There’s nothing quite like a classic baked potato – a fluffy, pillowy interior wrapped in a crisp, seasoned skin. It’s the ultimate comfort food side dish, perfect for pairing with juicy steaks, hearty chilis, or tangy barbecue. But let’s be honest, traditional oven-baked potatoes can be a bit of a hassle. They take ages to cook, require constant monitoring, and the results are often inconsistent, with some potatoes turning out perfectly while others end up dense and dry.
Luckily, there’s a game-changing solution that makes baked potato perfection a breeze: the air fryer. This nifty countertop appliance has become a must-have for home cooks in recent years, and for good reason. The air fryer’s powerful fan and heating element work together to deliver incredibly crispy, evenly cooked results – all while using a fraction of the oil required for deep frying.
When it comes to baked potatoes, the air fryer is a total game-changer. You’ll achieve restaurant-worthy spuds with minimal effort, and in half the time of the traditional oven method. The rapid air circulation produces a delightfully crispy exterior, while the interior remains light, airy, and perfectly cooked through.
Ready to ditch the oven and master the art of air fryer baked potatoes? Let’s get started!
1. Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
Ingredients
- 4 medium russet potatoes, scrubbed clean
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For Serving (optional)
- Butter
- Sour cream
- Chopped chives or green onions
- Shredded cheese
- Crumbled bacon
Instructions
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
Pat the potatoes dry with paper towels. Use a fork to prick the potatoes several times all over. This allows steam to escape during cooking for a fluffy interior.
In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with the olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. The oil helps the seasonings adhere and promotes extra crispiness.
Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Air fry for 40-50 minutes, flipping the potatoes halfway through, until fork tender and the skins are crispy and golden brown.
Remove the potatoes from the air fryer and let cool for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the interiors to finish cooking through.
Slice open the potatoes and use a fork to fluff and loosen the fluffy, steaming insides.
Top the air fryer baked potatoes with your desired toppings, such as butter, sour cream, chives, shredded cheese, and crumbled bacon.
Serve the air fryer baked potatoes hot and enjoy!
The beauty of this method is that you get all the flavor and texture of an oven-baked potato, but with a fraction of the effort. No more heating up the entire oven for an hour-plus cook time. With just a few minutes of prep and 40-50 minutes in the air fryer, you’ll have perfectly cooked, restaurant-quality baked potatoes every time.
The rapid air circulation of the air fryer does all the work, resulting in spuds with light, airy interiors and devastatingly crisp skins. A quick toss in olive oil and simple seasoning is all you need to take these air fryer baked potatoes to the next level.
Feel free to get creative with your toppings, too. Classic fixings like butter, sour cream, and chives are always a hit, but you can also elevate them with shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, chives, or even a drizzle of ranch or barbecue sauce. The possibilities are endless!
So ditch the oven and turn to your trusty air fryer for the easiest, crispiest baked potatoes you’ve ever made. They’re the perfect side for any meal, and sure to impress your family and friends.
