Air Fryer Baked Potatoes are crispy on the outside, fluffy and tender on the inside, and incredibly easy to make. They have everything you love about traditional oven-baked potatoes, but they cook in less time thanks to the air fryer. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation, you can enjoy perfectly baked potatoes for lunch, dinner, or as a satisfying side dish.
The secret to a delicious air fryer baked potato is a crispy, well-seasoned skin and a soft, fluffy centre. A little olive oil and salt help the outside turn beautifully golden while the hot circulating air cooks the potato evenly.
You can serve these potatoes with classic toppings like butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, and crispy bacon, or get creative with your favourite fillings. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight meal or preparing a side dish for the whole family, this easy recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of everyday ingredients to make delicious Air Fryer Baked Potatoes.
- Russet potatoes: These are the best choice because they have a high starch content and relatively low moisture, creating a light and fluffy interior with crispy skin. Choose medium-sized potatoes that are similar in size.
- Olive oil: A little oil helps the potato skins become golden, crispy, and delicious. You can also use avocado oil or another cooking oil.
- Salt: Coarse sea salt or kosher salt adds flavour and helps create a tasty, seasoned potato skin.
- Black pepper (optional): Adds a little extra seasoning to the outside of the potatoes.
- Butter (for serving): A small pat of butter melts into the fluffy potato centre and adds a rich flavour.
- Sour cream (for serving): Perfect for a creamy, tangy topping.
You can also prepare shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, cooked bacon bits, or fresh herbs for serving.
How to Make Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
Making baked potatoes in the air fryer is simple. You don’t need to wrap them in foil, and the air fryer does most of the work.
Step 1: Prepare the potatoes
Wash the potatoes thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt. Scrub the skins gently with a vegetable brush if needed.
Pat them completely dry with a clean kitchen towel. Dry skin is important for achieving a crispy finish.
Step 2: Pierce the potatoes
Use a fork to prick each potato several times all over. This allows steam to escape during cooking.
Step 3: Add the oil and seasoning
Rub each potato with a light coating of olive oil, making sure the entire skin is covered.
Sprinkle generously with salt and add a little black pepper if desired. The oil helps the seasoning stick and encourages the skins to become crispy.
Step 4: Preheat the air fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for approximately 3 minutes, if your model requires preheating.
Step 5: Place the potatoes in the air fryer
Arrange the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Leave a little space between each potato so the hot air can circulate properly.
Avoid stacking them or overcrowding the basket. Cook in batches if necessary.
Step 6: Air fry the potatoes
Cook at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 35–45 minutes, depending on the size of your potatoes.
Turn the potatoes halfway through cooking to help them brown evenly. Smaller potatoes may cook faster, while larger ones may need additional time.
To check if they are ready, insert a sharp knife or skewer into the centre. It should slide through easily without resistance. The inside should be soft and fluffy.
Step 7: Add your favourite toppings
Carefully remove the potatoes from the air fryer and allow them to rest for a few minutes.
Cut a slit down the centre of each potato and gently squeeze the ends to open it. Fluff the inside with a fork, then add butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, bacon bits, or your favourite toppings.
Serve immediately while hot.
Recipe Variations
One of the best things about baked potatoes is how easy they are to customise. Once the potatoes are cooked, you can add almost any topping you enjoy.
1. Cheesy Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
Add shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or a mixture of your favourite cheeses to the fluffy potato centre. Return the potatoes to the air fryer for 1–2 minutes, just until the cheese melts.
2. Loaded Baked Potatoes
Turn your baked potatoes into a filling meal with sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, and chopped green onions. Add a little black pepper before serving.
3. Garlic Butter Baked Potatoes
Mix softened butter with minced garlic and a little chopped parsley. Add a spoonful to each hot potato and let it melt into the fluffy centre.
4. BBQ Chicken Baked Potatoes
Top each potato with cooked shredded chicken tossed in barbecue sauce. Add shredded cheese and sliced green onions for a delicious lunch or dinner.
5. Broccoli and Cheese Baked Potatoes
Add steamed broccoli florets and warm cheese sauce to the centre of each potato. This is a tasty way to turn a simple baked potato into a satisfying vegetarian meal.
6. Mexican-Style Baked Potatoes
Fill your potatoes with black beans, sweetcorn, salsa, shredded cheese, and a little sour cream. Finish with fresh coriander and a squeeze of lime juice.
7. Vegan Baked Potatoes
Use olive oil or dairy-free butter and add toppings such as baked beans, avocado, salsa, roasted vegetables, or dairy-free cheese.
Cooking Tips
Follow these simple tips to get perfectly crispy Air Fryer Baked Potatoes every time.
- Choose the right potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal because their fluffy texture makes them perfect for baking. Maris Piper potatoes are another good option in the UK.
