Crispy skin, fluffy centers, and a fraction of the cooking time — that’s the magic of Air-Fryer Baked Potatoes. If you love classic baked potatoes but don’t want to heat up the whole kitchen or wait an hour, this recipe is your perfect shortcut. The air fryer gives you that irresistible golden crust and steamy interior every time — all with minimal effort and just a touch of oil. Once you try this method, you’ll never go back to the oven version again!
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy perfection: The air fryer creates that signature crackly skin without drying out the inside.
- Quick & efficient: Cuts your baking time nearly in half — perfect for busy weeknights.
- Simple ingredients: You only need potatoes, olive oil, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
- Versatile & customizable: Load them up with butter, sour cream, cheese, or your favorite toppings.
- Comfort in every bite: A fluffy, satisfying side dish that pairs beautifully with almost anything — from steak to salad.
Ingredients Needed
For the Potatoes:
- 2 medium russet potatoes (about 9–10 oz each) — scrubbed clean and thoroughly dried
- Olive oil — for brushing or spritzing (olive oil cooking spray also works)
- Kosher salt — such as Diamond Crystal, for seasoning
- Freshly ground black pepper — to taste
For Serving (Optional but Highly Recommended):
- Butter — for that rich, classic flavor
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt — for a creamy tang
- Shredded cheese — cheddar or your favorite melting cheese
- Chopped chives or scallions — for a fresh, herby finish
How to Make Air-Fryer Baked Potatoes
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
If your model requires it, preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Preheating ensures even cooking and crispier skin right from the start.
Step 2: Clean and Prep the Potatoes
Scrub the potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt. Pat them completely dry with a clean towel — moisture prevents crisping.
Next, prick each potato several times with a fork to let steam escape during cooking. Rub or spray lightly with olive oil, ensuring they’re evenly coated.
Step 3: Air-Fry to Perfection
Place the potatoes directly in the air fryer basket, leaving space around each one for air circulation.
Cook for 25 minutes, then flip them carefully using tongs. Continue cooking for another 20–25 minutes, or until a fork slides in easily and the skin is crisp and golden.
Cooking times can vary slightly depending on potato size and air fryer model.
Step 4: Season and Serve
Transfer the baked potatoes to a plate or cutting board. Let them cool for a minute, then slice open lengthwise and fluff the inside gently with a fork. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then top with butter, sour cream, cheese, and chives — or your favorite toppings.
Serve immediately for the best texture and warmth.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving ideas: Pair your air-fryer baked potatoes with grilled meats, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad. For a full meal, stuff them with chili, pulled chicken, or sautéed mushrooms.
- Storage: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–8 minutes to revive that crispy skin. Avoid the microwave if possible — it softens the texture.
Helpful Notes
- Best potatoes: Russets are ideal for baking — they have the perfect starch content and fluffy texture.
- Dry thoroughly: Moisture is the enemy of crisp skin! Make sure potatoes are bone-dry before air-frying.
- Want extra crispness? Brush with a little extra oil halfway through cooking.
- Flavor twist: Try seasoning the skins with garlic powder, paprika, or smoked salt for a tasty upgrade.
- Shortcut topping: Mix Greek yogurt with a pinch of salt, pepper, and lemon zest for a lighter, tangy alternative to sour cream.
Air-Fryer Baked Potatoes
Ingredients
Method
- Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
If your air fryer requires preheating, set it to 350°F (175°C). This helps ensure even cooking and crispier skin. - Step 2: Clean and Prep the Potatoes
Scrub the potatoes thoroughly and dry completely with a towel. Prick each several times with a fork, then lightly coat with olive oil for even crisping. - Step 3: Air-Fry to Perfection
Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket, leaving space for airflow. Cook for 25 minutes, flip, then continue for another 20–25 minutes until the skin is golden and a fork slides in easily. - Step 4: Season and Serve
Transfer potatoes to a plate, slice open, and fluff the inside with a fork. Season with salt and pepper, then top with butter, sour cream, cheese, and chives. Serve immediately.
Notes
Conclusion
These Air-Fryer Baked Potatoes are proof that simple ingredients can deliver incredible flavor and texture. With their crispy skin and fluffy center, they’re everything you love about classic baked potatoes — made easier, faster, and lighter. Once you’ve tried them this way, your oven might just get a well-deserved break!
If you make this recipe, leave a star rating and a comment below — I’d love to hear how it turned out!
Share your creation on Pinterest or Facebook, and tell us: What toppings did you try? 🥔✨
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a different type of potato?
Yes! Yukon Gold or red potatoes also work, though they’ll have a creamier, denser texture and won’t crisp quite as much as russets.
Do I need to wrap the potatoes in foil?
No — foil traps moisture, preventing the skin from crisping. For best results, cook them uncovered directly in the air fryer basket.
How do I make these vegan?
Simply skip the butter and use plant-based toppings like vegan sour cream, dairy-free cheese, or avocado slices.
Can I reheat leftover baked potatoes in the air fryer?
Absolutely. Reheat at 350°F for 5–8 minutes to restore the crispy skin and warm interior — they’ll taste freshly made.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, bake them up to 3 days in advance and store in the fridge. Reheat in the air fryer when ready to serve for that just-cooked texture.