There’s nothing like a perfectly baked potato—crispy skin, fluffy interior, and endless topping possibilities. But waiting an hour for the oven to do its thing? Not ideal on a busy night. That’s why air fryer baked potatoes are my go-to. They cut the cooking time in half and deliver the same satisfying texture. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a loaded lunch, these potatoes come out just right, every single time.

What is Air Fryer Baked Potatoes?

Air Fryer Baked Potatoes are the faster, crispier, and easier alternative to traditional oven-baked potatoes. Using the air fryer, you can enjoy fluffy, tender potatoes with irresistibly crispy skin in about 40 minutes—no preheating required. Whether you want a quick side dish or a loaded main course, this method delivers perfect results every time, making Air Fryer Baked Potatoes a must-have recipe in every kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This

There’s a lot to love about Air Fryer Baked Potatoes, and once you try them, you’ll wonder why you ever used your oven. Here’s what makes them so special:

• ✅ Quick Cooking: Ready in just 35-40 minutes—cutting traditional baking time almost in half.
• ✅ Crispy, Golden Skin: The air fryer delivers a restaurant-style crunch on the outside.
• ✅ Fluffy, Steamy Inside: Soft and fluffy interior without any sogginess.
• ✅ Healthier Than Microwaving: No rubbery textures, no uneven cooking.
• ✅ Versatile for Any Meal: Makes a fantastic side or can be loaded with toppings for a main dish.

💡 Morgan Tip: Always skip foil when making Air Fryer Baked Potatoes—leave them uncovered to achieve ultra-crispy skin.

How to Make Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

Making Air Fryer Baked Potatoes is incredibly simple. You only need a few basic pantry staples and your air fryer to achieve delicious, crispy baked potatoes perfect for any meal.

Quick Overview

Here’s a quick step-by-step summary for Air Fryer Baked Potatoes:

Ingredients

These simple ingredients create the ultimate crispy and fluffy Air Fryer Baked Potatoes:

• 2 medium russet potatoes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• Optional: ½ teaspoon garlic powder or smoked paprika for extra flavor

💡 Morgan Tip: Always scrub and dry the potatoes thoroughly before cooking. Excess moisture on the skin can prevent crispiness.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prep Your Potatoes

• Wash and scrub the potatoes under cold water.
• Pat them completely dry using a clean towel.
• Prick each potato 3-4 times with a fork to let steam escape during cooking.

Step 2: Oil and Season

• Rub each potato with olive oil until evenly coated.
• Sprinkle generously with kosher salt.
• For added flavor, consider dusting with garlic powder or smoked paprika.

Step 3: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for 2-3 minutes.
• Place the potatoes in the basket in a single layer, leaving space between each one.
• Air fry for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway to ensure even crisping.

Step 4: Check for Doneness

• Insert a fork or knife into the center; it should slide in easily.
• If needed, air fry for an additional 5 minutes for extra-large potatoes.

💡 Morgan Tip: Extra-large potatoes may need 5-8 more minutes, so always check with a fork for that fluffy interior.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

Air Fryer Baked Potatoes are one of the most versatile dishes you can make. Here are several delicious ways to serve them:

• 🥔 Loaded Style: Top with sour cream, cheddar cheese, green onions, and crispy bacon bits.
• 🌮 Taco Potato: Fill with seasoned ground turkey or beef, salsa, and avocado.
• 🍳 Breakfast Baked Potato: Slice open and top with scrambled eggs and hot sauce.
• 🥩 Dinner Side Dish: Serve alongside grilled steak, roasted chicken, or hearty chili.
• 🧈 Pub-Style Snack: Cut into wedges, toss with garlic butter, and re-crisp in the air fryer.

Top Tips for Perfecting Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

✅ Use uniform-sized potatoes so they cook evenly
✅ Flip halfway through cooking for crispy skin on all sides
✅ For extra crispiness, spray a light mist of oil halfway through
✅ Add shredded cheese after baking and return to the air fryer for 2 minutes to melt
✅ Don’t wrap in foil—exposed skin crisps better in the air fryer

💡 Morgan Tip: Leftover baked potatoes? Slice them into cubes and pan-fry for quick, crispy breakfast home fries!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Keep your Air Fryer Baked Potatoes tasting fresh with these easy storage and reheating tips:

• ❄️ Storage: Store cooled baked potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• ♨️ Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 5-6 minutes for crispy skin and warm interiors.
• ❌ Avoid microwaving: This will soften the skin and ruin the crispiness.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Baked Potatoes are the easiest way to enjoy perfectly crisp and fluffy potatoes in a fraction of the time. Whether you need a simple side dish, a loaded main course, or a comforting snack, this method guarantees satisfying results with minimal effort. Skip the oven and use your air fryer to enjoy baked potatoes that deliver every single time.

Recipe Help & FAQs

If you’re cooking for yourself, this quick chicken dinner for one is juicy, fast, and totally fuss-free—perfect for solo air fryer meals.

Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

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Description:

These air fryer baked potatoes are quick, crispy, and perfectly fluffy inside. They’re the ultimate side dish—no oven or foil required!

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Ingredients:

2 medium russet potatoes

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp kosher salt

Optional: garlic powder or smoked paprika

Instructions

Instructions:

Step 1 – Prep the Potatoes: Scrub and dry the potatoes. Prick with a fork 3–4 times.

Step 2 – Season Generously: Rub with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and optional spices.

Step 3 – Air Fry to Crisp: Place in air fryer at 400°F and cook for 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway.

Step 4 – Test for Doneness: Test with a knife. If not soft, cook 5 minutes longer.

Notes

Notes:

Use russet potatoes for the best texture.

Don’t wrap in foil—this prevents crisping.

Cook time may vary slightly based on size.

• Author: Riley Morgan
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Air Fryer
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 potato
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 290mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: air fryer baked potatoes, crispy baked potatoes, easy side dish

Want more? Check out our air fryer recipes for one person collection—another fast, flavorful option