Air fryer baked potatoes are the perfect hassle-free side for any meal! They come out with crispy, golden skins and tender, fluffy centers, ready to be loaded up with your favorite toppings. Easy to make, quick to prep and absolutely delicious!
These simple air fryer baked potatoes are hands-down the best baked potatoes you’ll ever make! They are incredibly versatile and can be topped with anything from sour cream, shredded cheese and crispy bacon to broccoli and cheese. The possibilities are endless, and these are sure to become a new family favorite! We love to pair them with pan seared steak, salmon, chicken or a fresh salad.
Want to try smashed potatoes? Give my air fryer smashed potatoes a try next!
What you’ll need to make air fryer baked potatoes
With just two key ingredients, plus seasoning, this air fryer baked potato recipe is incredibly easy to make!
- Potatoes: Use Russet potatoes for best results. They bake up fluffy on the inside and are the perfect size for slicing open and loading up with salt, pepper and your favorite toppings!
- Olive oil: Coating the potatoes with olive oil not only softens the skin as they cook in the air fryer but also enhances their crispiness.
How to make baked potatoes in an air fryer
Prep: Preheat the air fryer to 400˚F. Scrub the potatoes under running water then pat dry with paper towels. Poke the potatoes all over with a fork. Rub with olive oil and sprinkle liberally with salt & pepper.
Cook: Transfer the potatoes to the pre-heated air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 20 minutes on one side, then flip and cook another 20 minutes on the other side, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the skin is crisp. Baking time will vary depending on the size of the potatoes. Slice open each potato, fluff the insides and serve with desired toppings.
Baked potato toppings
Baked potatoes are like a blank canvas that can easily be customized to fit your cravings! Here are some delicious ways to take this simple side dish to the next level or turn it into a filling, flavorful meal!
- Keep it simple: A dollop of butter melts into the fluffy potato, adding richness and creaminess. Sprinkle with a generous amount of salt and pepper to bring out the flavor.
- Loaded: Can’t go wrong with the classic! Load your potato with butter, sour cream or Greek yogurt, shredded cheddar cheese, bacon bits and chives.
- Chili: Make my favorite chili or even use a can. Heat it up and pour it over your potato and add cheese and sour cream, if you desire.
- Pulled pork or chicken: For a protein-packed topping, add shredded, tender pulled pork or chicken. It makes your potato heartier and more satisfying.
- Broccoli cheddar: Melted Velveeta and steamed broccoli or leftover Broccoli Cheddar Soup is out of this world.
Recipe tips
- Dry the potatoes: After washing, make sure the potatoes are completely dry. This will help the skin get crispier when cooked.
- Pierce the potatoes: Use a fork to pierce the potatoes a few times before cooking to allow steam to escape and prevent them from bursting.
- Flip halfway through: For even cooking, flip the potatoes halfway through the cooking time.
- Check for doneness: Cooking times can vary depending on the size of the potatoes and your air fryer. Check for doneness by inserting a fork; it should go in easily when they’re fully cooked.
- Let them rest: After cooking, let the potatoes sit for a few minutes before slicing them open to allow the steam to redistribute for a fluffier inside.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to preheat my air fryer?
Yes, preheating your air fryer for a few minutes will help ensure that the potatoes cook evenly and get a crispy skin.
Do I need to wrap my potatoes in foil?
No, you don’t need to wrap potatoes in foil for the air fryer. Leaving the skin exposed helps it crisp up. Simply rub the potatoes with oil and season them before cooking.
Can I make mashed potatoes from air fryer potatoes?
Yes! Once baked, scoop out the fluffy interior of the potatoes and mash them with your favorite ingredients like butter, cream and seasonings.
Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
Ingredients
- 4 Russet potatoes
- 3-4 tablespoons olive oil, for brushing
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400˚F.
- Scrub the potatoes under running water then pat dry with paper towels.
- Poke the potatoes all over with a fork. Rub with olive oil and sprinkle liberally with salt & pepper.
- Transfer the potatoes to the pre-heated air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 20 minutes on one side, then flip and cook another 20 minutes on the other side, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the skin is crisp. Baking time will vary depending on the size of the potatoes.
- Slice open each potato, fluff the insides and serve with desired toppings.
Equipment
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Storage recommendations
- To store for the week: Store leftover baked potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- To reheat in the air fryer: Cook the potatoes at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes or until warmed through.
- To freeze for later: I recommend freezing just the potato flesh. Scoop it into a freezer-safe container and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. If you’d prefer to freeze the whole baked potato, wrap it in foil before storing it in your container to prevent freezer burn.
