The Air Fryer is a rockstar with air fryer baked potatoes, giving you that perfect combination that steakhouse restaurants achieve, fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside without having to heat an entire oven and in much less time.
My Mom loved to cook great dishes in the oven and throw some potatoes in to bake, as she became an empty nester though, she shifted to a lot of stove-top meals and baked the potatoes in the microwave. Even when I went home for dinner we used the microwave, the insides were still fluffy and delicious, but the outsides were soft and unappealing.
For years it seemed that Yukon gold potatoes or red salad potatoes excelled in popularity in the kitchens of those that loved their meat and potatoes, but now the discovery of the Air Fryer has brought the good ‘ole Idaho Russet potatoes back.
I’m not saying you must give up the gold and red potatoes, experiment and see what you like best. You will find that the russet potato has a thicker skin, thus giving that wonderful crispy outside.
How to Make Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
Prepare the Potatoes
Start by thoroughly washing your potatoes under cold water to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a clean towel, ensuring they’re fully dry before moving on. This will help the skin crisp up beautifully during cooking.
Season the Potatoes
Rub each potato with a light coating of olive oil, making sure they are evenly covered. Sprinkle generously with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to season the skin. This step not only enhances the flavor but also gives the potatoes a deliciously crispy texture once cooked.
Preheat the Air Fryer
While preparing the potatoes, preheat your air fryer to 390°F. Preheating is key to ensuring the potatoes cook evenly, resulting in a perfectly tender interior and crisp skin.
Cook the Potatoes
Place the seasoned potatoes directly into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Set the air fryer to 390°F and cook for 40 minutes. The air fryer’s circulating heat will give the potatoes that ideal combination of a crispy exterior and fluffy interior.
Check for Doneness
After 40 minutes, pierce each potato with a fork or knife to check tenderness. If the potatoes are not fully tender in the center, continue cooking in 5-minute increments, checking each time until they are perfectly soft all the way through.
Serve and Load Up
Once the potatoes are cooked to perfection, carefully remove them from the air fryer. Cut each one down the center lengthwise, creating a nice pocket for your toppings. Add a pat of butter and allow it to melt, enhancing the fluffy texture inside.
For the ultimate loaded potato experience, sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper, then top with a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and a handful of chopped green onions. You can also get creative with additional toppings like crumbled bacon or chives!
Air Fryer Baked Potato Ingredients
POTATOES: Use medium size Russet/Idaho potatoes. They have a firmer skin that makes for the perfect baked potato every time. If you have any other kind of potato, they will work as well.
OIL: Use virgin, grapeseed, peanut, vegetable oil, or avocado oil. Don’t use “extra virgin olive oil as it will not hold up to the heat as well as the other oils. The oil is necessary as it helps to crisp the skin and keeps it moist with it roasts or fries in the fryer.
SEASONING: Using regular salt and pepper in this recipe works just fine. However, most steakhouses will use kosher salt which is much grainier and thicker than table salt. Also, Himalayan salt works perfectly as well. I season before air frying and after air fryer.
TOPPING: If you’re hosting a baked potato bar, think of toppings like bacon, a variety of cheeses like cheddar cheese, Monterey jack cheese, feta cheese, blue cheese, brie cheese, queso cheese, or any other varieties. In addition, fresh herbs like parsley, dill, green onions, cilantro, rosemary, mint, oregano, thyme, and others add extra flavor. Diced vegetables like bell peppers, onions, cucumbers, jalapenos, habanero peppers, banana peppers, and more add a nice crunchy texture. Classics like cream cheese, butter, sour cream, and mascarpone cheese add a lot of richness to the potato.
Flavorful Variations
There are endless ways to customize your dish with flavorful variations that suit your personal taste. For a smoky and savory touch, try adding crispy bacon, pastrami, or diced meats like turkey, chicken, or beef. If you’re looking for a creamy and rich texture, toss in some sliced avocado or melt blue cheese crumbles or freshly grated parmesan over the top. For a healthier twist, swap out sour cream for Greek yogurt, which provides a tangy bite while maintaining a creamy consistency.
If you’re craving a more bold and zesty experience, you can elevate your dish with salsa, marinara sauce, chili, or even a spoonful of tomato pesto. For a fresh and crunchy kick, consider topping with pico de gallo or incorporating taco-style toppings like shredded lettuce, cheese, and jalapeños. Seasoning options are abundant as well—spice things up with Creole seasoning or add a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning for a unique flair.
For a heartier, comfort-food-inspired variation, mix in mac and cheese, creamy queso cheese dip, or healthy portions of refried or black beans. Vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and asparagus make for nutritious additions, while peas and corn bring a touch of sweetness. For a plant-based option, tofu works great, and you can even add some Mexican rice for a filling side. To finish, consider sprinkling some nuts over your dish for added crunch and texture.
Cooking with Potatoes
In my recipe we use the medium potatoes, large cook longer, smaller cooks less. There really isn’t much to prep time. Be sure to wash the potato as you will become a fan of eating the skin which is super healthy. I also found it is not necessary to poke the potato before baking.
The flesh of the potato contains most of the potassium and vitamin C found in this vegetable while the flesh contains iron, vitamin B3 and is a good source of insoluble dietary fiber.
Remember to never put potatoes in your refrigerator, doing so causes an enzyme change which is referred to as cold-induced sweetening. This will cause your roasted and fried potatoes to have a different taste as well as a grey or darker appearance.
Reader Questions and Tips
What kind of potato should I use?
Use Idaho or Russet Potatoes. Buy medium-size potatoes and not the largest ones unless you plan to cook them longer.
Should I use foil to wrap the potatoes?
No. No foil is needed. Using foil to wrap the potatoes will result in a steamed like boiled potato.
How long do I cook it for and at what temperature?
Cook the potatoes in the air fryer at 390°F for 40 minutes.
How should I reheat the potatoes if I have leftovers?
Simply microwave the potatoes for about 1½ minutes or until warm.
What kind of air fryer do you have?
I have a Cosori air fryer and like it very much. It is very easy to use and works perfectly for a family of 3-4.
Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
Equipment
- Air fryer
Ingredients
- 4 medium-large russet potatoes
- 1½ tbsp oil
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
Toppings
- 4 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ⅔ cup cheddar cheese shredded
- ¼ cup green onions diced
Instructions
- Wash and dry potatoes.
- Combine oil, pepper, salt. Whisk to combine.
- Rub potatoes in oil mixture.
- Place potatoes in air fryer.
- Air fry at 390°F for 40 minutes.
- Pierce skin with knife to check center of potatoes.
- Air fry 5-15 minutes extra minutes at 390°F if not fully cooked.
- Cut potatoes down the center.
- Top with sour cream, butter, green onions, cheddar cheese, and salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- chili sauce
- cheese sauce
- salsa
- mac & cheese
- bacon
- potato bar toppings
- make twice baked potatoes
- taco fillings
- cilantro
- jalapenos
- beans
- rice
- cheese
- sausage
- pepperoni
- onions
- bell peppers
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate and it’s accuracy is not guaranteed to be exact.
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One Response
Some may think it silly to have a baked potato recipe but I appreciate your posting this for baked potatoes using the air fryer. I absolutely enjoy my air fryer for many reasons but set it and forget it is #1 . Also it works best for 2 people instead of the massive oven. I am sure they will come out perfectly !