Air Fryer Baked Potatoes: Perfect Timing For Crispy Spuds

Cooking baked potatoes in an air fryer is a quicker and more energy-efficient method than using an oven. The process involves scrubbing and drying the potatoes, poking holes in them, and seasoning them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. They are then placed in the air fryer basket and cooked for around 35 to 50 minutes at 400°F, depending on the size of the potatoes. The result is a delicious baked potato with a crispy skin and fluffy interior that can be enjoyed with various toppings.

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 would take to bake them in an oven. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare potatoes for air frying:

Step 1: Choose the Right Potato

When it comes to air frying, not all potatoes are created equal. Look for potatoes that are similar in size and free from eyes, blemishes, and sprouts. Here are some popular varieties that work well in the air fryer:

• Russet potatoes: These potatoes will crisp up beautifully with a pale golden color. Their insides will be soft, fluffy, and mild in flavor.
• Yukon Gold potatoes: A favorite for air frying, these potatoes will turn a deeper golden color due to their lower starch and higher sugar content. They will still crisp up, but their exterior will be slightly softer than russets.
• Red potatoes: Red potatoes will turn an even darker golden brown due to their high sugar and low starch content. They will be crispy at first but will soften quickly.
• Baby potatoes or new potatoes: These are regular potatoes that have been harvested early. They have a high sugar content and roast perfectly in the air fryer, but they can be hard to find in grocery stores as they are somewhat seasonal.

Step 2: Wash and Cut the Potatoes

Start by giving your potatoes a thorough wash, especially if you plan to leave the skin on (which is recommended for optimal crispiness). If using baby potatoes, cut them in half. For larger potatoes, cut them into uniform, 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking. Place the cut potatoes in a bowl of water as you work to prevent browning and to ensure they are clean.

Step 3: Season the Potatoes

The beauty of air fryer potatoes is that you can get creative with your seasonings. Here are some popular seasoning options:

• Olive oil: Use just enough to coat the potatoes so that your seasonings will stick.
• Salt and pepper: A must for seasoning!
• Garlic: Freshly minced or in powder/granule form.
• Italian seasoning: A flavorful blend of herbs.
• Cajun seasoning: Adds a spicy kick.
• Smoked paprika: Gives a nice smoky flavor.
• Parsley: For garnish, especially if serving for a special occasion.

Combine the potatoes and seasonings in a large bowl and toss until the potatoes are well coated.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer (Optional)

Preheating your air fryer is not always necessary, but if you have the time, it can help to crisp up the potatoes even further. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Arrange the Potatoes in the Air Fryer

Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. This ensures maximum crispiness. If you are cooking a large batch, you may need to cook the potatoes in batches.

Step 6: Cook the Potatoes

Air fry the potatoes at 400°F for 10 minutes. Then, use tongs or a turner to flip the potatoes and cook for an additional 10 minutes or until they are golden and tender. The total cooking time will depend on the size and type of potatoes you are using.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once the potatoes are crispy and tender, serve them hot as a side or appetizer. You can garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, and offer a tasty dip like ranch dressing, guacamole, or sour cream on the side. Enjoy!

Air fryer temperature and cooking time

The ideal temperature for cooking baked potatoes in an air fryer is around 400°F (200°C). However, one source recommends cooking at 390°F for a thin, crisp outer layer.

The cooking time will depend on the size of the potato and the air fryer model. Small potatoes (4 to 6 ounces) will take around 25 to 30 minutes. Medium to medium-large potatoes (8 to 10 ounces) will take 40 to 50 minutes. Large potatoes (about 12 ounces) will take about an hour.

For example, a 7-ounce russet or Idaho potato will take 35 to 40 minutes at 400°F. It is important to note that the potatoes should be turned over halfway through the cooking time. You can check if the potatoes are done by inserting a knife into their centres; if the knife goes in easily, they are ready.

Additionally, it is recommended to pierce the potatoes with a fork or knife before cooking to allow steam to escape and prevent them from bursting.

How to serve air fryer baked potatoes

Air fryer baked potatoes are a great way to cook up fluffy, tender potatoes with crispy, flavorful skin in a fraction of the time it would take in an oven. They are a blank slate that can be served as a meal on their own or as a side dish with any simply cooked protein, such as steak, pork, or chicken, and a salad.

Pre-Cooking Prep

Before cooking, scrub the potatoes well and pat them dry. Prick them a few times with a fork to allow steam to escape during cooking. Rub the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle them liberally with salt. You can also add other seasonings, such as garlic powder and dried parsley.

