Air Fryer Baked Potato Recipe
Introduction
Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, air fryer baked potatoes are a quick and easy way to enjoy this classic comfort food. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can have perfectly cooked potatoes ready in under 40 minutes. They’re a versatile side dish that goes with almost any meal.

Ingredients
- 4 medium-sized russet potatoes, washed and scrubbed thoroughly
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Butter (for serving)
- Sour cream (for serving)
- Chives (for serving)
- Cheese (for serving)
- Bacon bits (for serving)
Instructions
- Step 1: Wash the potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt. Use a brush if needed, then dry them with a clean towel.
- Step 2: Using a fork, poke several holes (about 6-8) all over each potato to allow steam to escape while cooking.
- Step 3: In a bowl, mix olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper. Brush or spray this mixture evenly over the potatoes, making sure they are well-coated.
- Step 4: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Step 5: Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket without overcrowding, so they cook evenly. Cook for 30-35 minutes, flipping them halfway through for an even crisp.
- Step 6: Test doneness by inserting a knife or fork into the thickest part of a potato; it should slide in easily. If not done, cook in 5-minute increments until tender.
- Step 7: Once cooked, remove the potatoes and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve with butter, sour cream, chives, cheese, and bacon bits or your favorite toppings.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispy skin, brush the potatoes with olive oil again halfway through cooking.
- Try adding garlic powder or smoked paprika to the seasoning mix for a flavor twist.
- Use sweet potatoes for a different, naturally sweeter variation.
- If your air fryer is small, cook potatoes in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Storage
Store any leftover baked potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness, or microwave until heated through if you prefer a softer skin.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes?
Russet potatoes work best for baking due to their starchy texture, but you can use sweet potatoes or Yukon golds for different flavors and textures. Cooking times may vary slightly.
Do I need to wrap the potatoes in foil?
No, wrapping is not necessary when using an air fryer. The hot circulating air creates a crispy skin on its own while cooking the inside perfectly.
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Air Fryer Baked Potato Recipe
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A simple and delicious recipe for perfectly crispy and fluffy baked potatoes made effortlessly in an air fryer. These russet potatoes are seasoned with olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper, then air fried to golden perfection. Serve with classic toppings like butter, sour cream, chives, cheese, and bacon bits for a comforting side or snack.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 4 medium-sized russet potatoes, washed and scrubbed thoroughly
Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Toppings (optional)
- Butter
- Sour cream
- Chives
- Cheese
- Bacon bits
Instructions
- Prepare the potatoes: Wash the potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt. Scrub them with a brush if necessary, then dry with a clean towel.
- Poke holes in the potatoes: Use a fork to poke several holes, about 6-8 times, in each potato. This allows steam to escape during cooking, preventing them from bursting.
- Season the potatoes: In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper. Generously brush or spray this mixture all over the potatoes, making sure they are well coated to enhance flavor and crispiness.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat for about 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the potatoes: Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket, making sure they are spaced apart and not touching for even air circulation. Cook for 30-35 minutes, flipping them halfway through to achieve an evenly crispy skin.
- Check for doneness: Insert a knife or fork into the thickest part of a potato to test. It should slide in easily when fully cooked. If needed, cook further in 5-minute increments until tender.
- Rest and serve: Remove the potatoes from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes to settle. Serve warm with your favorite toppings such as butter, sour cream, chives, cheese, or bacon bits.
Notes
- You can adjust the cooking time depending on the size of your potatoes; larger potatoes may require a bit longer.
- For crispier skin, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket and make sure to flip potatoes halfway through cooking.
- Feel free to customize toppings based on your preference or dietary needs.
- Leftover baked potatoes can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the air fryer for a crispy finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Air fryer baked potato, crispy baked potato, easy side dish, russet potato recipe, healthy potato recipe, air fryer recipes, quick dinner side

