Air Fryer Baked Potatoes Recipe (Easy & Healthy!) 

While the baked potato is often enjoyed as a hearty main event or classic side dish, preparing them in an air fryer makes it an easy and delicious appetizer. The air fryer baked potato recipe is one of the simplest to make. I love cooking baked potatoes in the air fryer because it gives the exterior a lovely crispiness. Best of all, this recipe requires little effort to make. In no time, you can transform an everyday baked potato into an enjoyable snack using just this easy air fryer baked potato recipe.

Just like baking potatoes in the traditional oven, air fryer baked potatoes are the perfect side dish. They pair wonderfully with any main event and can be dressed up in your favorite toppings for an easy, delicious and nutritious meal. Best of all, air fryer baked potatoes requires less cleaning and a quicker cooking time, so you can enjoy your baked potatoes without the wait.

Air Fryer Baked Potatoes Recipe

Whether you’re wanting a hearty side for dinner, looking to feed a picky family everyone can enjoy or craving a cheesy, indulgent meal, the Air Fryer Baked Potato Recipe is here to satisfy your every need. 

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Baked Potato Recipe?

1. The potato itself is so much more than just a baked potato. When cooked in the air fryer, the skin becomes shiny and incredibly crisp while the inside steams to a downy pillow-like tenderness.
2. Baked potatoes cook faster in the air fryer than in a traditional oven, keeping the oven free to cook the main or make a Baked Bacon top.
3. It’s better to make a single baked potato in the air fryer than running the oven for an hour just to bake one or two potatoes, wasting energy.
4. Baked potatoes make for a fabulous side dish or finger food, satisfying that classic hit along with protein dishes like Baked Salmon or Air Fryer Steak.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This air fryer baked potato recipe is easy and uses basic ingredients found in any kitchen.

1. Potatoes: Russet potatoes, also known as Idaho potatoes, are recommended for this recipe as their fluffy texture and thicker skin allow for even cooking throughout. Be sure to select potatoes of a similar size so they cook at the same rate.
2. Oil: A small amount of oil is necessary. While olive oil gives the most flavor, any neutral oil will do. A light coating of oil on the potatoes before air frying helps develop their crisp skin texture during cooking.
3. Seasonings: Sea salt brings out the natural potato flavor. Use fine sea salt and generously rub it all over the potatoes before cooking. Freshly ground black pepper is also a nice addition and brings a little spice to each bite. 

What is the best type of potato to use? 

Russet potatoes, known as Idaho Potatoes, are the best option for baking. As they are low in moisture but high in starch content, this makes their skins extra crispy while keeping the insides nice and fluffy. These potatoes are commonly used in most of the recipes. However, there are no hard rules – you can use any type of potato you prefer. Yukon golds are also a good second option.

Do you have to pierce a potato before air frying? 

It is recommended to pierce the potatoes with a fork before air frying. Making a few holes or piercings will help allow built-up steam to release during the cooking process. This helps ensure the potatoes cook evenly throughout without exploding in the air fryer basket.

Should I wrap my potato in foil before air frying? 

There is no need to wrap the potatoes in foil before air frying. Doing so could make the skin soggy rather than crispy. For ultimately crispy baked potatoes, it’s best to air fry them unwrapped. Simply spray the skin with olive oil and generously sprinkle on salt and pepper. This will result in a crisp, salty skin and an ultra-tasty and loaded-with-fiber potato.

How is baking them in the air fryer different from using a conventional oven? 

The main difference is in the time it takes-an air fryer generally reduces the baking time by around 20–30 minutes. While this may not seem significant, it can make a huge difference if you’re in a hurry to get dinner on the table. Secondly, an air fryer cooks the potatoes more evenly throughout, whereas in a conventional oven they may cook slightly harder in the middle. Thirdly, the texture achieved from air frying is often considered more perfect. And lastly, by using an air fryer you do not need to heat up your entire kitchen, which is a big deal, especially during the hot summer months.

How do you bake a potato in an air fryer? 

Growing up, my mom always baked potatoes in the conventional oven. But ever since I got an air fryer last year, it’s become my go-to method. Start by thoroughly scrubbing the potatoes under running water, like my mom taught me. I make sure to dry the skin completely with a kitchen towel. This step is important as it helps the skin get extra crispy in the air fryer.

Next, I lightly coat the potatoes with olive oil. Being Italian, olive oil was always used in my household and I love how it enhances the flavor. I generously season them with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Arranging the potatoes in the air fryer basket, I cook them at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes.

Halfway through, I follow the instructions to flip the potatoes to ensure even cooking, like my mom would flip food while baking. After another 20 to 25 minutes, they’re perfectly tender when tested with a paring knife, just as I was shown years ago. Baking potatoes in the air fryer is truly an easy and tasty method I love sharing with others.

How long to cook baked potatoes in air fryer?

When I’m baking potatoes in my air fryer, I always check for doneness, the way my momma taught me. The total cook time will vary depending on the size of the potato and potentially the power of your particular air fryer machine. As a rule of thumb, though, smaller potatoes will generally take less time while larger, thicker potatoes may need a bit longer to cook through. 

