No need to turn on your oven. An Air-Fryer Baked Potato is done in a fraction of the time!
My family loves a baked potato bar, which consists of baked potatoes lined up with a smorgasbord of toppings such as butter, sour cream, shredded cheddar, broccoli, bacon, and hot sauce. In the past, when I needed to make baked potatoes, I’d have to allow time to preheat the oven and then account for the long cooking time—at least an hour, or maybe more if the potatoes were large. On a busy weeknight, this kind of time slot just isn’t there. That’s when my trusty air fryer steps up to save the day!
With an air fryer, I can cut this time in half. Within 40 minutes, start to finish, I have perfectly baked potatoes. No long preheat time, and the cook time is faster as well. The unique air circulation in an air fryer means baked potatoes on a weeknight are possible, and now it’s my preferred method for baked potatoes.
These air-fried baked potatoes are perfectly crispy on the outside and fluffy inside. They’re nearly foolproof to prep and cook, and you get consistently delicious results every time. Additionally, you’re not heating up your kitchen or crowding an outdoor grill, so this is a perfect way to enjoy baked potatoes with that grilled steak during the summer.
Why Russet Potatoes?
When you’re in the produce section of your grocery store, you’re likely faced with a wide variety of potatoes. It can feel overwhelming, but when it comes to baked potatoes, russets are hands-down the best choice. Why? Two key reasons. First, they’ve got a hearty, thick skin that crisps up beautifully and doesn’t dry out. Second, their interior is high in starch and low in moisture, which means you get that perfectly fluffy, classic baked potato texture every time.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Once cooled, you can store the potatoes in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When ready to eat, you can reheat them in your air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes. Or, you can warm them in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Finally, you can reheat them in the microwave, but they won’t be as crispy. Microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
Serving Suggestions
The baked potato bar is one of my family’s favorite dinners. Simply set out the baked potatoes and provide a variety of toppings: butter, sour cream, shredded cheddar, broccoli, bacon, and hot sauce are all popular at my house. Air-fryer baked potatoes are also delicious as a side dish. Try them alongside Flank Steak With Garlic Butter Sauce, for instance. They are also delicious with Mediterranean Baked Salmon or topped with a hearty Chocolate Chili.
Air-Fryer Baked Potato
Ingredients
- 4 medium russet potatoes about 6-8 ounces each
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Butter, chopped chives, sour cream, shredded cheese or other preferred toppings
Instructions
- Scrub, wash, and dry the potatoes. Pierce the potatoes several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during cooking.
- Rub the potatoes with olive oil and season evenly with sea salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for about 20 minutes, then turn the potatoes over.
- Cook the potatoes for another 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the skins are crisp.
- Remove the potatoes from the air fryer. Let them cool slightly before slicing open and fluffing the insides.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, shredded cheese, and chives.
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