How to Make Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
It is quite possible that we could divide the world into two groups: those who eat the skin of a baked potato and those who don’t. Such division in the world is not productive, but I have a plan that might help. If everyone in the world could try an air fryer baked potato, we could unite the people and all come together as baked potato skin eaters! Why? Well, because when you bake a potato in the air fryer, the skin becomes crispy and delicious. With baked potatoes like that, we could all enjoy the skin and reap the benefits from the added nutrients in potato skin, instead of tossing the skins into the garbage or compost bin. Are you with me?
Best Potato for Baked Potatoes
The best baked potatoes are fluffy inside with light airy potato inside that absorbs the butter, cheese or sour cream that you add on top. In order to get that fluffy interior, you want to start with a high-starch potato like an Idaho or russet potato. These are the potatoes that are best for baking. Starting with the right potato is 90% of the success of this recipe.
Tips for the Best Baked Potato
Because our goal is to enjoy not only the potato, but the potato skin as well, start by washing the potato really well. Then, rub the exterior with olive oil, which is what helps crisp the skin. Not many people season their potato, but again, we’re going for delicious potato skin so season the outside of the potato well with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Finally, prick the skin with a fork, creating several holes in the surface. This gives the steam inside the potato an exit route so that the potato doesn’t just burst open.
How Long to Air Fry Baked Potato
How long to bake a potato really depends on the size of the potato, but an average sized potato takes about an hour in the oven at 400ºF. In the air fryer, you can cut this time down to about 40 to 45 minutes because of the force of the fan blowing that hot air around. If you are baking extra large potatoes, just add more time in 5 minute increments until a paring knife pierces the potato easily.
No Foil Needed
There’s no need to wrap the potatoes in foil as they bake. Foil adds a layer to the potatoes and traps the steam that is being released. As a result, instead of being baked, the potatoes get steamed. The skin of a steamed potato is nowhere near as delicious as that of an olive-oil rubbed baked potato. So, no foil.
Toppings for Baked Potato
What you use to top your air fryer baked potato is entirely up to you. The classic toppings are butter, sour cream, Cheddar cheese, bacon bits and scallions or chives, but there’s no reason to stop there (unless you want to). You could bake potatoes and make a meal out of them by filling them with a spoonful or two of chili or beef stew. You could also vary the toppings and theme your baked potatoes. Make a Greek style baked potato with feta cheese, red onion and olives, or an Italian pizza baked potato with marinara sauce, pepperoni and mozzarella. The world is your baked potato!
I only make my potatoes in my air fryer now. I use this recipe also and they come out perfect.
The only way I fix baked potatoes anymore, thanks to you.
Can I do this sweet potatoes as well?
Yes, you sure can! A sweet potato will take less time than a russet potato of the same size, so just test the potato for doneness as you cook it.
ML
Sounds wonderful I love your air fryer recipes and will definitely make these. Can I do the same thing with a sweet potato?
Hi Sandy, You absolutely can do the same thing with a sweet potato. Depending on how big it is, the sweet potato might take a little less time than a big russet. Just test it as you go.
ML
After piercing the potato, and rubbing with olive oil and salt, I begin the potato in the microwave on a paper plate for 5-7 minutes depending on the size of the potato, then move it to the air fryer, which lessens the cooking time to about another 10-15 minutes (again depending on the size), which cuts cooking time in half. Still gets the crispy, delicious peel, and soft, moist interior. If you want to twice bake, or stuff the potato, you can do so, then put it back in the air fryer for a few minutes.
Great shortcut, Joanne.
ML
can Yukon Gold potato be used? they are about half the size. would size and number effect time cooking?
Hi Eric. Yes, size will affect cooking time, but not the quantity of potatoes you air-fry. Yukon Gold potatoes are all-purpose, medium-starch potatoes. Russets are higher starch, giving you a fluffier baked potato.
Hi, I have just got an airfryer and wondered if you could give me the equivalent time and temperature in Celsius for Baked Potatoes please. I live in Uk
Hi Lesley, The time is the same and the equivalent temperature in Celsius is 205ºC. For other recipes, just convert the ºF to ºC and the time will be the same.
We eat a lot more baked potatoes now…this recipe is perfection!
Your photos are a great incentive to give this recipe a try! Love the ease of baking potatoes in the air fryer and with your technique it sounds amazing. Love the toppings you have suggested. Will look forward to this one, for sure!
Meredith all of your air fryer potato recipes are the best! Only method we use now for frying, baking (the salt and pepper evvo rubbed are amazing, fluffy potatoes and crispy flavorful skins) and we’re going to try the galette and boulanger as well as potato and green beans with bacon dressing. Thanks so much. We use your air fryer and instapot cookbooks constantly!
This sounds wonderful! I’ve had a NuWave oven for a long time. Would this work like an air fryer for the baked potatoes?
I love your ideas for additional toppings. Sounds like a quick and easy meal with a salad.
Hi Nancy. Yes – the NuWave works the same way as an air fryer, with convection heat, so I would think you could do it as written in your NuWave.
I’m making this tonight… I already make my wedge fries in my Air Fryer. My oven will become a storage cupboard, eventually..😊 thanks so much..
Best ever baked potatoes, only way to make them!