To test, I take my paring knife and gently pierce the center of one of the potatoes. If the knife slides in easily all the way, then they’re done cooking. My mom always said, “when in doubt, take them out early!” because you can easily return the potatoes to the air fryer basket for another 3–5 minutes if they need a little more time. Following her advice has ensured I never end up with overcooked and soggy potatoes. See air fryer baked potato time and temp in notes.

Baked Potato Toppings 

Baked potatoes can be so much more than just a simple side dish when you turn them into a loaded baked potato bar full of toppings! Here are some endless favorites that take them to the next level:

1. Salt – A little extra sprinkle never hurt anyone.
2. Butter – Dot pieces of butter around the potato to melt over the hot flesh.
3. Sour Cream – Add a dollop to cool things down.
4. Bacon Bits – Chop up some Air Fryer Bacon for extra crunch.
5. Shredded Cheese – Mexican blend or cheddar are classic choices.
6. Everything Bagel Seasoning – A fun new twist on flavor.
7. Jalapeno – Sliced or diced for some heat.
8. Chives or Green Onion – A fresh garnish.
9. BBQ – Top with BBQ sauce, pulled pork or chicken, cheddar cheese and green onions.
10. Mushroom Swiss – Sautéed or roasted mushrooms with Swiss cheese.

Tips for potatoes in the air fryer

• Do not use baby potatoes, red potatoes or new potatoes as they will cook too quickly. Russet or Yukon gold potatoes work best.
• Test for doneness by inserting a knife into the center – if it goes in easily, the potato is fully cooked. If not, return to the air fryer for more time.
• The potato peels are edible and super tasty, so be sure to scrub them well under running water before cooking and salt them generously.
• Poke the potatoes with a fork before cooking. This helps prevents a small chance they may burst and make a mess inside the air fryer.
• Do not wrap potatoes in foil before air frying – leave them unwrapped for crispy skins.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket – potatoes need room and air flow to circulate evenly as they cook.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Baked potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Leftover baked potato halves or scooped out potato flesh can be frozen for later use by placing in a freezer-safe container and storing for up to 3 months. If freezing whole baked potatoes, first wrap tightly in foil to prevent ice crystals from forming inside, which makes the texture more watery. Thaw frozen potatoes overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. To reheat, place whole or halved potatoes in a 400°F air fryer or heat in the microwave.

Conclusion

Baking potatoes in an air fryer is a simple and healthier alternative to conventional oven roasting. The crispy skin and fluffy interior achieved in less time makes air fryer baked potatoes a family favorite. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, homeowners can enjoy homemade baked potatoes without heating up the whole house. Whether made as a classic side or loaded with toppings, air fryer baked potatoes are a comforting meal the whole crowd will love.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do you have to pierce potatoes before baking in the air fryer?

It’s recommended to pierce potatoes a few times with a fork before air frying. This allows steam to escape and prevents them from bursting.

Do you need to boil potatoes before air frying?

No, there is no need to boil potatoes before air frying them. Raw potatoes can be placed directly in the air fryer basket.

How do you know if your baked potatoes are fully cooked?

Test for doneness by inserting a knife into the center – if it goes in easily, the potato is fully cooked.

Is baked potato better in oven or air fryer?

Most people find air fryers produce crunchier skins and the potatoes cook faster than using a conventional oven.

How long does it take for a potato to get soft in the air fryer?

It typically takes 30–45 minutes for a medium potato to soften completely when air fried at 400°F. Larger potatoes may take 5–10 minutes longer.

Should you microwave potatoes before air frying?

No, microwaving is not necessary. Raw potatoes can be placed directly in the air fryer basket to bake.

Can you put raw potato in the air fryer?

Yes, raw potato cubes or whole potatoes can be placed directly in the air fryer basket to bake without any pre-cooking needed.

Air Fryer Baked Potatoes Recipe

Recipe by Carmen FoodieCourse: AppetizersCuisine: American

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

150

kcal

Total time

45

minutes

The Air Fryer Baked Potato Recipe is a delicious and healthier way to enjoy everyone’s favorite stuffed potato. With the crispy exterior and fluffy interior achieved in less time than conventional baking, air fryer baked potatoes make a perfect nourishing side dish or hearty meal.

Ingredients

• 4 medium russet potatoes

• ½ tsp sea salt, or to taste

• 1 Tbsp olive oil, or use a cooking spray

• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions

• Gather the ingredients and thoroughly scrub the potatoes under running water. Dry the potatoes with a towel.
• Poke the potatoes several times with a fork, then rub them with a small amount of oil and generously season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
• Add the potatoes to the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for 30 minutes, then flip the potatoes and cook for an additional 5–15 minutes, depending on the size, or until a fork slides easily in the center.
• Small potatoes will take less time, while larger potatoes may take longer. Be careful when using tongs to transfer the potatoes to a serving plate.

Notes

• If using a toaster-oven style air fryer, reduce the temperature to 375 degree F and flip the potatoes halfway through – timing remains the same.
• Expect the following cooking times: 35 to 45 minutes for a medium-sized potato (8 to 10 ounces), 45 to 55 minutes for a large potato (12 ounces or more).
• The potatoes can be scrubbed, dried, and prepared 1 day in advance.