Air fryer baked potatoes offer a quick and convenient way to achieve the classic comfort of perfectly baked spuds with a fraction of the traditional oven time. The journey begins with selecting russet or Idaho potatoes, washing them thoroughly, and patting them dry. The beauty of the air fryer lies in its ability to produce a crispy, golden skin while keeping the inside light and fluffy.
Start by piercing the potatoes with a fork to allow steam to escape during cooking. A light coating of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt enhances the skin’s texture and flavor. As the air fryer preheats, the prepared potatoes are placed in the basket, allowing hot air to circulate and create that coveted crispy exterior. The result is a baked potato that not only boasts a satisfying crunch when bitten into but also retains its natural flavors and nutrients.
The air fryer’s efficiency ensures that the cooking time is significantly reduced, allowing you to enjoy a perfectly baked potato in about half the time it takes in a conventional oven. The method also eliminates the need to preheat a large oven, making it an energy-efficient and practical choice for a quick weeknight side dish.
Once cooked, these air-fried baked potatoes are a blank canvas for customization. Top them with classic favorites like sour cream, chives, and shredded cheese, or get creative with toppings like chili, broccoli, or even a dollop of Greek yogurt. The air fryer not only streamlines the cooking process but also offers a versatile and time-saving solution for achieving that beloved baked potato experience. Whether served as a side dish or a main course, air fryer baked potatoes provide a convenient and delicious addition to your culinary repertoire.
This recipe for Air Fryer Baked Potato comes out perfectly every time. The skin of the potato is salty and crispy while the inside is tender and fluffy.
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 199
- Prep Time: 5 minutes mins
- Cook Time: 40 minutes mins
- Total Time: 45 minutes mins
Ingredients
- 4 medium russet potatoes
- ½ tsp sea salt, or to taste
- 1 Tbsp olive oil, or use a cooking spray
Instructions
- Scrub potatoes under running water then thoroughly dry with a towel.
- Poke the potato all over with a fork, rub with oil and sprinkle all over with salt. Add the potatoes to the air fryer basket.
- Cook the potatoes in a basket-style air fryer* at 400°F for 30 minutes. Flip the potatoes and cook them for an additional 5-15 minutes depending on size, or until the fork easily slides through to the center. Small potatoes will take less time and larger potatoes may take longer. Use tongs to transfer potatoes to a plate.
Notes
*Note: If using a toaster-oven style air fryer, reduce the temperature to 375˚F, flip halfway, and keep the timing the same.
Nutrient Facts (Approximate values per serving, assuming 4 servings):
- Calories: 200-250 kcal
- Protein: 4-5g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
- Dietary Fiber: 3-4g
- Sugars: 2-3g
- Fat: 4-5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Sodium: 300-400mg (Note: Sodium content may vary based on the amount of salt used and individual preferences.)