Air Fryer Baked Potato

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I have a soft spot for baked potatoes, and once I discovered the magic of making them in the air fryer, I never looked back. There’s something truly satisfying about the way an air fryer transforms a humble russet potato—creating a perfectly crisp skin with a fluffy, steaming interior that’s ready to soak up all your favorite toppings. No need to heat up the oven or wait an hour; this method is quick, foolproof, and delivers restaurant-quality results at home.

What I love most about this Air Fryer Baked Potato recipe is its simplicity. Whether I’m planning a comforting weeknight meal or building a loaded potato bar for guests, these potatoes are always a hit. The air fryer locks in that delicious roasted flavor and makes the skin irresistibly crispy—just the way I like it. It’s hard not to get excited when the end result looks and tastes this good with such minimal effort.

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Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Baked Potato

This recipe is the definition of convenience meets flavor. The air fryer does all the heavy lifting, requiring only a light oil rub and a sprinkle of salt to achieve that perfect roasted exterior. Inside, you get soft, pillowy potato ready to be topped with butter, sour cream, cheese, bacon, and green onions—or whatever your heart desires. It’s faster than the oven, crispier than the microwave, and easier than you’d think. Whether served as a side dish or the star of the meal, it’s a recipe you’ll turn to again and again.

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What Kind of Potato Should I Use for Air Fryer Baked Potato?

For that ideal balance of crispiness on the outside and fluffiness inside, russet potatoes are my go-to. Their high starch content and thick skin make them perfect for baking. Medium to large-sized potatoes work best in the air fryer, as they hold up well during cooking and offer plenty of space for toppings once you split them open. Just make sure they’re all roughly the same size so they cook evenly.

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Options for Substitutions

If you don’t have russet potatoes on hand, Yukon Golds can also be a good alternative. They won’t be as fluffy, but their buttery texture adds a nice richness. Want to go sweet? Sweet potatoes turn beautifully soft inside and develop a caramelized skin in the air fryer—just keep in mind they cook slightly faster.

For oil, olive oil is classic, but avocado oil or even melted butter can do the trick, giving a different flavor profile. And while salt is essential for that seasoned crust, feel free to sprinkle garlic powder, smoked paprika, or rosemary for extra flair.

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Ingredients for This Air Fryer Baked Potato

Russet Potatoes
These are the stars of the recipe. Their thick skin crisps up perfectly in the air fryer, while the inside stays soft and fluffy. Choose firm, unblemished potatoes for the best result.

Olive Oil
A light coating helps the skin crisp up beautifully and also helps the salt and seasonings stick better.

Kosher Salt
Sprinkling salt before air frying enhances the flavor and gives the skin that savory bite you expect in a good baked potato.

Butter
Added right after cooking, butter melts into the fluffy interior and adds rich, creamy flavor.

Sour Cream
This classic topping provides tang and coolness, balancing the warmth and richness of the potato.

Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Melts into the hot potato for gooey, cheesy goodness—hard to resist.

Cooked Bacon Bits
A salty, crunchy topping that adds extra flavor and texture.

Green Onions (Scallions)
Sprinkled on top for a fresh, slightly sharp bite and a pop of color.

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Step 1: Prep the Potatoes

Start by scrubbing the russet potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a towel. This step is key—dry skin means crispier results.

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Step 2: Oil and Season

Rub each potato with a light coating of olive oil. Then sprinkle generously with kosher salt, making sure to cover all sides. The salt helps form that crave-worthy crust during cooking.

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Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 3 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and a head start on that crispy exterior.

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Step 4: Air Fry the Potatoes

Place the seasoned potatoes directly in the air fryer basket, making sure there’s space between them for air to circulate. Cook for 35–40 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even crisping.

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Step 5: Check for Doneness

Pierce the potatoes with a fork—they should slide in easily with no resistance. If they’re still a bit firm in the center, give them another 5 minutes.

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Step 6: Load Them Up

Slice the tops open lengthwise and fluff the insides with a fork. Top with butter first to melt into the potato, then follow with sour cream, shredded cheddar, crispy bacon bits, and green onions.

