If you love baked potatoes but want a quicker, fuss-free way to make them, cooking baked potatoes in the air fryer is a game changer. This method delivers crispy skin and fluffy insides in a fraction of the time it takes in a conventional oven. Plus, it’s super easy to do even if you’re new to air frying. Let’s dive into how you can make perfect air fryer baked potatoes every time!
Why Choose the Air Fryer for Baked Potatoes?
Air fryers cook food by circulating hot air around it, which crisps up the outside while keeping the inside tender. For baked potatoes, this means:
– Crispier skin than oven baking without needing foil
– Fluffier, softer insides thanks to even cooking
– Much faster cooking time-about 40 minutes instead of an hour or more
– Energy efficient since it heats up quickly and cooks faster
If you usually bake potatoes in the oven but only want one or two at a time, the air fryer is perfect. It’s quick, easy, and the results are delicious.
What You’ll Need
– Russet potatoes (the best choice for baking due to their starchy, fluffy texture)
– Olive oil or another cooking oil (canola or avocado oil work well too)
– Sea salt or kosher salt for seasoning
– Fork or sharp knife for poking holes
Step-by-Step: How to Cook Baked Potatoes in the Air Fryer
1. Prep Your Potatoes
Start by scrubbing the potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a towel-dry skin crisps better than wet.
Use a fork or knife to poke several holes all over each potato. This allows steam to escape during cooking and prevents the potato from bursting.
2. Oil and Season
Rub each potato all over with olive oil. This step is key to getting that golden, crispy skin. Then sprinkle generously with salt. The salt adds flavor and helps draw out moisture for a better crust.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer (If Needed)
Some air fryers require preheating, while others don’t. If yours does, preheat to 400°F (about 200°C).
4. Cook the Potatoes
Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t touching so the hot air can circulate freely. Set the temperature to 400°F and cook for about 40 minutes. Flip the potatoes halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping.
Cooking time depends on the size of your potatoes:
– Small to medium (7-8 oz): 35-40 minutes
– Large (9 oz or more): 45-50 minutes or more if needed
Check doneness by inserting a fork or knife-it should slide in easily without resistance.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Once cooked, slice open the potatoes and fluff the insides with a fork. Add your favorite toppings like butter, sour cream, chives, cheese, or bacon bits. The crispy skin and fluffy interior make a perfect base for any topping.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
– Don’t wrap in foil: Foil traps moisture and steams the potato instead of baking it, resulting in softer skin rather than crispy.
– Use russet potatoes: Their high starch content gives the fluffiest texture inside and crispiest skin outside.
– Adjust time for size: Larger potatoes need more time, smaller ones less. Start checking at the minimum time to avoid overcooking.
– Try different oils: Olive oil is classic, but canola or avocado oil with higher smoke points also work well for crispiness.
– Reheat leftovers in the air fryer: To keep skin crispy, reheat baked potatoes in the air fryer instead of the microwave.
Why You’ll Love This Method
Air fryer baked potatoes are not only faster but also produce a texture that’s hard to beat. The skin turns out perfectly crisp and flavorful thanks to the oil and salt, while the inside stays light and fluffy. Plus, it’s a hands-off method-just prep, set the timer, and wait.
Whether you want a quick side dish or a loaded baked potato meal, the air fryer makes it easy and delicious.
Air fryer baked potatoes are a quick, easy, and tasty way to enjoy this classic comfort food with crispy skin and fluffy insides every time. Give it a try-you might never go back to the oven!