There’s something comforting about the sound of the air fryer whirring in the background while dinner comes together. On a weeknight when time feels tight and the oven feels like too much, these Air Fryer Baked Potatoes always save the day. Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and done way faster than the oven they’re a quiet kind of magic.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Air fryer baked potatoes don’t just save time. They also deliver:
- A crispy skin that’s actually crisp
- A fluffy, soft center every time
- Simple ingredients you likely already have
- Lots of ways to dress them up for any mood or meal
Plus, they’re perfect when you don’t want to heat up the whole kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a few pantry staples turn into something special:
- 4 medium russet potatoes (washed and dried)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
How to Make Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
Step 1 – Prep the Potatoes
First, give each potato a good rinse and scrub. Dry them off completely. This helps the skins get nice and crisp. Then, grab a fork and prick each potato a few times. This step helps steam escape while they cook.
Step 2 – Season Well
Next, drizzle a little olive oil over each potato. Rub it all around so the skin gets evenly coated.
Then sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. If you’re feeling adventurous, try garlic salt or smoked paprika.
Step 3 – Air Fry Until Crispy
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for 5 minutes. Once hot, place the potatoes in the basket in a single layer. Cook for 35 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking. When a fork slides in easily, they’re done.
Step 4 – Serve and Add Toppings
Remove with tongs or oven mitts. Let them cool slightly. Slice open and fluff the insides with a fork. Add butter, sour cream, chives, cheese, or whatever you love. They’re a blank canvas.
Tips for Best Results
- Use russet potatoes. Their starchy texture gives you that fluffy interior.
- Always prick them. Skipping this can cause bursting.
- Preheat the air fryer. This small step makes a big difference.
- Flip them halfway to keep things even.
- Check early. Air fryers vary, so peek in around the 30-minute mark.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Got extras? No problem.
- Refrigerate: Wrap tightly and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Wrap in foil, place in a freezer bag, and freeze up to 4 months.
- Reheat: Set the air fryer to 350°F and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway.
The skin crisps back up nicely, and the inside stays soft.
FAQ
Can I use sweet potatoes instead?
Yes! Sweet potatoes work beautifully in the air fryer. They may need a few extra minutes depending on their size. Just follow the same prep steps.
Do I need to wrap them in foil?
Not for the air fryer. Foil will steam the potatoes instead of crisping them. Skip it unless you’re storing or freezing them later.
How do I know when they’re done?
They’re ready when a fork pierces through easily. The skin should feel firm, and the inside should feel light and tender. If they still feel dense, give them another 5 minutes.
Air Fryer Baked Potatoes Recipe Card
Print
Air Fryer Baked Potatoes – Quick & Crispy Favorite
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, these air fryer baked potatoes are the ultimate quick and satisfying side dish or main meal base.
Ingredients
4 medium russet potatoes (washed and dried)
1 Tbsp olive oil (or vegetable oil)
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F for 5 minutes.
2. Prick potatoes several times with a fork.
3. Drizzle each potato with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
4. Place potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
5. Bake at 375°F for 35 minutes, flipping halfway through.
6. Check doneness by poking with a fork – they should be tender.
7. Remove with tongs or mitts and let cool slightly.
8. Slice open, fluff the inside, and add toppings.
Notes
Use russet potatoes for best texture.
Prick with a fork to avoid bursting.
Preheat air fryer before cooking.
Flip halfway for even cooking.
Air fryer times may vary – check early.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Air Fryer Recipes
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 potato
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 592mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
More Such Recipes
If you’re building a full air fryer meal, try pairing these with Crispy Air Fryer Panko Chicken Thighs for a Full Meal.
Need a healthy side? Low-Calorie Air Fryer Eggplant as a Healthy Side fits the bill.
For dessert, don’t miss Air Fryer Apples with Cinnamon and Maple for a Sweet Finish.
Or go casual with Easy Air Fryer Cheeseburger Wraps for a Quick Dinner.
Final Thoughts
Air fryer baked potatoes are simple, quick, and satisfying. They’re a dependable side dish or a full-on dinner when loaded up. With crispy skins, fluffy centers, and barely any effort, it’s no wonder they’ve become a weeknight favorite.
Give them a try and feel free to get creative with toppings. Share your version on Facebook or pin it on Pinterest. I’d love to see how you make them your own.