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How Long to Cook the Air Fryer Baked Potato

Cooking time depends slightly on the size of your potatoes, but generally, medium to large russet potatoes take about 35 to 40 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Flip them halfway through to ensure even crisping. If your potatoes are extra large, you may need to add an extra 5 minutes—just check with a fork for tenderness.

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Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Baked Potato

• Choose similar-sized potatoes so they cook at the same rate.
• Dry the skin well after washing. Moisture can prevent crisping.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket; good airflow is key for even cooking.
• Flip halfway through to ensure uniform texture on all sides.
• Add toppings while hot so cheese melts and butter soaks right in.
• Use a fork to pierce instead of cutting—this fluffs the inside for better texture.
• Preheat the air fryer for consistent, golden skin.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the oil: A light coating of oil is essential for that crisp, golden skin. Without it, the potatoes may turn out dry and leathery.
• Overcrowding the basket: If the potatoes are too close together, the air can’t circulate properly, leading to uneven cooking.
• Not checking doneness: Always test with a fork. Even if the skin looks perfect, the inside might still be undercooked.
• Using cold toppings: Cold sour cream or cheese straight from the fridge can cool down your piping hot potato too quickly. Let them sit out briefly before serving.
• Not flipping: Flipping halfway ensures even crispness on all sides. Skipping this step might result in one soggy side.
• Forgetting to pierce before topping: Fluffing the interior with a fork before adding butter helps everything melt and blend beautifully.

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What to Serve With Air Fryer Baked Potato?

Grilled Steak

A juicy ribeye or sirloin pairs perfectly with a crispy baked potato, creating a classic steakhouse combo.

Roast Chicken

Whether it’s herbed or lemon-garlic, roast chicken makes a wholesome and comforting meal when served with a baked potato.

Chili

Top the baked potato with a generous scoop of chili for a hearty, satisfying twist.

Green Salad

A crisp, fresh salad balances the rich flavors of a loaded baked potato and adds a refreshing bite.

Steamed Broccoli

Simple and healthy, broccoli works especially well when melted cheddar cheese is involved.

Pulled Pork

Pile some smoky pulled pork over your potato for a BBQ-inspired loaded version.

Fried Egg

Make it breakfast-for-dinner with a runny egg on top—surprisingly delicious and filling.

Garlic Butter Shrimp

A unique but tasty pairing that gives your potato a touch of surf-and-turf elegance.

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Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers, let the baked potatoes cool completely before storing. Wrap each potato individually in foil or place them in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat, pop them back into the air fryer at 375°F for about 8–10 minutes to restore that crispy skin. You can also microwave them for quicker results, but the skin will soften. Avoid freezing as the texture of the potato tends to become grainy after thawing.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per medium-sized baked potato with toppings (butter, sour cream, cheese, bacon, and green onion):

• Calories: 380
• Total Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 40mg
• Sodium: 520mg
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 9g

These numbers can vary depending on the specific toppings and quantities you use.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use foil in the air fryer for baked potatoes?

It’s best not to. Wrapping the potatoes in foil prevents the skin from crisping. Leave them unwrapped for that perfect texture.

Do I need to pierce the potatoes before air frying?

Nope! Unlike baking in an oven, air fryer potatoes don’t require piercing since the cooking method doesn’t cause the same steam buildup.

Can I make more than two potatoes at once?

Yes, as long as your air fryer basket isn’t overcrowded. Make sure there’s space between each one for even air circulation.

How can I tell if the potato is fully cooked?

Insert a fork into the center. It should glide in easily without resistance. The interior should feel light and fluffy.

What toppings can I add beyond the classics?

Think outside the box: sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, pulled pork, BBQ sauce, or even salsa and avocado for a southwest twist.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just be sure your toppings are gluten-free as well.

Can I prep the potatoes ahead of time?

You can wash and oil them in advance, but it’s best to air fry them right before serving for the best texture.

Do I need to turn the potatoes while cooking?

Yes, flipping them halfway through ensures an evenly crisped skin and a uniformly cooked interior.

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Conclusion

Air Fryer Baked Potatoes are one of those simple pleasures that deliver big on taste with minimal effort. Crispy outside, fluffy inside, and ready to be customized to your cravings—this is the kind of recipe that becomes a household staple. Whether you keep it classic or load it up with bold toppings, once you try baked potatoes in the air fryer, you’ll wonder why you ever used the oven.

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