The Ultimate Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside — and done faster than the oven!
There’s something undeniably comforting about a perfectly baked potato — the crisp, salty skin, the steaming, fluffy center, and all the endless topping possibilities. But what if you could get all of that perfection in half the time?
Enter: the Ultimate Air Fryer Baked Potatoes.
Whether you’re cooking for one or prepping a family dinner, this method will forever change the way you bake your spuds. No preheating the oven, no soggy microwaved shortcuts — just crispy, golden skins and pillowy soft centers, every time.
🥔 Why Use the Air Fryer?
The air fryer’s circulating hot air mimics a convection oven — but much faster and with crispier results. When it comes to baked potatoes, it delivers:
Crispy, crackly skin without oil-soaked foil
Fluffy insides that break open like a cloud
30–40% faster cooking than a traditional oven
No need to heat the whole kitchen
🛒 Ingredients
Simple and classic — that’s the secret:
2–4 medium russet potatoes (about the same size for even cooking)
1–2 tsp olive oil or melted butter
Kosher salt (or sea salt), to taste
Optional toppings: butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, chives, bacon bits, etc.
🔪 Instructions
Prep the potatoes:
Scrub the potatoes clean and pat them dry. Prick each one several times with a fork to allow steam to escape.
Oil & season:
Rub each potato with a little olive oil or butter, then sprinkle generously with kosher salt. This helps the skin crisp up beautifully.
Air fry:
Place potatoes in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 35–45 minutes, depending on size. Flip halfway through for even crisping.
Check for doneness:
Potatoes are ready when a knife slides in easily and the skin is crisp. For extra-large spuds, add a few minutes.
Serve hot:
Slice open, fluff the insides with a fork, and load up with your favorite toppings.
🔧 Pro Tips
Size matters: Try to choose potatoes that are similar in size so they cook evenly.
More than just russets? Yukon Golds work too, but they’ll have thinner skin and a creamier interior.
Feeding a crowd? Cook in batches — or use a larger air fryer oven model.
Reheating tip: Pop leftovers back in the air fryer for 5–6 minutes at 375°F to revive that crispy skin.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
