There's nothing like a perfectly baked potato, and with the air fryer, it's easier than ever! This Air Fryer Baked Potato Recipe is one of my go-to recipes when I need a comforting side dish that doesn't take much effort. The air fryer gives the potatoes a wonderfully crispy skin with a fluffy inside, all in less time than the oven. Just season, set, and forget!
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🥘 Ingredients
- Russet Potatoes: Large, starchy potatoes ideal for baking, yielding a fluffy interior and a crisp exterior when cooked.
- Olive Oil or Spray Oil: Used to coat the potatoes, enhancing flavor and helping the skin become crispy during cooking.
- Salt: Adds essential seasoning, bringing out the natural flavors of the potatoes and improving the taste of their crispy skins.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
🔄 Substitutions & Variations
- Different Potatoes: Swap Russets for Yukon Gold (creamier texture) or sweet potatoes for a naturally sweet twist.
- Oil-Free Option: Skip oil and use aquafaba (chickpea water) for a crispy skin without added fat.
- Flavor Boost: Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, or rosemary before air frying for extra seasoning.
🔪How To Make Air Fryer Baked Potato
Step One: Thoroughly wash the potatoes under running water and dry them with a paper towel. Use a fork to prick each potato multiple times; this allows steam to release while they cook.
Step Two: Season each potato with salt.
Step Three: Coat potatoes with olive oil or spray oil. Heat the air fryer to 385°F for about 3-5 minutes.
Step Four: Arrange the potatoes in the air fryer basket, spaced so they do not touch. Cook the potatoes at 385°F for about 60 minutes, adjusting the time based on their size.
Step Five: Turn the potatoes over halfway through the cooking time to cook evenly. Test the potatoes for doneness by piercing them with a fork; they should be soft.
Step Six: Remove the potatoes from the air fryer and let them sit for a few minutes before cutting them open. Add butter, herbs, and any other garnish you wish to your air-fried baked potato.
Reheating Baked Potatoes
Wondering how to reheat a baked potato?
- To reheat baked potatoes in the air fryer, start by preheating the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.
- Place the baked potatoes in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. Reheat them at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even heating.
- If needed, reheat for an additional 2-3 minutes until they are hot. Enjoy your perfectly reheated baked potatoes!
Baked Potato Bar Toppings
My mom loves to make a baked potato bar. It's a great way to cater to different tastes, and allows everyone in the family to create their perfect potato. Here are some great potato bar topping options:
- Cheese: Variety is key, so include Shredded Cheddar, Crumbled Feta, and diced mozzarella.
- Sauces: Classics like sour cream, Ceasar Dressing, and spicy queso are always popular.
- Proteins: Offer a range including crumbled bacon, diced ham, Shredded Chicken, and unique additions like tuna and baked beans for hearty options.
- Vegetables: Provide choices like chopped green onions, Air fryer mushrooms, Roasted Broccolini, and diced bell peppers.
- Beans and Legumes: Include Black Beans, chili beans, and even Baked Beans for extra flavor and protein.
- Coleslaw: Adding Red Cabage Coleslaw provides a crunchy, tangy option that pairs wonderfully with the other warm, savory toppings.
- Spices and Herbs: Bowls of chives, parsley, Paprika, or black pepper for seasoning.
- Extras: Round out the selection with olives, jalapeños, sun-dried tomatoes, and capers for added zest and texture.
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Use Russet Potatoes: For the best crispy skin and fluffy interior, choose large russet potatoes, as their starchy nature helps achieve that perfect texture.
- Season Before Cooking: Don't skip the salt and oil coating! It enhances the flavor and ensures a crispy, golden-brown skin on your baked potatoes.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Make sure there’s space between the potatoes in the air fryer basket. This allows the hot air to circulate evenly, ensuring each potato gets crispy.
- Reheat in the Air Fryer: To reheat leftover baked potatoes, air fry them at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. This restores the crispness and keeps the insides fluffy.
💭 FAQs
While Russet potatoes are ideal for achieving a crispy skin and fluffy interior, you can also use Yukon Gold potatoes. However, they may not get as crispy.
Make sure to leave enough space between the potatoes in the air fryer basket to allow the hot air to circulate evenly, which helps them cook evenly.
Yes! To reheat baked potatoes, preheat the air fryer to 350°F and cook the potatoes for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
You can top your baked potatoes with a variety of options such as cheese, sour cream, bacon, green onions, roasted vegetables, or even chili for a hearty meal.
To store baked potatoes properly, allow them to cool down to room temperature after baking. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container or wrap them individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store the potatoes in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. If you want to store them for a longer period, you can freeze baked potatoes. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen baked potatoes can last up to 10-12 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.
🧂Serving Suggestions
- Top with Classic Toppings: Load the baked potatoes with sour cream, shredded cheese, and crumbled bacon for a comforting, classic flavor.
- Make a Potato Bar: Offer a variety of toppings like roasted veggies, shredded chicken, or chili to let everyone customize their potato.
- Serve with a Side Salad: Pair the potatoes with a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the crispy, buttery potatoes.
- Enjoy with Grilled Meats: Serve alongside grilled steak, chicken, or fish for a hearty and satisfying meal.
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Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
Ingredients
- 3 Russet Potatoes
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 Cooking Spray Optional instead of Olive Oil
- ½ teaspoon Salt to taste
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash the potatoes under running water and dry them with a paper towel.
- Use a fork to prick each potato multiple times; this allows steam to release while they cook.
- Coat each potato with olive oil or a spray oil, then season with salt.
- Heat the air fryer to 385°F for about 3-5 minutes.
- Arrange the potatoes in the air fryer basket, spaced so they do not touch.
- Cook the potatoes at 385°F for about 60 minutes, adjusting the time based on their size.
- Turn the potatoes over halfway through the cooking time to cook evenly.
- Test the potatoes for doneness by piercing them with a fork; they should be soft.
- Remove the potatoes from the air fryer and let them sit for a few minutes before cutting them open.
We tried this recipe with sour cream and it turned out so good. I'm going to bake potatoes in the air fryer every time from now on.