Air Fryer Baked Potatoes: Quick, Crispy, And Fluffy Treats

Air fryers are a great way to cook baked potatoes, producing a crispy skin and fluffy middle in a fraction of the time it would take to bake them in an oven. The cooking time will depend on the size of the potato and the model of the air fryer, but generally, a medium-sized potato will take around 40-50 minutes to cook at 400°F. It's important to pierce the potatoes before cooking to allow steam to escape and prevent them from splitting.

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

Baking potatoes in an air fryer is a quick and energy-efficient way to achieve a crispy skin with a fluffy centre. The cooking time depends on the size of the potato and the model of the air fryer.

For medium-sized russet potatoes (about 12 ounces each), it takes 50 to 55 minutes to cook three of them in an air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. For smaller potatoes (about 8 ounces each), it takes about 45 to 50 minutes at the same temperature. If you are cooking only one potato at a time, start checking the potato for doneness about 10 minutes earlier than the recipe calls for, as a single potato will cook faster than three.

For a 7-ounce russet or Idaho potato, it will take 35 to 40 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Turn the potatoes over halfway through cooking. When a knife can be easily inserted into the centre of the potatoes, they are done.

To speed up the cooking time, you can microwave the potatoes on high for 8-10 minutes before air frying. Check the potatoes after 15-20 minutes of air frying.

It is important to note that different air fryer models may have different cooking times, so it is always a good idea to refer to the specific instructions for your air fryer.

How to get crispy skin and fluffy insides

To get crispy skin and fluffy insides when making baked potatoes in an air fryer, there are a few steps you can follow. Firstly, choose the right type of potato. Russet potatoes are a popular choice for baking, but you can also use yellow potatoes, sweet potatoes, or any other variety. Give the potatoes a good scrub to clean them, and dry them thoroughly with kitchen paper. This will help the skin to crisp up during cooking.

Next, you'll want to add some oil and seasoning. Drizzle or spray the potatoes with oil—you can use olive oil, avocado oil, peanut oil, or any other type of cooking oil or spray. Make sure the potatoes are well-coated by rubbing the oil into the skins with your hands. Then, season generously with sea salt, and other seasonings of your choice, such as garlic powder or black pepper. The salt will help the skins to crisp up, and the oil will ensure that your seasonings stick to the potatoes.

Now it's time to cook the potatoes. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each one. You don't need to wrap them in foil, as this will make the skin soggy. Depending on the size of your potatoes, they will need to cook for around 35 to 50 minutes. For smaller potatoes, check on them after about 30 minutes, and for larger potatoes, you may need the full 50 minutes or even a little longer. You can tell they're done when the skin is crispy and a sharp knife or fork can easily slide into the centre. If the potatoes are browning too quickly on one side, use tongs to turn them over about halfway through the cooking time.

Once they're done, remove the potatoes from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. Finally, cut a thin slice through the top of each potato and fluff the inside with a fork. You can now add your favourite toppings and enjoy your crispy, fluffy baked potatoes!

Should you wrap potatoes in foil?

Whether or not to wrap potatoes in foil before placing them in the air fryer is a matter of personal preference. While it is not necessary, doing so can make cleanup easier. However, wrapping potatoes in foil may result in less crispy skin, which some people prefer.

If you choose not to wrap your potatoes in foil, you can simply place them directly in the air fryer basket and cook them according to your desired level of doneness. This will result in crispier skin. You may also want to pierce the potatoes with a fork or knife to allow for venting and to prevent them from bursting during cooking.

If you do decide to wrap your potatoes in foil, you will need to cook them for the same amount of time as you would without foil. The foil will not affect the cooking time. However, keep in mind that the skin of the potatoes may not get as crispy when wrapped in foil.

In terms of cleanup, using foil can make it easier as it will prevent any food residue from sticking to the air fryer basket. This can save you time and effort in scrubbing the basket after cooking.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to wrap potatoes in foil before air frying them is up to personal preference. Both methods will result in delicious, cooked potatoes, but the texture of the potato skin may vary.

