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.
💡 Morgan Tip: Choose russet potatoes for the crispiest skin. Their low moisture content makes them perfect for air fryer baked potatoes.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These air fryer baked potatoes check all the boxes: quick, crispy, easy, and totally customizable. Here’s why they’re a weeknight staple in my house:
- Faster than oven baking – Ready in just 40 minutes with no preheating required.
- Crispy, golden skin – The air fryer gives you that restaurant-style crunch.
- Fluffy interior – Perfectly steams inside while crisping the outside.
- Healthier than microwaving – No soggy skin, no uneven cooking.
- Versatile – Works for dinner, sides, or even breakfast hashes.
💡 Morgan Tip: Don’t wrap in foil—leave potatoes bare to let the air fryer do its crisping magic. That’s the secret to perfect air-fryer baked potatoes.
air fryer baked potatoes Ingredient
Just a few basics are all you need to make the best air fryer baked potatoes :
- 2 medium russet potatoes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- Optional: garlic powder or smoked paprika for added flavor
💡 Morgan Tip: Scrub and dry the potatoes completely before cooking. Moisture on the skin can prevent that signature crispy texture.
Step-by-Step Instruction
Step 1 – Prep Your Potatoes
Scrub the potatoes and pat them dry with a towel. Prick each one 3–4 times with a fork to allow steam to escape.
Step 2 – Season Generously
Rub each potato with olive oil and sprinkle evenly with kosher salt. Add garlic powder or paprika for bonus flavor.
Step 3 – Air Fry to Crispy
Place potatoes in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them. Cook at 400°F for 35–40 minutes. Flip halfway for even crisping.
Step 4 – Test for Doneness
Insert a knife or fork—it should slide in easily. If not, cook for an additional 5 minutes.
💡 Morgan Tip: If your potatoes are extra large, increase cook time by 5–8 minutes. Size matters with air fryer baked potatoes!
My Air Fryer Baked Potatoes Tips
- Choose uniform size – This helps them cook at the same rate.
- Spray lightly with oil halfway – Helps deepen the crisp on all sides.
- For cheesy potatoes – Add shredded cheese after slicing open and pop them back in the air fryer for 2 minutes to melt.
💡 Morgan Tip: Keep leftover air fryer baked potatoes in the fridge, then slice and pan-fry for quick breakfast home fries.
Serving Ideas
These air-fryer baked potatoes can be the main event or the perfect side. Here are a few delicious ways to serve them:
- Loaded dinner – Top with sour cream, green onions, bacon bits, and cheddar.
- Taco-style – Fill with seasoned ground turkey, salsa, and avocado.
- Breakfast base – Slice open and top with scrambled eggs and hot sauce.
- Side dish – Pair with steak, grilled chicken, or even chili.
Ready to keep exploring? Dive into more air fryer meal ideas, test new textures, and share your wins with friends or family. From my kitchen in North Carolina to yours—happy cooking with this stellar Air Fryer baked potatoes!
💡 Morgan Tip: For a quick crowd-pleaser, cut baked potatoes into wedges and re-crisp in the air fryer with garlic butter. Instant pub-style snack!
Recipe Help & FAQs
Can I make air fryer baked potatoes ahead of time?
Yes! Cook them fully, cool, and store in the fridge. Reheat at 375°F for 5–7 minutes for that just-baked taste.
What’s the best potato type for baking in the air fryer?
Russet potatoes are ideal due to their starchy texture and thick skin. Avoid waxy potatoes like red or Yukon gold.
Do I need to wrap them in foil?
Nope! Wrapping traps moisture and leads to soggy skin. For crispy air fryer baked potatoes, cook them unwrapped.
How do I know when they’re done?
Use a knife—if it slides in easily, they’re perfect. If there’s resistance, cook a few more minutes.
How long does a baking potato take in the air fryer?
A baking potato (like a Russet) takes 35–45 minutes at 400°F (200°C) in the air fryer, depending on size. Flip halfway for even cooking. You’ll know it’s done when the skin is crispy and a fork slides in easily.
Is it faster to bake a potato in the oven or air fryer?
The air fryer is definitely faster. Traditional oven baking can take up to an hour or more, while the air fryer cuts that time down by about 15–20 minutes and gives you crispier skin without drying out the inside.
How long to cook potato bake in an air fryer?
For a potato bake (like scalloped potatoes), it takes about 25–35 minutes at 350°F (175°C) in an oven-style air fryer. Cover with foil for the first half to prevent burning, then uncover to brown the top.
How long do you leave potatoes in an air fryer?
It depends on the cut and type:
Whole baked potatoes: 35–45 minutes at 400°F
Potato wedges: 20–25 minutes at 380°F
Fries or cubes: 15–20 minutes at 375–400°F
Always shake or flip halfway for even crispness.
Why soak potatoes in water before air frying?
Soaking potatoes in cold water for 20–30 minutes removes excess surface starch, which helps them crisp up better and prevents them from sticking or becoming soggy in the air fryer.
Can you put aluminum foil in an air fryer?
Yes, you can use aluminum foil in the air fryer—just make sure it doesn’t block the airflow. Don’t cover the entire basket, and avoid placing it near the heating element. It’s best used for things like baked potatoes or to catch drips in the bottom.
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.
💡 Morgan Tip: Cooking for a crowd? Keep finished potatoes warm in a 200°F oven while finishing the rest in batches.
Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
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
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.
- 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
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Let’s make something amazing—even on the wild days.
🔥 Love Air Fryer Veggie Snacks?
Whether you’re cooking for one or looking to add more veggie power to your air fryer lineup, check out these easy and delicious recipes:
Want more? Check out our air fryer recipes for one person collection—another fast, flavorful option