How To Cook Baked Potatoes In Air Fryer
Introduction
Forget the wait and uneven results of oven baking—cooking potatoes in an air fryer produces perfectly crisp skins and fluffy insides in a fraction of the time. Ideal for weeknight dinners, cookouts, or meal prepping, air fryer baked potatoes are a game-changer for anyone who loves a satisfying, customizable side dish with minimal fuss.
Why Air Fryer Baked Potatoes Are Unbeatable
The biggest draw of this method is speed; air fryers slash baking time while yielding superior crispy exteriors, just like restaurant-style baked potatoes. Plus, the air fryer cooks with circulating hot air, ensuring each potato is evenly cooked—no soggy bottoms or underdone centers. It’s the ultimate way to achieve the gold standard of baked potatoes with almost zero guesswork.
Preparing Your Potatoes for Air Frying
Start by selecting russet potatoes, as their thick skin and starchy flesh are best for baking. Give the potatoes a thorough scrub using water and a kitchen brush. Pat them completely dry before prepping; excess moisture will impede crispiness.
Use a Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper or a sharp knife for dicing any toppings or for prepping other vegetables if you plan to serve the potatoes loaded.
Next, poke each potato a few times with a fork to release steam during the cooking process. Rub the skins with olive oil for that irresistible crunch and sprinkle generously with salt for robust flavor, or use your favorite seasoning blend for a creative twist.
Air Fryer Setup and Cooking
Preheat your COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt, Grey (or similar model) to 400°F for 3-5 minutes. This ensures the potatoes start cooking evenly from the moment they go in.
For easy cleanup and to prevent sticking, line the basket with Air Fryer Paper Liners designed to withstand high temperatures. Arrange the potatoes in a single layer with ample space between each—this allows hot air to circulate and crisp up every side.
Cook for 35–40 minutes, rotating halfway through. The exact time may vary by potato size and your air fryer model. Check doneness by piercing to the center with a fork—it should go in easily with no resistance.
Finishing Touches & Creative Toppings
Once cooked, let the potatoes rest for a couple of minutes, then make a lengthwise slit and gently squeeze the ends to fluff up the interior. For a perfectly melty finish, lay on your favorite cheese or butter immediately.
To speed up prepping an array of toppings—think diced onion, chopped chives, sliced jalapenos—turn to the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for quick, uniform results.
Portion leftovers or extra toppings into handy Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers to stay organized and keep your kitchen neat.
Topping Suggestions:
- Sour cream and chives
- Steamed broccoli florets and cheddar
- Chili and shredded cheese
- Crispy bacon bits and green onions
- Greek yogurt and fresh herbs
Serving & Storing Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
Serve air fryer baked potatoes straight out of the fryer for maximum crispiness. For meal prepping, let baked potatoes cool, then store in airtight containers like Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore that ideal texture.
Pair your potatoes with a protein or toss in a Bentgo Salad Container for a portable, satisfying lunch.
Nutritional Information & Serving Size
Each medium russet potato provides about 160 calories before toppings, and is naturally gluten-free, high in potassium, and low in fat. They’re an excellent backbone for healthy or indulgent toppings—your choice!
Summary: How To Cook Baked Potatoes In Air Fryer
Air fryer baked potatoes deliver crisp, golden skins and piping-hot, fluffy interiors—quickly and reliably. They’re the perfect base for classic or creative toppings, sure to satisfy a crowd or a solo dinner. With smart prepping tools and proper storage solutions, this “set and forget” side dish can become a mainstay in your weekly meal rotation.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your COSORI Air Fryer to 400°F. Line the basket with Air Fryer Paper Liners for easy cleanup.
- Puncture each potato several times with a fork. Rub the potatoes with olive oil and coat with salt.
- Arrange potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space around each one. Air fry for 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crisping.
- Test for doneness by inserting a fork into the center—it should glide in easily. If resistant, air fry for 5 additional minutes and test again.
- Cut a lengthwise slit in each baked potato and gently squeeze the ends to open and fluff the insides. Add your favorite toppings while hot.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: 40–45 minutes
