Air Fryer Baked Potato: The Perfect Large Spud Timing

Baked potatoes are a great side dish or even a main course, and cooking them in an air fryer is a quick and energy-efficient way to prepare them. The air fryer produces a crispy skin and a fluffy inside, and you don't have to wait for it to preheat. But how long do you need to cook a large baked potato in an air fryer?

How long to cook a large baked potato in an air fryer

Cooking a large baked potato in an air fryer takes around 40 to 50 minutes at 400°F (200°C). The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the potato and the model of the air fryer. For example, smaller potatoes will take less time to cook, while larger and thicker potatoes will take longer. Therefore, it is important to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

To ensure even cooking, it is recommended to use potatoes of the same size. Before cooking, scrub the potatoes under running water, pat them dry, and poke holes in them with a fork. This helps the potatoes cook evenly and prevents them from bursting in the air fryer.

Additionally, it is important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Make sure there is enough space around each potato for the skin to crisp up properly.

When the potatoes are soft and a knife or fork can easily be inserted into the centre, they are done. You can also test for doneness by piercing the potatoes with a knife or fork. If they are not yet tender, return them to the air fryer and cook in 3-5 minute intervals until done.

What temperature to cook a large baked potato in an air fryer

Cooking a large baked potato in an air fryer is a straightforward process, and a great way to get crispy skin and fluffy insides. Here is a step-by-step guide to the temperature and timings you need to achieve this.

Firstly, gather your ingredients. You will need large baking potatoes, olive oil or cooking spray, and salt and pepper to taste. You can also add garlic powder and dried parsley if you wish.

Wash and dry your potatoes, and place them in the air fryer basket. Drizzle or spray the potatoes with oil, and season with salt and pepper (and garlic powder and parsley if using). You can use your hands to ensure the potatoes are evenly coated.

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Place the potatoes in the basket and cook for 40-50 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes. You may want to turn the potatoes halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking. The potatoes are done when they are soft, or when you can easily insert a knife into the centre.

You can serve the potatoes with a variety of toppings, such as butter, sour cream, Greek yoghurt, chives, broccoli, cheese, or BBQ sauce.

Tips for cooking large baked potatoes in an air fryer

• Pierce the potatoes with a fork before cooking to allow steam to escape.
• Don't wrap the potatoes in foil, as this will make the skin soggy.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket—four medium potatoes is a good maximum. This ensures the potatoes have enough space to crisp up.
• Different-sized potatoes will require different cooking times, so keep an eye on them and adjust the timing as needed.

How to get crispy skin on a large baked potato in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Large baking potatoes
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Parsley
• Butter

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
• Wash and dry your potatoes.
• Pierce the potatoes with a fork or knife.
• Drizzle or spray olive oil over the potatoes.
• Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and parsley.
• Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they have enough space around them.
• Cook for 40-50 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes.
• Carefully flip the potatoes over halfway through the cooking time.
• To check if the potatoes are done, insert a knife into the centre; if it goes in easily, they're ready.
• Remove the potatoes from the air fryer and slice them lengthwise.
• Add a tablespoon of butter to each potato and serve.

Tips:

• For extra crispy skin, preheat the air fryer before adding the potatoes.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket; make sure the potatoes have enough space to crisp up.
• Different-sized potatoes will have different cooking times; adjust accordingly.
• For a variation, try using sweet potatoes or yellow potatoes instead of russets.

How to get a fluffy inside on a large baked potato in an air fryer

To get a fluffy inside on a large baked potato in an air fryer, you'll need the following:

• Large baking potatoes
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Butter (optional)
• An air fryer

First, scrub your potatoes and dry them. Then, rub or spray them with olive oil or cooking spray. Next, season them with salt and garlic powder. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket and cook them at 400°F (200°C) for 40-50 minutes, depending on their size. You may need to turn them over halfway through. To check if they're done, insert a knife into the centre of the potatoes – if it goes in easily, they're ready.

Once they're cooked, slice the potatoes lengthwise and use your hands to pinch the sides, forcing them to open until the fluffy insides start to come out. Finally, add a tablespoon of butter into each potato, if desired.

How to serve a large baked potato cooked in an air fryer

Ingredients

• 1 large baking potato
• Oil (olive oil, avocado oil, peanut oil, or cooking spray)
• Salt (fine sea salt, kosher salt, or coarse sea salt)
• Other seasonings (e.g. garlic powder, dried parsley)
• Toppings of your choice (e.g. butter, sour cream, chives, cheese, bacon bits, jalapenos)

Instructions

Start by scrubbing the potato under running water, then pat it dry thoroughly. Poke the potato all over with a fork. Next, add the potato to the air fryer basket and drizzle it with oil and salt, rubbing the oil so that all sides of the potato are coated. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder and dried parsley.

Cook the potato in a basket-style air fryer at 400°F for about 30 minutes. Flip the potato and cook for an additional 5-15 minutes until a knife easily pierces through the center. For a toaster-style air fryer, reduce the temperature to about 375°F, flipping the potato halfway, and keep the timing the same.

Once the potato is cooked, split it open and add your desired toppings. Some popular options include butter, sour cream, chives, cheese, bacon bits, and jalapenos. Serve and enjoy!

Tips

• It is recommended to use russet potatoes, also known as Idaho potatoes, for the best results.
• Make sure all your potatoes are the same size for even cooking.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Four medium potatoes is a good maximum to ensure the skins have enough space to crisp up.
• You can pierce the potatoes with a fork before cooking, but it is not necessary.
• The cook time may vary depending on the size of the potato and your air fryer model. Larger potatoes will take longer to cook.

Frequently asked questions