Air Fryer Baked Potatoes Recipe
Introduction
Air fryer baked potatoes are a quick and easy way to enjoy crispy skin and fluffy interiors without heating up your oven. Perfectly cooked in about 30 minutes, they make a delicious side or a satisfying meal when topped with your favorite ingredients.
Ingredients
- 4 russet potatoes (6 to 8 ounces each)
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil
- Coarse sea salt, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Rinse the russet potatoes using a vegetable scrubber to remove any dirt, then pat them dry with paper towels and place on a cutting board.
- Step 2: Poke holes in each potato with a fork to allow steam to escape during cooking. Rub the potatoes with neutral oil, then sprinkle coarse sea salt evenly over the surface.
- Step 3: Arrange the potatoes in the air fryer basket. If your basket is small or potatoes are large, cook in batches. Air fry for 30 minutes.
- Step 4: After 30 minutes, check doneness by inserting a fork into a potato. If the fork does not slide in easily, return the potatoes to the air fryer and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Repeat if necessary until tender.
- Step 5: Remove the potatoes and place them on a cutting board. Using a knife, cut down the center lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Step 6: Gently push the ends of each potato to widen the opening and release steam. Fluff the inside with a fork.
- Step 7: Top with your favorite toppings and serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispy skin, increase cooking time by a few minutes or spray the potatoes lightly with additional oil before air frying.
- Try toppings like sour cream, chives, shredded cheese, bacon bits, or steamed vegetables for a tasty baked potato meal.
Storage
Store leftover baked potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness, or microwave until heated through if you prefer a softer skin.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes in the air fryer?
While russet potatoes are best for baking due to their starchy texture, you can air fry other varieties like Yukon gold or red potatoes. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on potato size and type.
Do I need to poke holes in the potatoes before air frying?
Yes, poking holes allows steam to escape and prevents the potatoes from bursting while cooking, ensuring even and safe baking in the air fryer.
PrintAir Fryer Baked Potatoes Recipe
This Air Fryer Baked Potatoes recipe offers a quick and easy way to enjoy perfectly cooked, fluffy potatoes with a crispy skin. Utilizing an air fryer, this method ensures a tender interior and golden, salted crust without the need for an oven. Ideal as a comforting side dish or a base for your favorite toppings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
- Total Time: 40-50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 russet potatoes (6 to 8 ounces each)
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (such as vegetable or canola oil)
- Coarse sea salt, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Turn on your air fryer and preheat it to 400°F (200°C). Rinse 4 russet potatoes thoroughly, using a vegetable scrubber to remove any dirt or grime. Pat them dry completely with paper towels and place them on a cutting board.
- Pierce and Season: Use a fork to poke holes all over the potatoes to allow steam to escape during cooking. Coat each potato evenly with 1 tablespoon of neutral oil, then sprinkle coarse sea salt generously over the surface to enhance flavor and crispiness.
- Air Fry in Batches: If your air fryer basket is small or the potatoes are large, cook them in batches to ensure even cooking. Place the potatoes in the basket, making sure they have space around them for air circulation. Cook at 400°F for 30 minutes.
- Check for Doneness: After 30 minutes, remove a potato and insert a fork to test tenderness. If the fork does not slide in smoothly, return the potatoes to the air fryer and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Repeat this check until the potatoes are fully tender inside.
- Rest and Cut: Once cooked through, remove the potatoes from the air fryer and place them on a cutting board. Using a knife, cut a shallow slit down the middle of each potato, not slicing all the way through. Gently press on the edges of the potato to open the slit and release steam.
- Fluff and Serve: Use a fork to fluff the interior of the potatoes by lightly feathering the inward mashed core. Add your favorite toppings such as butter, sour cream, chives, or cheese, and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Choose russet potatoes for the best texture and fluffy interior.
- Neutral oils like vegetable or canola oil work well to crisp the skin without imparting flavor.
- Cooking times can vary depending on potato size; larger potatoes may need a few extra minutes.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation and even cooking.
- You can customize your toppings according to preference—bacon bits, shredded cheese, or sautéed vegetables are excellent options.
Keywords: Air fryer baked potatoes, crispy baked potatoes, easy potato recipe, healthy side dish, air fryer recipe
