Air-Frying Potatoes: The Perfect Timing For Crispy Spuds

Air fryer baked potatoes are a convenient and tasty alternative to oven-baked potatoes. They have a crisp skin and a fluffy interior, and can be cooked in about 40 minutes, which is roughly 15 minutes less than baking them in an oven. The air fryer also doesn't need to be preheated, saving even more time and energy. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of the potato and the air fryer being used, but generally, it takes between 35 to 50 minutes to cook potatoes at 400°F.

How to get the perfect crispy skin

To get the perfect crispy skin on your air-fried potatoes, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, make sure you use the right type of potato. Russet potatoes, also known as Idaho potatoes, are ideal due to their high starch content, which results in fluffy insides. However, you can also use yellow potatoes, sweet potatoes, or any other variety. Just ensure that all the potatoes are a similar size for even cooking.

Prepping the Potatoes

Start by scrubbing the potatoes under running water to remove any dirt. Then, pat them dry with a towel. Poke holes all over the potatoes with a fork to prevent them from bursting during cooking. This step is optional, but it's better to be safe!

Oil and Seasoning

Add the potatoes to the air fryer basket and drizzle them with oil. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or any cooking spray. Make sure all sides of the potatoes are coated by rubbing them with the oil.

Next, it's time to season! Sprinkle the potatoes with salt to enhance the flavour and help the skin crisp up. You can use fine sea salt, kosher salt, or regular table salt. For extra flavour, add some garlic powder or your favourite herbs and spices.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. If your air fryer doesn't require preheating or has a different temperature setting, adjust accordingly. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them to ensure even cooking.

Cook the potatoes for about 30 minutes, then flip them over and cook for an additional 5-15 minutes, depending on their size. You'll know they're done when a knife or fork can easily pierce the centre.

Tips

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Four medium potatoes is a good maximum to ensure proper air circulation and even crisping.
• You can test for doneness by inserting a knife or fork into the centre of the potato. If it slides in easily, they're done!
• If your potatoes need a little longer, don't worry. Just return them to the air fryer for a few extra minutes.
• For toaster-style air fryers, reduce the temperature to about 375°F and maintain the same cooking time, flipping the potatoes halfway through.

Now you're ready to enjoy your perfectly crispy air-fried potatoes!

How to get a fluffy interior

To get a fluffy interior when baking potatoes in an air fryer, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Firstly, it is important to use the right type of potato. Russet potatoes, also known as Idaho potatoes, are a good choice due to their high starch and low moisture content. This makes them ideal for dry heat cooking methods and contributes to a fluffy texture.

Secondly, the size of the potatoes matters. For even cooking, it is recommended to use potatoes of the same size. Small potatoes will take less time to cook, while larger and thicker potatoes will take longer. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, and remember that you can always put them back in the air fryer for a few extra minutes if needed.

Thirdly, how you prepare the potatoes is key. Start by scrubbing the potatoes under running water and then pat them dry. Poke holes all over the potatoes with a fork to allow steam to escape during cooking. This will prevent the potatoes from bursting and making a mess in your air fryer.

Next, add oil and salt to the potatoes. You can drizzle olive oil over the potatoes and rub it all over to coat the skin. Alternatively, you can use cooking spray. The oil helps to crisp up the skin and makes the salt stick to the potatoes. Fine sea salt or kosher salt is a good option, but you can use any type of salt you have on hand. Don't be afraid to be generous with the salt, as it will enhance the flavour of the potato skin.

Finally, when it comes to cooking, preheat your air fryer to 390-400°F. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them to allow for even cooking. The cooking time will depend on the size of your potatoes, but for medium-sized potatoes, it will typically take around 30-40 minutes. Flip the potatoes halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking. To check if the potatoes are done, insert a knife or fork into the centre; if it slides in easily, they are ready.

By following these steps, you should be able to achieve a fluffy interior when baking potatoes in your air fryer. Enjoy your delicious, fluffy baked potatoes!

How long to bake different-sized potatoes

Baking potatoes in an air fryer is a convenient way to get tender potatoes with crispy, flavorful skin. The cooking time depends on the size of the potatoes. Here is a guide to help you determine the appropriate cooking time for different-sized potatoes:

Small potatoes

Small potatoes, such as baby potatoes, are perfect for air frying. They have a shorter cooking time compared to larger potatoes. Simply scrub the potatoes, dry them, and toss them in olive oil with your favorite seasonings. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket and cook at 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) for 20 to 30 minutes, depending on how crispy you like your potatoes.

