes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit turning once halfway through use tongs and test for doneness by squeezing with a towel the potato should yield easily and a fork should pierce through with little resistance
Serve and Load Up:
Transfer hot potatoes to plates and carefully slice open while wearing oven mitts fluff the inside with a fork and serve immediately with butter sour cream cheese bacon chives or any toppings you like
A baked potato with cheese and bacon on top. Bookmark
A baked potato with cheese and bacon on top. | foodbymary.com

I am a total fan of the crispy salted skin it reminds me of steakhouse potatoes my grandma made for Sunday dinners we always fought over who got the best crust.

Storage tips

Let leftover baked potatoes cool completely before putting them in the fridge use an airtight container or zip bag to lock in freshness for up to five days Pat leftover potatoes dry before reheating to preserve the crispy skin For reheating just pop potatoes back into the air fryer at 400 degrees for about five minutes and the skin will crisp up again If reheating in the microwave place a paper towel underneath to absorb moisture

Ingredient substitutions

If you cannot find russet potatoes you can use sweet potatoes for a sweeter flavor and pretty orange color Yukon gold potatoes also air fry well but will be creamier than fluffy For oil use any neutral oil you have on hand if you are out of olive oil Try adding garlic powder smoked paprika or dried Italian herbs to the oil for extra flavor

Serving suggestions

Think beyond butter and sour cream Try crispy crumbled bacon and fresh chives steamed broccoli and shredded cheddar a scoop of chili or even pulled pork for a heartier meal For a Tex Mex twist top with taco meat salsa and avocado or drizzle with ranch dressing and sliced green onions My kids love to set up a baked potato bar with all the toppings at dinner

A baked potato with cheese and sour cream on top. Bookmark
A baked potato with cheese and sour cream on top. | foodbymary.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of potatoes are best for air frying?

Russet potatoes work best due to their high starch content and ability to become fluffy inside with a crisp exterior.

→ Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

Preheating is optional. Check your air fryer's manual, as some models require it while others do not.

→ Should I poke holes in the potatoes before cooking?

Poking a few holes is recommended to help steam escape and prevent bursting during the cooking process.

→ What toppings pair well with air-fried potatoes?

Try butter, sour cream, chives, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, or even chili and pulled pork for loaded options.

→ How do I reheat leftover baked potatoes?

Reheat in the air fryer at 400°F for about 4-5 minutes to restore a crispy skin and warm, fluffy interior.

→ Can I use other oils besides olive oil?

Yes, avocado, canola, or vegetable oils can all be used to coat the potatoes for an even, crisp finish.

Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

Crispy-skinned, tender potatoes, made simple and quick in the air fryer. Ideal for stuffing or serving as a side.

Prep Time
8 minutes
Cooking Time
40 minutes
Overall Time
48 minutes
Recipe Author: Maria

Dish Category: Side Dishes

Recipe Difficulty: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine: American

Serves: 4 Serving Size (4 baked potatoes)

Dietary Options: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

What You’ll Need to Cook

→ Potatoes

Ingredient 01 4 medium russet potatoes, scrubbed and patted dry

→ Coating

Ingredient 02 1 tablespoon olive oil
Ingredient 03 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Ingredient 04 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Steps to Prepare

Step 01

Scrub potatoes thoroughly under running water and pat completely dry with a clean towel.

Step 02

Poke each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape. Rub potatoes with olive oil, ensuring the entire surface is coated. Sprinkle evenly with kosher salt and black pepper.

Step 03

Place potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring there is adequate space between them for air circulation.

Step 04

Set air fryer to 200°C and cook for 35–40 minutes, turning potatoes halfway through cooking, until skins are crisp and the center is tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 05

Remove potatoes from air fryer and serve immediately with desired toppings such as butter, sour cream, cheese, chives, or crispy bacon.

Extra Cooking Tips

  1. Using large-grain kosher salt creates the signature steakhouse-style crust on potato skins.
  2. Storing any leftovers in an airtight container ensures optimal freshness for up to five days in the refrigerator.
  3. For extra crispiness, reheat baked potatoes in the air fryer at 200°C for 4–5 minutes.
  4. Microwaving potatoes for a few minutes before air frying can reduce total cook time.

Must-Have Tools

  • Air fryer
  • Fork
  • Tongs
  • Bowl

Nutrition Info (Per Serving)

These details are for guidance and aren’t a replacement for professional advice.
  • Calories Count: 225
  • Fats: 3.5 grams
  • Carbs: 46 grams
  • Proteins: 5 grams