Crispy Air Fryer Baked Potato Recipe

Ingredients

Russet potatoes are the classic choice for baked potatoes due to their fluffy interior and sturdy skin. Choose potatoes that are firm, smooth, and free from blemishes. For a richer flavor, opt for Yukon Gold potatoes. Their naturally buttery taste is delightful when air-fried. Sweet potatoes bring a touch of sweetness and vibrant color to your plate. Choose smaller sweet potatoes for optimal air frying. Olive oil or avocado oil will coat the potatoes, promoting even cooking and a crispy skin. Sea salt enhances the potato's natural flavor and adds a satisfying crunch to the skin. Black pepper adds a touch of heat and depth of flavor. Garlic powder provides a savory and aromatic element to your baked potato. Paprika adds a smoky sweetness and vibrant color.

Preparation

Begin with choosing the right potato. Russet potatoes are the classic choice for baking, thanks to their fluffy interiors and thick skins. Yukon Golds are another great option, offering a naturally buttery flavor. Wash your potatoes thoroughly and dry them completely before you begin. For crispier skin, prick the potatoes all over with a fork. You can also rub them with a bit of olive oil or avocado oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). This will ensure that the potatoes cook evenly and develop a crispy exterior. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket, making sure they aren't overcrowded. Cook for 40-60 minutes, depending on the size of your potatoes. To check for doneness, pierce the thickest part of the potato with a fork. It should slide in easily when the potato is cooked through.

Air fryer settings

Air fryers don't actually "fry" food; they use hot air circulation to cook. This makes them a great option for mimicking the crispy texture of fried foods but with less oil. For baked potatoes, you won't need any additional oil since the potato skin has enough natural moisture. Most air fryers have a standard setting around 400°F (204°C), which works perfectly for baking potatoes. If your air fryer has a "bake" setting, feel free to use that as well.

Start by washing and drying your potatoes thoroughly. Prick them all over with a fork to allow steam to escape during cooking. You can rub a small amount of olive oil on the skin for extra crispiness, but it's optional. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they aren't overcrowded. Cook for 40-60 minutes, depending on the size of your potatoes. Flip them halfway through to ensure even cooking.

To check for doneness, pierce the potato with a fork; it should slide in easily. Once cooked, let the potatoes rest in the air fryer basket for a few minutes before serving. This allows the heat to distribute evenly, resulting in a fluffy interior. Enjoy your perfectly cooked baked potatoes with your favorite toppings!

Cooking time

Cooking time for a baked potato in an air fryer depends on the size of the potato and the wattage of your air fryer. Generally, a medium-sized potato (about 8-10 ounces) will take around 30-40 minutes to cook in an air fryer preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. For smaller potatoes, start checking for doneness around 25 minutes. Larger potatoes may take up to 50 minutes.

To ensure even cooking, it's a good idea to flip the potato halfway through the cooking time. To check for doneness, pierce the potato with a fork or knife. It should be tender all the way through. If there's still resistance, continue cooking for another 5-10 minutes and check again. Once cooked, remove the potatoes from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving. You can then top them with your favorite toppings, such as butter, sour cream, cheese, chives, or bacon bits.

Checking for doneness

A perfectly cooked baked potato should be tender and fluffy inside. Since air fryers cook quickly, start checking for doneness around the 30-minute mark. Gently pierce the potato with a fork or a thin knife. If it slides in easily with little resistance, your potato is ready. If it's still firm, continue cooking in 5-minute increments until tender. Don't be afraid to adjust cooking times based on the size of your potato and the wattage of your air fryer. Larger potatoes will naturally take longer to cook through. Once cooked, carefully remove the hot potatoes from the air fryer basket using tongs. Let them cool slightly before slicing open and adding your favorite toppings.

Serving suggestions

A baked potato fresh from the air fryer is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Keep it classic with a dollop of sour cream and chives, or go gourmet with chili and cheddar cheese. Pulled pork, broccoli and cheese, or even a fried egg make for hearty and satisfying toppings. For a lighter option, try a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil.

Don't be afraid to get creative with seasonings, either. Before air frying, toss your potato with olive oil and your favorite spices. Garlic powder, paprika, rosemary, and thyme are all delicious options.