Cooking

Arrange the potatoes in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for 35 to 50 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes. Turn the potatoes over halfway through the cooking process. The potatoes are done when they are crispy on the outside and tender in the middle, and you should be able to easily pierce them with a fork or knife.

Serving

Slice open the tops of the potatoes and fluff the insides. You can serve them with just salt and pepper, or get creative with your favorite toppings. Some popular topping ideas include:

• Sour cream (regular or vegan)
• Greek yogurt
• Butter
• Ghee
• Coconut oil
• Chopped fresh herbs like chives or dill
• Shredded cheddar cheese or crumbled feta
• Chopped green onions
• BBQ sauce
• Pulled pork or chicken

Enjoy your delicious and fluffy air fryer baked potatoes!

The benefits of cooking baked potatoes in an air fryer

Air fryers have become a popular alternative to traditional ovens, and for good reason. They offer a range of benefits, especially when it comes to cooking baked potatoes. Here are some advantages of using an air fryer for your next batch of spuds:

Faster Cooking

One of the biggest advantages of using an air fryer is the reduced cooking time. Air fryers preheat in seconds, and they cook potatoes in about 40 to 50 minutes, which is roughly 15 minutes faster than a typical oven. This makes air fryers ideal for quick meals or when you're short on time. The rapid cooking is a significant convenience, especially for those with busy schedules.

Crispy Skin and Fluffy Insides

Air fryers are known for producing potatoes with crispy, flavorful skin and fluffy, tender insides. The hot air circulates around the potatoes, creating a delicious, crispy exterior while keeping the insides soft and fluffy. This combination of textures is what makes air-fried potatoes so appealing and satisfying. The crispiness of the skin is often enhanced by rubbing the potatoes with olive oil and seasoning them with salt before cooking.

Easy and Convenient

Cooking baked potatoes in an air fryer is incredibly easy and convenient, especially when cooking small batches. The simple process involves preheating the air fryer, prepping the potatoes with oil and seasonings, and then cooking them until they're crispy and tender. Air fryers also eliminate the need to heat up a large oven for just a couple of potatoes, making them energy-efficient and cost-effective.

Creative Toppings

Air-fried potatoes serve as a blank slate for a variety of toppings, allowing you to get creative. You can top them with anything from Greek yogurt and chives to sour cream, butter, cheese, or even BBQ sauce and pulled pork. The versatility of toppings means you can customize your potatoes to your taste preferences or dietary needs. They make a great side dish or a hearty meal on their own.

Healthier Option

Air fryers use little to no oil, making them a healthier alternative to deep-frying. The circulating hot air cooks the potatoes evenly, resulting in a crispy exterior without the need for excessive oil. This cooking method can reduce the overall calorie count and fat content of your meal, making it a healthier option without sacrificing taste.

In conclusion, cooking baked potatoes in an air fryer offers numerous benefits, including faster cooking times, crispy and fluffy textures, convenience, creative topping options, and a healthier cooking method. It's a versatile and efficient way to prepare delicious potatoes that are perfect for any occasion, whether you're feeding a large family or enjoying a quick meal for one.

How to reheat air fryer baked potatoes

There are several ways to reheat baked potatoes in an air fryer, and the method you choose will depend on whether you want to maintain the softness of the potato or achieve a crispy skin.

For Softness:

If you want to keep the potato soft, wrap it in foil before placing it in the air fryer. This will prevent the skin from drying out and shrivelling. Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (176 degrees Celsius) and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the potato is warmed through.

For Crispiness:

For crispy skin, do not wrap the potato in foil. Instead, rub the outside of the potato with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Then, preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the desired crispness is achieved. If you want to speed up the process, you can increase the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius) for a few minutes.

Timing and Size:

The timing will depend on the size of the potato and the desired level of crispness. Thinner potatoes will cook faster, and larger potatoes will take longer to warm through to the centre. As a general guideline, a reheated baked potato in an air fryer should take between 10 to 15 minutes.

Checking for Doneness:

To check if your potato is ready, pierce it with a fork. If the fork goes in easily and the inside of the potato is hot, then it's done.

Toppings:

You can add various toppings to your reheated baked potato. Some popular options include butter, sour cream, Greek yoghurt, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled feta, chopped chives, dill, or green onions.

Other Methods:

If you don't have an air fryer, you can also reheat baked potatoes in the microwave or oven. For the microwave, cut the potato in half, cover the cut sides with a damp paper towel, and heat for about three minutes. For the oven, preheat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (176 degrees Celsius) and bake for 15 to 20 minutes.

Frequently asked questions