Air Fryer Baked Potatoes: How Long Does It Take?

Baked potatoes are a great side dish or even a main course, and cooking them in an air fryer is a quick and easy option. The cooking time will depend on the size of the potato and the type of air fryer you are using. For example, a 7-ounce russet or Idaho potato will take 35 to 40 minutes at 400°F, while a smaller potato may take around 30 minutes. It's important to note that you should pierce the potatoes before air frying to allow steam to escape and prevent them from splitting.

How to prepare potatoes for air frying

Air fryers have become a popular way to cook potatoes, as they produce a crispy exterior and fluffy interior in a fraction of the time it takes to bake or roast them in an oven. The circulating air in an air fryer crisps the outsides of potatoes with a golden crust, while the insides become soft and tender. They are also healthier, as less oil is required compared to traditional roasting methods.

Choosing the Right Potato

The type of potato you use will impact the final result. Russet, Yukon Gold, and red potatoes are all good options and widely available. Baby potatoes, also known as "new" potatoes, are another variety that can be used. These are regular potatoes that have been harvested early and have thinner skin, making them ideal for crisping.

Preparing the Potatoes

Start by scrubbing the potatoes clean and drying them thoroughly. Pricking or piercing the potatoes with a fork before cooking is also recommended to allow steam to escape and prevent splitting.

Seasoning and Cooking

Cut the potatoes into uniform, bite-sized pieces. Leaving the skin on will add to the crispiness, so it is best to keep them unpeeled. Coat the potatoes with a thin layer of oil, such as olive oil, to help the seasonings stick. You can use an oil spray or toss the potatoes in a bowl with the oil and seasonings.

For seasonings, you can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or get creative with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, or a blend of spices like Cajun, Mexican, or Greek. Parmesan cheese can also be added for extra flavor and crispiness.

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) if possible, as this will help achieve maximum crispiness. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Avoid overcrowding, as this can lead to uneven cooking and prevent the potatoes from crisping properly.

Cooking time will depend on the size and type of potato, but for medium-sized potatoes, cook for 30 minutes, flip, and then cook for an additional 20-25 minutes or until tender. For smaller potatoes, reduce the cooking time by 5-10 minutes. Always ensure the potatoes are cooked through before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Air fryer potatoes make a great side dish and can be served with a variety of toppings. Keep it simple with butter, ghee, or coconut oil, or load them up with sour cream, Greek yogurt, cheddar cheese, bacon, and chives. They can also be paired with a dip, such as ranch dressing, or served in breakfast tacos or burritos.

Air fryer temperature and time

The ideal temperature to bake potatoes in an air fryer is 400°F (200°C). The time it takes to bake potatoes in an air fryer depends on the size of the potatoes and the number of potatoes being cooked.

For example, a single medium-sized potato will take less time to cook than three medium-sized potatoes. Similarly, smaller potatoes will take less time to cook than larger potatoes.

• Small potatoes will take around 30-40 minutes.
• Medium potatoes will take around 40-50 minutes.
• Large potatoes may take up to an hour or longer.

It is important to note that these are just estimates, and the actual cooking time may vary depending on the specific air fryer model and the potato's characteristics.

To check if the potatoes are done, insert a knife or a paring knife into the centre of the potato. If it slides in easily, the potatoes are ready. If not, continue cooking in 3-5 minute increments until they are tender.

Additionally, it is recommended to flip the potatoes halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and browning.

Potato toppings

Baked potatoes are a versatile dish, perfect as a side or a main, and can be loaded with toppings. The cooking time for potatoes in an air fryer varies depending on the size of the potato and the number of potatoes being cooked. A single medium-sized potato will take around 50 minutes to cook, while three medium-sized potatoes will take around 55 minutes. Smaller potatoes will take around 45 minutes. The ideal temperature for cooking is 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Now, for the fun part: the toppings!

Classic Toppings

The traditional toppings for a baked potato often include butter, sour cream, and/or Greek yogurt, with salt and pepper to taste. Chives and spring onions are also a great addition, providing a fresh flavour and a bit of colour.

Loaded Toppings

For a more indulgent option, you can load your baked potato with cheese, crispy bacon, and/or chilli. You could also add sliced mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or sliced avocado. For a real treat, top with a generous portion of pulled pork or chicken and finish with a drizzle of BBQ sauce.

Creative Toppings

If you want to get creative, there are plenty of options to explore. Here are some ideas:

• Corn salsa and refried beans
• Roasted tomatoes and pesto
• Bolognese and parmesan
• French onions and mushrooms
• Cottage cheese with diced red or white onion
• Barbecue sauce with shredded cheddar or pickled jalapenos
• Tuna mayo
• Chicken, hot sauce, celery, and gorgonzola
• Chorizo, olive oil, and a pepperoni substitute
• Baked beans and cheese
• Broccoli and cheese sauce
• Chicken fajitas or a thick taco stew
• Ricotta cheese and pesto
• Salsa, Greek yogurt, cheese, and salt
• Baked beans, tuna mayo, or nutritional yeast and olive oil
• Ranch dressing
• Fried eggs
• Chicken or slow-cooked pork loin
• Salsa, guacamole, and sour cream
• Smoked brisket chilli
• Birria
• Chicken hotsauce, celery, and gorgonzola
• Corned beef/pastrami, Swiss cheese, and butter
• Tomato paste, chopped veggies, and cheese
• Sour cream, cheese, and bacon bits
• Salt, pepper, and potato topping seasoning

How to know when a potato is done

There are a few ways to know when a potato is done baking in an air fryer. The first is time. Depending on the size of the potato, it will take around 35 to 50 minutes to bake in an air fryer at 400°F. For smaller potatoes, it will take less time, and for larger potatoes, it will take longer.

Another way to tell if a potato is done is by texture. You can use a knife or a fork to test the doneness of the potato. If the knife or fork easily slides into the center of the potato, then it is done. The potato should be soft and tender, and the skin should be crispy.

You can also tell if a potato is done by looking at it. If the skin is brown and crispy, and the inside is fluffy, then the potato is done. If the potato is still white or pale, it may need more time to cook.

Finally, you can also taste the potato to see if it is done. If it is soft and fluffy, then it is ready to be eaten. If it is still hard or crunchy, it may need more time in the air fryer.

It's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the potato and the model of the air fryer. It's always a good idea to keep an eye on the potatoes while they are cooking and adjust the time as needed.

Reheating potatoes

If you have leftover potatoes, you can reheat them in the air fryer. This is the best method to retain their texture and crispiness.

First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Next, arrange the leftover potato cubes in a single layer on the crisper tray of a convection-type air fryer or at the bottom of an air fryer basket. Reheat for around four minutes or until warmed through. There is no need to flip the potatoes.

If you're in a hurry, the air fryer is your best option for reheating potatoes. You can also reheat potatoes in the oven or in a frying pan, but these methods may take longer or alter the texture of the potatoes.

You can also reheat potatoes in the microwave, but this is not recommended as it will make them soggy.

If you have leftover air-fried potatoes, you can add them to a pan of roasted vegetables during the last few minutes of cooking. Alternatively, serve them with eggs for breakfast or add them to a salad for lunch.

Frequently asked questions