How long does it take to bake potatoes in an air fryer?

Baking potatoes in an air fryer typically takes 35-45 minutes at 400°F (200°C). The exact time depends on the size of your potatoes - a medium 7-ounce russet or Idaho potato will cook in about 35-40 minutes. For best results, turn the potatoes over halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking. You'll know they're done when you can easily insert a fork or knife into the center with no resistance.

What temperature should I set for air fryer baked potatoes?

The ideal temperature for air fryer baked potatoes is 400°F (200°C). This high heat helps create a crispy outside while cooking the inside thoroughly. Some recipes may suggest slightly lower temperatures (375-380°F) for larger potatoes to prevent the outside from burning before the inside cooks through. Always preheat your air fryer for 3-5 minutes before adding the potatoes for the best results.

Do I need to poke holes in potatoes before air frying?

Yes, you should poke holes in potatoes before air frying. Using a fork, make 6-8 holes around each potato, about ¼-inch deep. This allows steam to escape during cooking, preventing the potatoes from exploding and helping them cook more evenly. The holes also create pathways for oil and seasonings to penetrate deeper into the potato, resulting in better flavor throughout. This simple step takes less than a minute but makes a significant difference in the final result.

How do you get crispy skin on air fryer baked potatoes?

To get crispy skin on air fryer baked potatoes, skip the foil wrapping. Instead, wash and dry the potatoes thoroughly, then rub them with a small amount of olive oil. Sprinkle generously with salt or your favorite seasonings. The oil helps crisp the skin while the salt draws out moisture and adds flavor. Air frying without foil allows air to circulate directly around the entire potato, creating the crispiest skin possible. For extra crispiness, increase the temperature to 425°F for the final 5 minutes of cooking.

How can I tell when air fryer baked potatoes are done?

You can tell when air fryer baked potatoes are done by testing them with a fork or skewer. Insert it into the thickest part of the potato - if it slides in easily with no resistance, the potato is cooked through. The skin should be crispy and golden brown, and you might see some steam escaping from the holes you poked. Another method is to gently squeeze the potato (using an oven mitt) - it should feel soft and give slightly under pressure. An internal temperature of 205-210°F indicates perfectly cooked potatoes.

Air Fryer Baked Potatoes: Cook Faster, Taste Better

Name: Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 38 min
Total time: 43 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 medium russet or Idaho potatoes; Olive oil spray for lightly coating; 1/2 teaspoon salt divided: 1/4 teaspoon for seasoning before cooking and the rest for finishing; Pepper to taste; Optional toppings: sour cream, Greek yogurt, butter, chili, chives, broccoli and cheese, cheese, bacon, and green onions

Description

🥔 This Air Fryer Baked Potato recipe offers a fast and easy way to enjoy crispy-skinned, fluffy-centered potatoes in half the traditional cooking time.
🍳 Ideal for a quick side dish, it uses minimal ingredients while allowing for endless topping variations to satisfy any craving.

Ingredients

Scale

4 medium russet or Idaho potatoes

Olive oil spray for lightly coating

1/2 teaspoon salt divided: 1/4 teaspoon for seasoning before cooking and the rest for finishing

Pepper to taste

Optional toppings: sour cream, Greek yogurt, butter, chili, chives, broccoli and cheese, cheese, bacon, and green onions

Instructions

1-First Step: Prepare the Potatoes Start by selecting your potatoes and giving them a good wash under running water to remove any dirt. Once clean, dry them thoroughly with a kitchen towel to help the skin crisp up nicely. Then, pierce each potato several times with a fork; this allows steam to escape and prevents any bursting during cooking, which is a simple yet crucial step.

2-Second Step: Season and Oil the Potatoes After piercing, lightly spray each potato with olive oil to coat the surface evenly, as this promotes crispiness. Next, sprinkle about 1/4 teaspoon of salt over them for initial seasoning, which enhances flavor from the start. You can add a dash of pepper at this stage if you like, but keep it light to let the natural taste shine through.

3-Third Step: Arrange in the Air Fryer Place the prepared potatoes in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not overcrowded for proper air circulation. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 3-5 minutes to get the best results, as this ensures even cooking right from the beginning. For more on air fryer basics, visit air fryer tips to refine your technique.

4-Fourth Step: Cook the Potatoes Cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 35 to 40 minutes, flipping the potatoes halfway through to guarantee even browning on all sides. Keep an eye on them, and check doneness by inserting a knife into the center; it should glide in smoothly when they’re ready. This step is where the magic happens, transforming simple potatoes into a fluffy delight inside with a crunchy exterior.

5-Fifth Step: Check and Finish Once the time is up, remove the potatoes and let them cool for a minute or two. Then, split them open carefully to release the steam, and season with the remaining salt and pepper to taste for a final flavor boost. Add your chosen toppings like sour cream or cheese to make it your own, creating a versatile side that pairs well with many meals.

6-Final Step: Serve and Enjoy Plate your air fryer baked potatoes while they’re still warm for the best texture and taste. This dish yields 4 servings, making it great for family dinners, and you can Nutritional Information per serving includes 157 calories and 36 grams of carbohydrates. For ideas on complementary recipes, try our Crockpot steak and potato bake for a hearty main course.

Notes

🕳️ Always pierce potatoes before cooking to avoid bursting due to steam buildup.
🌿 Avoid wrapping potatoes in foil to keep the skins crispy and well-textured.
🧂 Spraying with oil and seasoning before air frying enhances the skin’s flavor and texture.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 38 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 medium potato
Calories: 157
Sugar: 1 gram
Sodium: 150 milligrams
Fat: 0.5 grams
Saturated Fat: 0 grams
Unsaturated Fat: 0.5 grams
Trans Fat: 0 grams
Carbohydrates: 36 grams
Fiber: 2.52 grams
Protein: 4 grams
Cholesterol: 0 milligrams

Keywords: Air Fryer Baked Potato, Crispy Potato, Quick Side Dish, Easy Potato Recipe