Leftover baked potatoes are fantastic for making other dishes. Cube them up and toss them into a breakfast hash with veggies and eggs. Grate them for potato pancakes, or mash them for creamy mashed potatoes. No matter how you choose to top and serve your air fryer baked potato, you're in for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Variations and additions

While a classic baked potato is delicious on its own, don't be afraid to get creative with variations and additions. For a cheesy twist, try adding shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and chives after the potato is cooked. If you prefer a Mediterranean flair, top your baked potato with hummus, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped Kalamata olives. For a heartier meal, consider adding chili, pulled pork, or broccoli and cheese sauce to your baked potato. You can also experiment with different seasonings beyond salt and pepper. Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning are all great options. For a smoky flavor, try smoked paprika or chipotle powder.

Feature	Oven Baked Potato	Air Fryer Baked Potato
Cooking Time	60-75 minutes	30-40 minutes
Texture	Fluffy interior, crispy skin (if desired)	Fluffy interior, crispy skin
Preheating Required?	Yes	No (or minimal)

Remember to adjust the cooking time based on the size of your potato and the wattage of your air fryer. Smaller potatoes will cook faster, while larger potatoes will take longer. If you're adding toppings that require cooking, such as chili or pulled pork, be sure to heat them up separately before adding them to your baked potato. With a little creativity, you can enjoy endless variations of this classic comfort food.

Tips for crispy skin

Achieving that irresistible crispy potato skin in an air fryer is easier than you think. Start by selecting a starchy potato like a russet, known for its fluffy interior and thick skin. Wash and scrub the potato thoroughly, removing any dirt. Pat it completely dry with a kitchen towel – moisture is the enemy of crispiness! Next, pierce the potato several times with a fork. This allows steam to escape during cooking, preventing a soggy inside.

For extra crispy skin, consider a light coating of oil. Use a high smoke point oil like avocado or olive oil and rub it all over the potato. Don't overdo it – a thin layer is enough. For an extra crunch, sprinkle a pinch of coarse sea salt or kosher salt onto the oiled skin. The salt draws out moisture and creates a beautifully seasoned crust.

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the prepared potato directly in the air fryer basket, ensuring it's not overcrowded for even cooking. Air fry for 40-60 minutes, depending on the size of your potato. To check for doneness, pierce the thickest part with a fork – it should slide in easily.

For ultimate crispiness, increase the air fryer temperature to 400°F (200°C) during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking. This will help to really crisp up the skin. Once cooked, remove the potato from the air fryer and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your perfectly crispy air fryer baked potato with your favorite toppings!

Nutritional information

A plain baked potato made in the air fryer is a surprisingly healthy and low-calorie side dish. One medium-sized baked potato, cooked without oil in the air fryer, contains roughly 160 calories, 4 grams of protein, and 37 grams of carbohydrates, including 4 grams of fiber. It's naturally low in fat, with less than a gram per serving.

Air-frying your potato retains more of the vitamins and minerals compared to boiling. This method provides a good source of potassium, which is essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure. It also offers vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports immune function, and vitamin B6, important for brain health.

While naturally healthy, the nutritional profile of a baked potato can change drastically depending on your toppings. Loading it up with butter, sour cream, cheese, and bacon will significantly increase the calorie, fat, and sodium content. For a healthier option, consider topping your baked potato with Greek yogurt or low-fat cottage cheese, salsa, chives, or a sprinkle of chili powder.

Storage and reheating

Baked potatoes, fresh out of the air fryer, are best enjoyed immediately. Their crispy skin and fluffy interior are unmatched. But if you find yourself with leftovers, don't worry! You can store them properly to enjoy later. Allow the potatoes to cool completely to room temperature. This prevents condensation from forming and making them soggy. Once cooled, wrap each potato tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

When you're ready to reheat, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Unwrap the potatoes and lightly brush them with olive oil or cooking spray for added crispiness. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they're not overcrowded. Reheat for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. The timing may vary depending on the size of the potatoes and your air fryer's wattage. For a softer skin, wrap the potatoes in foil before reheating.