Best Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

Introduction

Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, the Best Air Fryer Baked Potatoes deliver classic comfort with a modern twist. Thanks to the air fryer, you can achieve perfect results—crunchy skin and cloud-like centers—in less time than a traditional oven. This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or impressing at gatherings; each bite is a testament to why air-fried baked potatoes have quickly become a crowd-favorite side dish.

Why Try Air Fryer Baked Potatoes?

Forget waiting an hour for oven-baked perfection or risking rubbery microwaved potatoes. With an air fryer, you get maximum flavor and texture with minimal fuss. The circulating hot air ensures consistent crispiness, while the inside stays light and tender. Add your favorite toppings—think Greek yogurt, chives, or sharp cheddar—and you’ve got a side (or even main) that everyone will love.

Choosing and Prepping Potatoes

Select medium-sized russet potatoes for the best results; their skin crisps up beautifully and their interiors remain fluffy. For quick and uniform prepping, a Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper is perfect for dicing toppings, while a sturdy Bamboo Cutting Boards for Kitchen, Set of 3 gives you ample space for prep with easy cleanup.

Wash, dry, and prick each potato several times with a fork before seasoning. An Olive Oil Sprayer ensures you coat your potatoes evenly with just the right amount of oil for extra-crispy skins.

The Secrets to Perfect Crispiness

Generously rub potatoes with olive oil and kosher salt. Arrange them with space between on your air fryer’s basket to let hot air circulate. Try the COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt, Grey for consistent, large-batch cooking. For easy cleanup and to prevent sticking, line the basket with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll or use Air Fryer Paper Liners, 8” Square.

Serving and Customizing Your Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

After a brief rest, slice open each potato and fluff the interior with a fork. Load up with classics like butter and sour cream, or get creative with black beans, salsa, or your favorite cheese blend.

For a no-mess solution to festive leftovers, pack potato halves and toppings into a Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl for a portable lunch the next day.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields 4 perfectly air-fried baked potatoes. Each serving (potato with basic toppings like olive oil, salt, and pepper) contains about 220 calories. Add-ins will affect total nutrition, so adjust accordingly for cheese, sour cream, or hearty protein toppings.

Best Air Fryer Baked Potatoes Recipe Recap

Combining speed, crispiness, and customizable flavor, these air fryer baked potatoes ensure everyone gets their spud just how they like it. Perfect for busy nights, meal preps, or a hearty snack, this recipe embodies ease and versatility—truly a game changer in the kitchen.

Instructions

1. Scrub potatoes thoroughly and pat dry. Prick each potato several times with a fork.
2. Use an Olive Oil Sprayer to spray each potato evenly with olive oil. Generously sprinkle with kosher salt and pepper.
3. If desired, line the basket of your COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1 or similar model with parchment paper or Air Fryer Paper Liners for no-stick cleanup. Arrange potatoes in basket, ensuring they don’t overlap.
4. Air fry at 400°F for 35–40 minutes, turning potatoes halfway. Check doneness by inserting a fork or using a ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer; potatoes should register about 210°F internally and feel tender throughout.
5. Remove potatoes and let rest 5 minutes. Slice open, fluff the insides, and top with your favorite add-ons.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 35–40 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes