Air fryer baked potatoes are an easy, energy-efficient way to enjoy crispy-skinned potatoes with a fluffy interior. Perfect as a side dish or a satisfying main course, they’re quick to make and endlessly customizable for any meal.

baked potato on a plate with butter and season

Table of Contents

Chef’s Tips

Perfect Crispiness: Spritz the potatoes evenly with cooking spray for extra crispy skin.
Even Cooking: Choose potatoes of similar size to ensure they cook uniformly.
Flavor Boost: Rub the potatoes with a little olive oil and salt before cooking for enhanced flavor.

Ingredients

4 Medium Potatoes: Choose starchy varieties like Russet or Idaho for the best texture.
Cooking Spray: Helps achieve a crispy, golden exterior.
Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance flavor.
Butter: Adds richness and creaminess to the finished potatoes.

Substitutions

Cooking Spray: Use olive oil or melted butter for a richer flavor.
Butter: Swap with sour cream, Greek yogurt, or a drizzle of olive oil.
Seasonings: Experiment with garlic powder, smoked paprika, or dried rosemary for added flavor.

Instructions

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
Wash and dry the potatoes, then poke each one several times with a fork to allow steam to escape.
Lightly coat the potatoes with cooking spray and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
Cook for 30 minutes, flip the potatoes, and continue air frying for another 10 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the interior is tender.
Remove from the air fryer, slice open, and top with butter, salt, and pepper, or your favorite toppings. Serve warm.

potatoes split open with butter and season sprinkled on in an air fryer basket

Topping Ideas

Classic: Butter, sour cream, and chives.
Cheesy: Shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan.
Savory: Crumbled bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or caramelized onions.
Fresh: Salsa, guacamole, or steamed broccoli.
Spicy: Jalapeños, hot sauce, or chili flakes.

Reheating and Storage

Storage: Store leftover potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–8 minutes to restore crispiness, or microwave for a softer texture.

FAQs

Can I use large potatoes?
Yes, but adjust the cooking time. Larger potatoes may require 10–15 additional minutes.

Do I need to wrap the potatoes in foil?
No, foil is not necessary for air frying and may prevent the skin from getting crispy.

What other seasonings work well?
Try garlic salt, paprika, or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.

Can I cook multiple potatoes at once?
Yes, as long as there is enough space for air to circulate evenly around each potato.

Air fryer baked potatoes are versatile, quick to prepare, and always a hit. Enjoy experimenting with your favorite toppings to create a dish perfect for any occasion!

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