Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Baked Potato Recipe
Quick and easy — ready in about 40 minutes without heating the oven.
Minimal ingredients deliver classic baked potato flavor.
Crispy skin with a tender inside every time.
Versatile — pair with your favorite toppings or mains.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
4 medium russet potatoes (7–9 oz each)
1 Tbsp olive oil or cooking spray
½ tsp sea salt, or to taste
Directions
Prep the Potatoes: Scrub each potato under running water to remove dirt, then dry them thoroughly with a clean towel.
Season: Poke each potato 4–5 times with a fork. Rub them with olive oil (or spray lightly with cooking spray) and sprinkle evenly with sea salt.
Air Fry: Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
If using a basket‑style air fryer: Cook at 400°F (205°C) for 35–45 minutes, flipping halfway.
If using a toaster‑style air fryer: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 35–45 minutes, flipping halfway.
Check for doneness by inserting a knife or fork into the center — it should slide in easily.
Serve: Remove carefully with tongs and let cool slightly before slicing open and adding toppings.
Servings and timing
Serves: 4
Prep time: ~5 minutes
Cook time: ~35–45 minutes
Variations
Swap olive oil for avocado oil or melted butter for a different flavor.
Season with garlic salt, seasoned salt, or a salt‑free herb blend.
Try Yukon gold or sweet potatoes — adjust cooking time as needed.
Add toppings like shredded cheese, bacon bits, sour cream, chives, or chili for a loaded potato.
Storage/Reheating
To store, let baked potatoes cool completely and place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–5 days.
To reheat, return potatoes to the air fryer at 350–400°F until heated through and the skin crisps up again. Microwaving works too, but the skin won’t be as crispy.
FAQs
How long should I cook baked potatoes in an air fryer?
Air fry at 400°F for about 35–45 minutes, flipping halfway, until the potatoes are tender.
Do air fryer baked potatoes need to be pierced first?
Yes — piercing several times with a fork lets steam escape and prevents bursting.
Can I use other types of potatoes?
Yes — Yukon gold and sweet potatoes work, though cooking times may vary.
Should I preheat the air fryer?
Some people preheat for a crispier skin, but for long cooks like these, preheating isn’t always necessary.
How do I know when potatoes are done?
They’re done when a knife or fork easily pierces the center.
Can I wrap the potatoes in foil?
Wrapping in foil prevents the skin from crisping, so it’s best to air fry without foil.
What toppings go well with baked potatoes?
Classic toppings include butter, sour cream, cheese, bacon bits, chives, or chili.
How many potatoes can fit in an air fryer?
That depends on your air fryer size — avoid overcrowding so air can circulate.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes — reheat in the air fryer to restore crispiness.
Can I freeze baked potatoes?
Yes — wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months; reheating works best in the air fryer.
Conclusion
Air fryer baked potatoes are a simple, flavorful side dish with crispy skin and fluffy insides. With minimal ingredients and easy steps, they’re perfect for busy nights or weekend meal prep. Customize with your favorite toppings and enjoy this classic comfort food any night of the week.
Air Fryer Baked Potato
This Air Fryer Baked Potato recipe delivers perfectly crispy skin and fluffy interior in less time than traditional oven baking. It’s an easy and delicious side dish that pairs well with a variety of toppings.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 4 medium russet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Scrub and wash the potatoes thoroughly, then pat them dry with a towel.
- Rub each potato with olive oil to coat the skin evenly.
- Sprinkle sea salt all over the potatoes.
- Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 35-40 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Check doneness by inserting a fork or knife — it should slide in easily.
- Remove from the air fryer, let cool slightly, then slice open and add your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Choose similarly sized potatoes for even cooking.
- No need to pierce the potatoes before air frying.
- Cooking time may vary depending on potato size and air fryer model.
- Add toppings like butter, sour cream, cheese, or chives after cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 potato
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
