Air Fryer Foil-Wrapped Potatoes: Safe Or Not?

Cooking potatoes in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to make a tasty treat. But can you put foil-wrapped potatoes in an air fryer? The answer is yes, you can put foil in an air fryer, but it is not necessary and may even be undesirable. Wrapping potatoes in foil before putting them in an air fryer can make the skin soggy, so it is recommended to season the potato skins with olive oil and salt instead, for a super crispy finish.

Should I poke holes in the potatoes before cooking?

Yes, you should poke holes in the potatoes before cooking them in an air fryer. This is because, as the potatoes cook, steam will be released from them. Poking holes in the potatoes will allow this steam to escape. If you don't poke holes, there is a risk that the potatoes could burst open or even explode in your air fryer, which would be dangerous and would also create quite a mess!

Poking holes in the potatoes also helps the heat get inside them, so they cook evenly. This is important because, if the heat doesn't penetrate to the centre of the potatoes, you might end up with undercooked centres.

You should poke each potato a few times with a fork or a knife. This is a quick and easy step, but it's important for achieving the best results when cooking potatoes in an air fryer.

How long should I cook the potatoes for?

The cooking time for foil-wrapped potatoes in an air fryer will depend on the size of the potatoes and the specific air fryer being used. Here is a general guide for cooking times:

• For potatoes weighing 8 ounces or less, cook at 400°F for 45 minutes.
• For potatoes weighing 9 to 12 ounces, cook at 400°F for 35-40 minutes.
• For potatoes weighing 12 to 14 ounces, cook at 400°F for 45-50 minutes.
• For potatoes weighing 14 to 16 ounces, cook at 400°F for 55-60 minutes.
• For potatoes weighing over 16 ounces, cook at 400°F for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 207°F.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the specific air fryer and the desired doneness of the potatoes. It is recommended to check the manufacturer's instructions for the air fryer and adjust the cooking time accordingly. Additionally, it is important to prick the potatoes with a fork or knife before cooking to allow for venting and prevent them from bursting.

Some people also choose to cook the potatoes in the microwave for 5-7 minutes before placing them in the air fryer to reduce the overall cooking time.

Should I wrap the potatoes in foil?

So, you want to cook potatoes in your air fryer, but you're not sure whether to wrap them in foil or not. Well, wonder no more! Here is everything you need to know about wrapping potatoes in foil for the air fryer.

Firstly, it is important to note that wrapping potatoes in foil is not necessary. In fact, some sources recommend against it, as it can make the potato skin soggy instead of crispy. However, if you are not concerned about the crispiness of the skin, wrapping the potatoes in foil can help with cleanup. Foil can also help keep your potatoes warm after cooking. So, if you are planning to serve the potatoes immediately and want that crispy skin, skip the foil. But if you need to keep them warm for a bit before serving, foil might be a good option.

If you do decide to use foil, here is a quick guide:

• After scrubbing and drying your potatoes, wrap each potato tightly in a piece of aluminium foil.
• Place the wrapped potatoes in a single layer on the tray in the air fryer basket, making sure they have adequate space around them for the hot air to circulate.
• Cook according to your desired level of doneness, usually around 35-45 minutes for fork-tender potatoes.
• Unwrap the potatoes and serve with your favourite toppings, such as butter, sour cream, chives, cheese, or bacon.

Now, if you choose to forgo the foil, here is what you need to do:

• After scrubbing and drying your potatoes, poke them several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during cooking.
• Drizzle or brush the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and any other desired seasonings. You can also rub the potatoes with a butter-garlic mixture for extra flavour.
• Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded.
• Cook at 400°F for 40-50 minutes, or until the potatoes are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
• Carefully remove the potatoes from the air fryer, cut, and serve with your desired toppings.

So, should you wrap your potatoes in foil? Ultimately, it is up to you! If you want to keep the potatoes warm and don't mind a softer skin, go for the foil. But if you're looking for that crispy skin and don't need to keep them warm, skip the foil and follow the alternative method above. Happy cooking!

What type of potatoes should I use?

When it comes to choosing the right type of potatoes for air frying, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, it is recommended to use potatoes that are similar in size to ensure even cooking. This is because air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food, so having potatoes of the same size will allow them to cook more evenly.

In terms of potato varieties, russet potatoes are a popular choice for air frying due to their high starch content, which results in a fluffy and light texture. They also have skin that crisps up nicely. However, other types of potatoes such as red potatoes, sweet potatoes, Yukon gold potatoes, and white potatoes can also be used and will yield creamy middles.

The shape of the potato also matters—opt for a long, narrow potato as they will cook faster and more evenly than wider potatoes. Smaller potatoes are also preferable as they will have a shorter cooking time.

What toppings go well with air-fried potatoes?

There are many toppings that can be paired with air-fried potatoes to enhance their flavour. Here are some ideas:

Savoury Toppings:

• Sour cream
• Greek yoghurt
• Butter
• Chives
• Bacon bits
• Shredded cheddar cheese or crumbled feta
• Chopped fresh herbs like chives or dill
• Chopped green onions
• Brisket or chicken
• Pulled pork
• Turkey chilli
• Steak
• Caesar salad
• Pimento cheese
• Beer cheese dip
• Instant pot pulled pork
• Air fryer bacon
• Shredded cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Cajun seasoning
• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Oregano
• Basil
• Dill
• Salt
• Pepper

Sweet Toppings:

Pumpkin chilli

Other Suggestions:

You can also try stuffing your air-fried potatoes with your favourite toppings to make a loaded baked potato.

Frequently asked questions