How to prepare potatoes before air frying

Preparing potatoes for air frying is a simple process, but there are a few steps you can take to ensure you get the best results. Here is a guide on how to prepare potatoes before air frying:

Firstly, choose the right type of potatoes. Russet, Yukon Gold, Yellow, Red, or Sweet potatoes are all great options for air frying. You can also use baby potatoes or new potatoes, which are regular potatoes that have been harvested early. These potatoes have thinner skins and higher sugar content, making them ideal for air frying.

Next, wash and dry your potatoes thoroughly. This step is important as it removes any residual dirt or chemicals that may be on the surface of the potatoes. After washing, let the potatoes air dry completely before proceeding to the next step.

Once the potatoes are dry, you can cut them into uniform pieces. Try to make the pieces roughly the same size so that they cook evenly in the air fryer. You can cut them into wedges, slices, or cubes, depending on your preference.

At this point, you may want to consider soaking the potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes to an hour. This step is optional but can help remove excess starch from the surface of the potatoes, resulting in a crispier texture after frying. Be sure to pat the potatoes completely dry again after soaking.

Now it's time to season your potatoes. Drizzle them with olive oil, avocado oil, or another type of cooking oil, and use your hands to ensure the oil coats the potatoes evenly. Then, sprinkle on your favourite seasonings. Some popular options include sea salt, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, and black pepper. You can also experiment with different blends of spices, such as Cajun, Mexican, or Greek seasonings.

After seasoning, your potatoes are almost ready for the air fryer. If desired, you can pierce the potatoes a few times with a fork to create small holes that will allow steam to escape during cooking. This step is not mandatory but can help ensure even cooking.

Finally, preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, usually around 400°F (200°C). Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they have enough space to crisp up. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can lead to uneven cooking and soggy potatoes.

Now you're ready to start air frying! Depending on the size and type of potatoes, the cooking time will vary, but on average, it should take around 35-50 minutes at 400°F for the potatoes to become tender and crispy. Be sure to check on them periodically and give the basket a shake or stir to ensure even cooking.

With these steps, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious, crispy air-fried potatoes!

What toppings go well with air-fried potatoes?

Air-fried potatoes are a versatile dish that can be served at any meal, from breakfast to dinner. They can be paired with a variety of toppings and ingredients to enhance their flavour and texture. Here are some ideas for toppings that go well with air-fried potatoes:

Sour Cream and Butter

A dollop of sour cream and a generous amount of butter can be added to the air-fried potatoes for a creamy and indulgent treat. This combination keeps the dish simple yet delicious.

Cheese

Cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, or any other variety of your choice can be sprinkled over the potatoes. Cheese adds a salty, savoury flavour and can be melted over the potatoes for an extra indulgent touch.

Herbs and Spices

Fresh or dried herbs such as parsley, thyme, rosemary, or chives can be sprinkled over the potatoes to add a burst of flavour. Spices like garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, and Cajun seasoning can also enhance the taste of air-fried potatoes.

Green Onions

Chopped green onions or scallions can be used as a topping to add a mild onion flavour and a pop of colour to the dish.

Pulled Pork or Chicken

For a heartier meal, air-fried potatoes can be topped with pulled pork or shredded chicken. This transforms the dish into a satisfying main course.

BBQ Sauce

A tangy and flavourful barbecue sauce can be drizzled over the potatoes for a unique twist. This topping pairs well with pulled pork or chicken and cheddar cheese.

Greek Yogurt

For a healthier alternative to sour cream, Greek yogurt can be used as a topping. It adds a similar creamy texture and tangy flavour.

Broccoli

Broccoli florets, either steamed or roasted, can be added as a topping to provide a crunchy texture and a boost of nutrients.

These are just a few ideas, but the possibilities for toppings are endless! Get creative and experiment with different combinations of ingredients to find your favourite way to enjoy air-fried potatoes.

Frequently asked questions