Air-Fried Baked Potatoes: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Air fryers are a great alternative to ovens when it comes to baking potatoes. They're quicker, more energy-efficient, and yield the same, if not better, results. In this article, we'll walk you through the steps to achieve the perfect air-fried baked potato with a crispy skin and fluffy insides.

Russet potatoes are best for air fryer baking

Russet potatoes are a great choice for air fryer baking. They have a high starch content, which means they will turn out nice and fluffy inside, with skin that gets especially crisp.

Russet potatoes are also a good choice because they are a softer variety, which means they cook faster. This is ideal if you are short on time or want to save on energy costs.

When preparing your russet potatoes for the air fryer, it is important to first scrub them to remove any residual dirt. Then, dry them with a paper towel and set them on a kitchen towel, rotating them after 15 minutes so that both sides of the skin can dry. This will help ensure your potatoes get nice and crispy.

You can also pierce the potatoes with a fork a few times to allow steam to escape and prevent them from bursting in the air fryer. However, this is not strictly necessary, and some people choose to forgo this step with good results.

When it comes to cooking, set your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for around 40 minutes for medium-sized potatoes. You can also cook for a little longer if you like your potatoes extra crispy—up to 60 minutes should do the trick.

And that's it! With these simple steps, you'll be well on your way to enjoying delicious, crispy, and fluffy air-fried russet potatoes.

Oil and seasoning are key for crispy skin

Oil and seasoning are key to achieving the coveted crispy skin on your air fryer baked potatoes. First, scrub your potatoes clean and dry them thoroughly. Then, add the potatoes to your air fryer basket and drizzle them with oil. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or any oil of your choice. Make sure to coat all sides of the potatoes evenly.

Next, it's time to season! Sprinkle your desired amount of salt over the potatoes. You can use regular salt, sea salt, or kosher salt. Some recipes also suggest adding garlic powder or dried parsley for extra flavour. Use your hands to rub the oil and seasoning into the potatoes, ensuring an even coat.

The oil and seasoning work together to create a crispy texture on the skin of the potatoes. The oil helps to conduct heat and create a crunchy exterior, while the seasoning adds flavour and enhances the crispiness. This combination is essential for achieving the perfect crispy skin on your air fryer baked potatoes.

Once your potatoes are prepared, simply follow the cooking instructions for your air fryer, typically cooking at 400°F for about 30-50 minutes, depending on the size of your potatoes and the model of your air fryer. Be sure to flip the potatoes halfway through the cooking process for even cooking.

No need to wrap potatoes in foil

While some recipes suggest wrapping potatoes in foil before air frying, this is not necessary and may even be undesirable. Wrapping potatoes in foil can make the skin soggy rather than crispy, which is the best part of the baked potato for many. Foil can also increase the cooking time.

Instead of foil, you can simply season the potato skins with olive oil and salt. This will help them come out super crispy!

If you do use foil, it's worth noting that cooking with aluminium may leach small amounts of aluminium into your food. One study found that wrapping meat in aluminium foil can increase its aluminium content by between 89% and 378% for red meat, and 76% to 215% for poultry.

Cook time depends on potato size

When making baked potatoes in an air fryer, the cooking time will depend on the size of the potatoes. For example, small red potatoes won't need as much time as larger potatoes. Therefore, it's important to keep an eye on the potatoes and adjust the cooking time accordingly. If you're cooking a single potato, it's a good idea to start checking for doneness about 10 minutes earlier than the recipe suggests, as one potato will cook faster than multiple potatoes.

As a general rule of thumb, cook potatoes in an air fryer at 400°F for 30 minutes, then flip them and cook for an additional 5-15 minutes, depending on their size. You'll know they're done when you can easily pierce them with a knife or a fork.

It's worth noting that different types of air fryers may require different temperatures and cooking times. For example, if you're using a toaster-oven-style air fryer, reduce the temperature to about 375°F and keep the cooking time the same.

Get creative with toppings

Now that you've made your air fryer baked potatoes, it's time to get creative with toppings. Here are some ideas to elevate your potatoes and impress your guests:

BBQ Style

Add BBQ sauce, pulled pork or chicken, cheddar cheese, and green onions. This combination will give your potato a smokey, savoury flavour with a nice crunch from the green onions.

Butter and Simplicity

For a classic, simple option, add butter, ghee, or coconut oil, and finish with salt and pepper. This choice lets the flavour of the potato shine through while adding a creamy, rich texture.

Loaded Potatoes

For an indulgent option, try loading your potato with butter, cheddar cheese, sour cream or Greek yoghurt, chopped bacon, and chives. This combination has all the right flavours and textures for a delicious, hearty meal.

Stuffed Potatoes

Take your baked potato to the next level by stuffing it. Some tasty options include Turkey Chili, Philly Cheesesteak, and Chicken Enchilada. These options will make your potato a flavourful, satisfying meal.

Greek Yogurt and Chives

For a fresh, tangy option, top your potato with Greek yoghurt and chives. This combination adds a nice contrast to the creamy texture of the potato while keeping things light and healthy.

Sour Cream and Chives

Another classic option is to add a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle on some chopped chives. This choice adds a tangy, creamy element to your potato, with the chives providing a mild onion flavour.

Bacon Bits and Cheese

For a savoury, crunchy option, sprinkle on some bacon bits and top with shredded Mexican or cheddar cheese. This combination will add a nice saltiness and texture to your potato.

Everything Bagel Seasoning

If you're a fan of everything bagels, why not try that flavour profile on your potato? Sprinkle on some everything bagel seasoning for a savoury, crunchy kick.

Jalapeno and Cheese

Add some spice to your potato by topping it with sliced or diced jalapeno and shredded Mexican or cheddar cheese. This combination will give your potato a nice kick, and the cheese will balance out the heat.

Get Creative

Don't be afraid to experiment and combine different toppings. You can also use your air fryer to cook additional ingredients, such as broccoli or bacon, to add to your potato. Get creative, and enjoy your perfect air fryer baked potato!

Frequently asked questions