If you’re still baking your potatoes in a conventional oven, I’ve got good news: there’s a faster, crispier, and honestly, better way to do it.
My new favorite way to cook potatoes is in the air fryer.
Ever since I tried my first air fryer baked potato, I haven’t looked back.
The salty skin, the fluffy center, the reduced cooking time… it’s become my go-to method for making the perfect baked potato.
Whether it’s a quick weeknight side dish or a main entree loaded with cheddar cheese and sour cream, this is truly the easiest way to bake potatoes.
I promise you’ll get that crispy skin and fluffy inside combo that everyone loves.
Why Use an Air Fryer for Baked Potatoes?
The beauty of the air fryer is how it circulates hot air around the food, crisping up the skin without drying out the potato flesh.
It’s a great thing for those of us who crave crispy potato skins and perfectly tender insides—without waiting an hour for the oven to preheat and bake.
Also, air frying takes less time than using a conventional oven and uses less energy, making it a more efficient option all around.
Best Potatoes for Air Frying
Let’s talk taters. Not all potatoes are created equal when it comes to air frying. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Russet potatoes (or Idaho potatoes): High starch content = fluffy insides + crispy skin. Best option for classic baked potatoes.
Sweet potatoes: A great sweet potato recipe alternative if you want something naturally sweet and nutrient-rich.
Yukon golds or red potatoes: Better for air fryer baby potatoes or potato wedges, not ideal for fluffy baked centers.
Small potatoes: Perfect for quicker cook times or when serving as a side dish with air fryer chicken wings or air fryer steak.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. You only need a few pantry staples:
- 2–4 russet potatoes (depending on size of your potatoes and air fryer basket size)
- Olive oil or avocado oil
- Sea salt or kosher salt
- Optional: black pepper, garlic powder, favorite toppings (like sour cream, cheddar cheese, greek yogurt, black beans, or a pat of butter)
Step-by-Step: Air Fryer Baked Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
Give your potatoes a good scrub under running water. Poke holes in them using a fork or sharp knife—this allows steam to escape during cooking and prevents any air fryer explosions (not that I’ve learned that the hard way or anything…).
Step 2: Oil & Season
Rub each potato with a little oil, then sprinkle generously with sea salt. This step gives you that irresistible salted skin we all love. Add black pepper or garlic powder if you’re feeling fancy.
Step 3: Place in Air Fryer Basket
Arrange the potatoes in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd them—airflow is key for that crispy skin. I can usually fit 2–3 large potatoes comfortably in a typical air fryer.
Step 4: Cook
Set your air fryer to 400 degrees F and cook for 35–45 minutes, flipping halfway through. Exact timing depends on the size of the potato and your air fryer’s different settings. You’ll know they’re done when a fork slides in easily and the outside is golden brown.
Step 5: Serve
Use tongs to remove the potatoes (they’ll be hot!) and slice open with a knife. Fluff the potato flesh, and top with your favorite toppings. I love a combo of greek yogurt, chives, and a sprinkle of cheddar—classic, simple, and so satisfying.
Tips & Tricks for the Best Results
Don’t wrap in aluminum foil—you’ll lose the crisp factor. Save that for oven-baked potatoes.
Want even crispier skin? Let the potatoes rest in the air fryer for 5 extra minutes after cooking.
Cooking just a single baked potato? Reduce your cooking time by 5–8 minutes.
Store leftovers in an airtight container with a paper towel to absorb moisture. Reheat in the air fryer to restore crispness.
Trying a sweet potato version? It may need a different cook time—start checking around 30 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
Q: Do I need to flip the potatoes while cooking?
A: Yes! Flipping halfway helps get even cooking and ensures all sides are nice and crispy.
Q: Can I cook more than one type of potato at once?
A: You can, but keep in mind that different types (like russets vs. sweet potatoes) may need extra minutes or shorter times depending on size.
Q: Can I meal prep air fryer potatoes?
A: Absolutely! Just reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes at 375°F. Avoid the microwave—it softens the skin.
Q: Can I use plastic wrap to store baked potatoes?
A: You can, but I prefer using an airtight container lined with a paper towel to keep them fresh and avoid soggy skin.
Q: Can I add other ingredients to the air fryer while cooking?
A: If you have room, add something simple like air fryer bacon toward the end of the cook time—it makes an incredible topping.
If this is your first time trying air fryer baked potatoes, welcome to the club—you may never go back to the oven-baked version. It’s truly the easiest way to get restaurant-style results at home with minimal effort.
Pair them with your favorite way to cook proteins (hello, air fryer chicken wings or steak) or keep it vegetarian with black beans and cheddar cheese.
However you top them, these crispy skin, fluffy center baked potatoes are the perfect side dish—or, honestly, a full meal.
Just don’t forget the sour cream!
Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
Ingredients
- 2–4 russet potatoes (medium to large)
- 1–2 tsp olive oil or avocado oil
- Sea salt or kosher salt, to taste
- Optional: black pepper, garlic powder, favorite toppings (sour cream, cheddar cheese, Greek yogurt, black beans, chives, pat of butter)
Instructions
- Scrub the potatoes clean and poke holes all over with a fork or sharp knife.
- Rub each potato with a little oil and season generously with salt (and pepper/garlic powder if using).
- Place potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
