Air Fryer Baked Potatoes: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Baked potatoes are a classic comfort food that can be cooked in an air fryer. The air fryer is the perfect way to create an ideal baked potato, and it does it much faster than a conventional oven. The high heat and constant airflow of the air fryer guarantee crispy skin and a fluffy interior. The cooking time depends on the size of the potato and how tender you want it to be. For a soft and fluffy texture, air fry at 400°F for 40-50 minutes. To achieve a nice crisp on the shell, you can cook it for a full hour. The air fryer also allows you to cook other dishes simultaneously without heating up your entire kitchen.

How long to cook a baked potato in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook a baked potato in an air fryer. The cooking time will depend on the size of the potato and how tender you want it to be.

First, prep the potatoes. Wash and dry the potatoes well, then use a fork to prick each potato several times to allow steam to escape while they cook. Russet potatoes are a good choice for air fryer baked potatoes because they have a high starch content, which makes them fluffy inside and crispy on the outside.

Next, drizzle the potatoes with olive oil, avocado oil, or any oil of your choice, and use your hands or a brush to coat them evenly. You can also use cooking spray. Then, season the potatoes with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and any other desired seasonings.

Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded and have enough space to crisp up. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200-205°C) for about 4 minutes. Then, cook the potatoes for about 40-50 minutes, or until they are crispy on the outside and tender in the middle. For a 7-ounce potato, the cooking time will be around 35-40 minutes, while a 9 or 10-ounce potato will take about 45-55 minutes. Flip the potatoes halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.

Once the potatoes are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before slicing them open. Fluff the inside with a fork and add your favorite toppings, such as butter, sour cream, cheese, bacon bits, chives, or scallions. Enjoy your perfectly cooked air fryer baked potatoes!

What type of potato to use

When it comes to choosing the right type of potato for your air fryer, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, it is recommended to use potatoes of similar size to ensure even cooking. Secondly, the type of potato you choose will depend on your preference for the texture of the cooked potato. For example, russet potatoes, also known as Idaho potatoes, are a popular choice due to their high starch content, which results in a fluffy and tender texture on the inside with a crispy skin. The cooking time may also vary depending on the size and type of potato, so it is important to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Russet potatoes are a good choice for air fryer baked potatoes because they have a high starch content, which contributes to their fluffy and tender texture when cooked. The starch in russet potatoes also helps to achieve a crispy skin, making them ideal for recipes that require a combination of crispy and fluffy textures.

However, other types of potatoes can also be used in an air fryer. Sweet potatoes, for example, are a popular alternative and can be prepared in a similar manner. Just like with regular potatoes, it is important to clean and dry sweet potatoes before cooking. Pricking them with a fork and rubbing them with oil will help achieve a crispy skin.

Additionally, when choosing a potato for air frying, consider the size of the potato in relation to the size of your air fryer. It is important to leave some space between the potatoes in the air fryer basket to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking. If your potatoes are on the larger side, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as larger potatoes may take longer to cook through.

In summary, when choosing the right type of potato for your air fryer, consider the size of the potato, the desired texture, and the cooking time. Russet potatoes are a popular choice due to their high starch content, resulting in a fluffy and crispy texture. Sweet potatoes can also be used for a different flavour profile. Remember to clean, dry, and prick the potatoes before cooking, and adjust the cooking time based on the size of the potatoes and your desired level of doneness.

How to prepare the potato

Preparing a potato for baking in an air fryer is simple and only requires a few steps. First, select your potatoes. Russet potatoes are a good choice due to their high starch content, which results in fluffy insides when baked. Next, scrub the potatoes under running water to remove any dirt. Dry them thoroughly with a clean cloth or paper towel. This step is important as it helps the skin crisp up during cooking.

Now, it's time to season the potatoes. Using a fork or a paring knife, prick each potato several times. This step allows the steam to escape, preventing the potatoes from bursting during cooking. Drizzle olive oil over the potatoes and use your hands, a silicone brush, or a pastry brush to coat them evenly. You can also spritz the potatoes with oil if you have an oil spray bottle. Make sure the potatoes are fully coated for that extra crispy skin.

After the potatoes are coated in oil, it's time to add some flavour. Sprinkle salt liberally over the potatoes. You can also add other seasonings like pepper, garlic powder, or parsley. If you want a more earthy flavour, use garlic salt instead of regular salt. Massage the seasonings into the potatoes with your hands or brush them on with a pastry brush.

Finally, place the seasoned potatoes into the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each potato to ensure even cooking. Set the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and you're ready to start cooking! Depending on the size of your potatoes, they will need to bake for 30 to 60 minutes. For smaller potatoes, start checking for doneness after about 40 minutes. The potatoes are done when they are soft and can be easily pierced with a fork or knife.

Oil and seasoning

The oil and seasoning you use on your potatoes will play a crucial role in achieving the perfect baked potato with crispy skin and a fluffy middle.

Firstly, it is important to wash and dry the potatoes. This will help the seasoning stick to the potato skins and ensure the skin crisps up nicely. You can use any type of potato, but medium-sized potatoes are recommended to ensure even cooking. Prick the potatoes with a fork or knife to allow steam to escape—this will prevent the potatoes from bursting open in the air fryer.

Next, it's time to oil and season! You can drizzle or spray the potatoes with olive oil, avocado oil, or canola oil. Rub the oil into the skin of the potatoes until they are fully coated. This will help achieve that desired crispy texture. For seasoning, you can use a variety of options such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, parsley, or even garlic salt. Be generous with the seasoning to ensure a flavorful potato. You can also try brushing the potatoes with butter after they are cooked to enhance the flavor further.

The oil and seasoning step is crucial to achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures in your air-fried baked potatoes. Don't be afraid to experiment with different oils and seasonings to find your favorite combination!

Toppings

Baked potatoes are a versatile dish, and can be topped with a variety of ingredients. Here are some topping ideas to get you started:

Classic Toppings

A classic baked potato is often served with a simple topping of butter, salt, and pepper. You can also add sour cream, cheese, and chives for a more indulgent option. This combination is a great base to build upon, and you can add additional toppings to suit your taste.

Savory Toppings

For a savory twist, try adding crispy bacon bits, diced onions, or green onions to your potato. You could also add some shredded cheese, such as cheddar, and top it off with some sour cream or Greek yogurt. If you're feeling adventurous, experiment with different types of cheese, such as ricotta or gorgonzola.

Spicy Toppings

If you like your food with a kick, there are several spicy topping options to choose from. You could make chili baked potatoes, or top your spud with salsa, jalapenos, or chili crisp. For a smoky flavor, add some barbecue sauce or paprika.

Gourmet Toppings

For a more upscale take on the baked potato, try some of these gourmet topping combinations. The "New York Bagel" features smoked salmon, green onions, capers, dill, and sour cream. Or, try the "Tex Mex" option with guacamole, pico de gallo, sour cream, cheese, and crushed tortilla chips.

Other Topping Ideas

• Baked beans
• Mushrooms
• Tomatoes
• Avocado
• Butter
• Egg
• Pesto
• Chicken
• Pulled pork
• Hotsauce and celery
• Cottage cheese and onion
• Fried eggs
• Chicken fajitas
• Taco stew
• Broccoli
• Pickles jalapenos
• Braised chicken
• Pulled pork

Grilled cheese

Barbecue sauce

The possibilities for baked potato toppings are endless, so feel free to get creative and experiment with different combinations. You can also set up a baked potato toppings bar and let your guests create their own unique combinations.

Frequently asked questions