- Use potatoes of similar size: This helps them cook at roughly the same rate. If some potatoes are much larger than others, remove the smaller ones earlier.
- Dry the skins thoroughly: Any moisture left on the outside can prevent the skins from becoming properly crispy.
- Don’t skip the fork pricks: Piercing the potatoes several times allows steam to escape as they cook.
- Use a little oil: A thin layer of olive oil helps the skins brown and crisp without making them greasy.
- Don’t wrap them in foil: Wrapping potatoes in foil traps moisture and produces softer skin. Leave them uncovered for the crispiest results.
- Leave space in the basket: Good air circulation is essential. Avoid overcrowding, especially when cooking large potatoes.
- Turn them halfway through: This helps the skins cook and brown more evenly.
- Check for doneness: Cooking times are estimates. Use a knife or skewer to check that the centre is completely tender.
- Adjust for your air fryer: Different air fryer models and potato sizes can affect cooking time. Add a few extra minutes if needed.
- Add toppings just before serving: Butter, sour cream, cheese, and other toppings taste best when added to freshly cooked potatoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to cook a baked potato in an air fryer?
A medium-sized Russet potato usually takes around 35–45 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Smaller potatoes may take approximately 30–35 minutes, while very large potatoes can need 45–55 minutes or longer. Always check that the centre is soft and tender before serving.
What temperature should I use for Air Fryer Baked Potatoes?
The ideal temperature is 400°F (200°C). This temperature helps the skin become crispy while allowing the inside to cook until fluffy.
Do I need to wrap potatoes in foil before air frying?
No. You should leave the potatoes uncovered. Cooking them without foil allows hot air to circulate around the skin, helping it become crispy.
Should I pierce potatoes before putting them in the air fryer?
Yes. Prick each potato several times with a fork before cooking. This allows steam to escape during the baking process.
Which potatoes are best for air fryer baked potatoes?
Russet potatoes are an excellent choice because their starchy texture produces a fluffy interior. In the UK, Maris Piper potatoes also work well.
Can I cook more than one potato at a time?
Yes. You can cook several potatoes together as long as they fit comfortably in the air fryer basket. Arrange them in a single layer with space between them. If your basket is small, cook them in batches.
Do I need to boil potatoes before air frying?
No. There is no need to boil them first. Simply wash, dry, pierce, season, and place them directly into the air fryer.
Can I make Air Fryer Baked Potatoes with sweet potatoes?
Yes. Sweet potatoes can also be baked in the air fryer. Wash and dry them, pierce the skins, rub with a little oil, and cook at 390°F (200°C) for approximately 30–45 minutes, depending on their size. Check that the centre is soft before serving.
How do I know when my baked potatoes are ready?
Insert a sharp knife or skewer into the thickest part of the potato. If it slides in easily and the centre feels soft, the potato is ready. If it still feels firm, continue cooking for another 5 minutes and check again.
Can I prepare baked potatoes ahead of time?
Yes. You can cook the potatoes ahead of time and refrigerate them once they have cooled. Store them promptly in the refrigerator rather than leaving them at room temperature.
How do I store leftover Air Fryer Baked Potatoes?
Allow the potatoes to cool, then refrigerate them in a covered container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep them refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below and use within 3–4 days. Avoid storing baked potatoes wrapped in foil at room temperature.
How do I reheat baked potatoes in the air fryer?
Place the refrigerated potatoes in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 5–10 minutes, depending on their size. Turn them halfway through and make sure the centre reaches 165°F (74°C) before eating.
What can I serve with Air Fryer Baked Potatoes?
These potatoes pair well with grilled chicken, steak, pork chops, roasted turkey, salmon, burgers, or sausages. You can also serve them with a fresh green salad, coleslaw, baked beans, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
PrintAir Fryer Baked Potato Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 russet potatoes medium
- 1 teaspoon avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Scrub the russet potatoes clean.
- Cover the potatoes with the oil and seasonings.
- Massage the seasonings into the potato – you can also pierce them with a fork.
- Place the potatoes onto the air fryer basket and air fryer the potatoes at 350 degrees F in an oven style and 400 degrees F in a bucket style.
- Cook the potatoes for 20 minutes and then flip the potatoes and cook another 10-15 minutes at 375 degrees F.
- Allow the potatoes to cool about 5 minutes before cutting open.
- Slice the potatoes open and then push the bottoms of the potatoes in with your fingers to “fluff the potato”.
- Serve as desired with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket – you want to allow the air to circulate around the food to “fry it” with the hot air.
- Adjust the time and temperature if your potatoes are smaller cook less if they’re larger cook longer and possibly reduce the temperature if much larger.
- Bucket style air fryers may not need to flip the potatoes, with oven style flipping helps it evenly crisp the food.
- Cook at 350 degrees F for toaster oven style and 400 degrees F for bucket style.