Medium potatoes

For medium-sized potatoes, the cooking time will be slightly longer. Follow the same preparation steps as for small potatoes. Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer and cook them for 30 to 40 minutes at the same temperature. Check on them occasionally to ensure they don't overcook.

Large potatoes

Large baking potatoes typically require a cooking time of 40 to 50 minutes in an air fryer. As with the smaller potatoes, start by scrubbing and drying them. Poke holes in the potatoes with a fork to allow steam to escape during cooking. Rub them with olive oil and season to taste. Place the potatoes in the air fryer and cook at 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) until they are soft and crispy.

Extra-large potatoes

For extra-large potatoes, it is recommended to cut them into smaller pieces or wedges before air frying. This will help ensure even cooking. Depending on the thickness of the wedges, the cooking time may vary from 30 to 45 minutes at the same temperature.

Remember, these timings are approximate and can be adjusted based on your preferred level of doneness. Always ensure your potatoes are cooked thoroughly before serving.

How to reheat air-fried potatoes

Reheating air-fried potatoes in an air fryer is a great way to retain their crispy texture and delicious taste. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Take your leftover baked potatoes out of the refrigerator. If they are foil-wrapped, remove the foil. For an extra crispy finish, you can lightly spray the potato skins with cooking spray or olive oil. This step is optional but can enhance the crispiness.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Preheating ensures even heating and helps the potatoes attain that coveted crispy texture.

Step 3: Arrange the Potatoes in the Air Fryer

Place the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving enough space between them to ensure proper air circulation. This is important for even heating.

Step 4: Reheat the Potatoes

Slide the basket into the preheated air fryer and reheat at 375°F for 10-15 minutes, depending on the size of your potatoes. You can also follow a 3-minute, 2-minute, 2-minute interval timing for a total of 7 minutes.

Step 5: Check and Serve

Carefully open the air fryer and check if the potatoes are heated through and the skin is crispy. If they need more time, add a few minutes and check again. Once they are ready, remove them from the air fryer and serve with your favourite toppings, such as butter, sour cream, chives, or bacon bits.

Tips:

• Don't reheat potatoes more than twice, as this may dry them out.
• Ensure that the internal temperature of the potatoes reaches 185°F (85°C) for safe consumption.
• Store any leftover baked potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• If you don't have an air fryer, you can also reheat potatoes in a regular oven or a frying pan, but the texture may not be as crispy.

The best toppings for air-fried potatoes

Air-fried potatoes are a versatile dish that can be served as a side, appetizer, or even the main course. While the cooking time and temperature settings may vary depending on the type of air fryer and the size of the potatoes, the end result is consistently delicious: crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. But what takes these potatoes from great to exceptional are the toppings. Here are some mouth-watering topping ideas to elevate your air-fried potatoes:

BBQ Style

Add a generous helping of BBQ sauce, then top it off with pulled pork or chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions. This combination of flavours and textures will surely satisfy your taste buds.

Butter and Herbs

For a classic and simple approach, add a generous pat of butter and let it melt over the hot potato. Finish it off with a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste. If you want to take it up a notch, try using flavoured butter, such as garlic butter, or add some fresh herbs like chives or parsley for a burst of colour and freshness.

Loaded Potatoes

This is for those who want to go all out! Start with a base of butter, then add a generous dollop of sour cream or Greek yoghurt. Sprinkle on some chopped chives, and don't hold back on the cheddar cheese and crispy bacon bits. This combination is sure to be a crowd-pleaser and will make your potatoes the star of the meal.

Mexican Fiesta

Give your potatoes a south-of-the-border twist with this flavourful option. Start with a base of sour cream, then add shredded Mexican cheese, chopped jalapeños, and a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning. Top it off with some diced green onions for a fresh bite.

Greek-Style

Transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean with this Greek-inspired topping. Combine garlic, onion, oregano, basil, dill, salt, and pepper to create a flavourful blend. Finish it off with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or thyme for a true taste of Greece.

Beyond Toppings

While these topping suggestions are a great starting point, don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with other ingredients. Try adding steamed broccoli, sautéed onions, or even crab meat and shrimp for a unique twist. The possibilities are endless, so have fun and find your perfect combination!

Frequently asked questions