Absolutely! Air fryer baked potatoes are a game-changer. They come out with a super crispy, salty skin and a fluffy, tender interior in about half the time of a conventional oven.
Here’s your foolproof guide to the perfect air fryer baked potato.
The Perfect Air Fryer Baked Potato
This method creates a classic, versatile baked potato that’s perfect as a side or a meal base.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 35-45 minutes
Serves: As many as your air fryer basket holds (usually 2-4)
Ingredients & Equipment:
· Russet potatoes (as many as you want, similar in size)
· Olive oil or avocado oil
· Kosher salt
· Your Air Fryer!
Instructions:
- Prep the Potatoes:
· Scrub: Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. Dry them completely with a towel.
· Poke: Use a fork to prick each potato 10-12 times all over. This is a crucial safety step to allow steam to escape and prevent them from bursting. - Oil and Salt (The Key to Crispy Skin):
· Rub each potato lightly with about 1 teaspoon of oil per potato. You just want a thin, even coating.
· Sprinkle generously with kosher salt, rolling the potato to coat all sides. - Air Fry:
· Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they aren’t touching for the best air circulation.
· Cook at 400°F (200°C).
· Cook time will vary by size:
· Small (5-6 oz): 30-35 minutes
· Medium (7-8 oz): 35-40 minutes
· Large (10+ oz): 40-50 minutes - Check for Doneness: The potato is done when the skin is crispy and you can easily slide a fork or knife into the center with no resistance. If it’s still firm, cook in 5-minute increments.
- Serve: Slice open the potato immediately and fluff the inside with a fork. Add your favorite toppings!
Pro Tips for the Best Results:
· Don’t Skip the Oil: The oil is essential for conducting heat and creating that wonderfully crispy, restaurant-style skin.
· Uniform Size: Choose potatoes that are similar in size so they finish cooking at the same time.
· No Need to Preheat: Unlike an oven, there’s no need to preheat your air fryer for baked potatoes.
· Don’t Overcrowd: Give them space! Crowding the basket will steam the potatoes instead of air-frying them, resulting in a softer skin.
· For an Even Softer Inside: Some people like to wrap the cooked potato in a towel for 5 minutes after it comes out of the air fryer. This allows the residual heat to make the interior even fluffier.
Topping Ideas for Your Masterpiece:
· The Classic: Butter, sour cream, chives, bacon bits, and cheddar cheese.
· Buffalo Chicken: Shredded chicken tossed in buffalo sauce, blue cheese crumbles, and a drizzle of ranch.
· Chili Cheese: Your favorite chili, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream.
· Broccoli & Cheese: Steamed broccoli florets and a generous pour of cheese sauce.
· Greek Style: Greek yogurt, chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, kalamata olives, and a sprinkle of feta cheese.
FAQ:
Can I cook a sweet potato this way?
Yes! The method is identical. Sweet potatoes may cook slightly faster, so start checking them around the 30-minute mark.
Do I need to wrap them in foil?
No! Wrapping them in foil will steam the potato and give you a soft skin. The whole point of using the air fryer is to get that crispy skin.
Enjoy your perfectly cooked, quick, and easy air fryer baked potatoes! They are truly the best and fastest way to make them.