Air Fried Baked Potato

Introduction

A perfectly baked potato—with its crisp skin and fluffy interior—is a simple, yet undeniably satisfying side or star on your dinner plate. Using an air fryer, you can achieve that quintessential texture in a fraction of the time compared to traditional oven methods. This crowd-pleaser can be customized endlessly with your favorite toppings and is foolproof for a weeknight meal or a fun gathering.

Why Make Air Fried Baked Potatoes?

Air frying eliminates the long wait time of conventional baking while delivering a superior crispy skin and soft, steamy potato flesh. This method requires little prep, minimal oil, and keeps your kitchen cool—making it a practical choice any day of the week. Plus, it’s hands-off cooking at its best, giving you time to whip up tasty toppings or a fresh salad while the potatoes cook.

Getting Started: Preparing Your Potatoes

Start by selecting medium-sized russet potatoes for the classic baked potato experience. Scrub them thoroughly (a Bamboo Cutting Boards for Kitchen, Set of 3 makes cleaning and prepping a breeze) and dry completely.

Pierce each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape. Lightly brush with olive oil—use a TrendPlain 16oz/470ml Olive Oil Sprayer for Cooking, Black for easy and even coverage—then season generously with kosher salt.

Air Frying Your Baked Potato

For even results, preheat your air fryer. Place potatoes in the basket, ensuring space between each for air circulation. A set of Air Fryer Paper Liners, 125Pcs Parchment Paper, 8IN Square will help prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 35-45 minutes, depending on potato size, turning once halfway through. To check for doneness, insert a fork or use an ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking—the center should reach about 210°F and feel soft.

Building the Best Potato Bar

Once cooked, split potatoes open and fluff with a fork. Top with butter, cheese, sour cream, chives, or your favorites—try roasted veggies chopped quick using a Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for speedy prep. Serve immediately, and consider storing extras in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup) for easy meal prep.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields 4 air fried baked potatoes. One medium russet potato (about 5-6 oz), plain, contains roughly 160 calories, 0g fat, 37g carbohydrates, 4g fiber, and 4g protein. Toppings will vary the nutrition, so customize to suit your needs!

The Takeaway: Why You’ll Love Air Fried Baked Potato

This air fried baked potato delivers the crunchy skin and fluffy interior you crave, with less time and oil than oven baking. With easy prep, speedy cleanup, and endless topping options, there’s every reason to make it your go-to comfort side or meal-in-one.

Instructions

1. Wash and dry potatoes thoroughly. Prick each potato with a fork 4-5 times.
2. Coat each potato evenly with olive oil using a TrendPlain Olive Oil Sprayer. Sprinkle generously with kosher salt.
3. Line your air fryer basket with Air Fryer Paper Liners for easy cleanup, if desired.
4. Preheat your COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt to 400°F for 3 minutes. Add potatoes, leaving space between them.
5. Air fry for 35-45 minutes, flipping halfway through. Potatoes should yield when squeezed (with an oven mitt).
6. Remove potatoes carefully. Slice down the center, fluff with a fork, and serve with toppings of your choice.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Enjoy your air fried baked potato—ultra-crispy outside, pillowy inside, and ready for endless topping creations!