Air Fryer Baked Potato: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Cooking baked potatoes in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve a crispy skin and fluffy interior. The cooking time will depend on the size of the potato and the model of the air fryer, but generally, it takes around 30-50 minutes to cook a potato in an air fryer.

How to prepare the potatoes before air frying

Preparing your potatoes before air frying is a crucial step in the cooking process. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure your potatoes are ready for the air fryer:

Firstly, select the right type of potatoes. Russet, Yukon Gold, or red-skinned potatoes are all great options for air frying. You can also use baby potatoes or new potatoes, which are regular potatoes harvested early and have a high sugar content.

Next, give the potatoes a good scrub to remove any residual dirt. This step is important, especially when leaving the skin on for added crispness. After scrubbing, dry the potatoes with a paper towel and let them sit for at least 15 minutes to ensure both sides of the skin are dry.

Now it's time to cut your potatoes. For even cooking, try to cut them into uniform, evenly sized pieces. You can cut them into wedges, cubes, or slices, depending on your preference. If you're using baby potatoes, you might just want to halve them. Once cut, you can choose to soak the potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes to overnight to remove excess starch and achieve an even crispier result. Be sure to pat them dry before the next step!

Before seasoning, pierce the potatoes a few times with a fork to allow steam to escape during cooking. Then, toss the potatoes with olive oil and your choice of seasonings. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or get creative with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, or even a cajun spice blend for a kick. Give the potatoes a good mix to ensure they are evenly coated.

Your potatoes are now ready for the air fryer! Place them in the basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between each potato to ensure even cooking. Follow the cooking instructions for your desired level of crispiness, and enjoy!

The ideal temperature to heat a baked potato in an air fryer

Baked potatoes are a great, easy-to-make dish, and cooking them in an air fryer is faster and more energy-efficient than using an oven. The ideal temperature to cook a baked potato in an air fryer is between 390°F and 400°F.

The cooking time will depend on the size of the potato and the air fryer model. Small potatoes (4 to 6 ounces) will take 25 to 30 minutes, while medium to large potatoes (8 to 12 ounces) will take 40 to 55 minutes. It's important to note that the size of the potato will impact the cooking time, so adjust accordingly.

When preparing the potatoes, it is recommended to scrub and dry them first. Poking holes in the potatoes with a fork before cooking is also a good idea, as it allows steam to escape and helps prevent the potatoes from splitting.

For the best results, use Russet or Idaho potatoes, and make sure all potatoes are the same size for even cooking. Drizzle olive oil over the potatoes and season with salt and pepper to taste. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them to ensure even cooking.

Cooking at 400°F for 30 minutes, flip the potatoes, and then continue cooking for another 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are tender. You can test this by inserting a paring knife into the centre of the potato – if it goes in easily, the potato is cooked.

Once cooked, remove the potatoes from the air fryer and let them cool for 5 to 10 minutes. Cut a thin slice through the top of each potato and fluff the inside with a fork. Finally, top with butter and chives, or your desired toppings, and serve immediately.

How long to heat small potatoes in an air fryer

Small potatoes are a great option for air frying as they have thinner skin, which crisps up nicely. The cooking time will depend on the size of your potatoes, but small potatoes (4 to 6 ounces) will typically take around 25 to 30 minutes to cook through in an air fryer.

Preparation

First, give your potatoes a good scrub to remove any residual dirt. Then, dry them with a paper towel and set them on a kitchen towel, rotating after 15 minutes so that both sides of the skin can dry. If you're in a hurry, just pat them dry with a paper towel before adding the oil and spices.

Next, dice or slice your potatoes. Soaking the potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes to an hour will help remove the starch from the cut sides, resulting in crispier potatoes. Just be sure to pat them dry before cooking!

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to 390°F to 400°F. Place the potatoes in the basket, leaving about an inch of space between each potato to ensure even cooking.

Cook for 25 to 30 minutes, shaking the basket or stirring the potatoes halfway through. You'll know they're done when the potatoes are fork-tender and the skin is golden brown and crisp.

Serving

Remove the potatoes from the air fryer and slice them open lengthwise. Use a fork to fluff up the insides, then add your favourite toppings, such as butter, sour cream, chives, or cheese.

And that's it! You now have perfectly cooked small potatoes with crispy skins and fluffy interiors, made in a fraction of the time it would take in an oven. Enjoy!

How to tell when a baked potato is done in the air fryer

There are a few ways to tell when your baked potato is done in the air fryer. Firstly, the cooking time will depend on the size of your potato. Small potatoes (4 to 6 ounces) will need to cook for 25 to 30 minutes. Medium to medium-large potatoes (7 to 10 ounces) will need 35 to 50 minutes. Large potatoes (about 12 ounces) will need about an hour.

You can tell when a potato is done by checking if it is soft or tender. One way to do this is to use a sharp knife or a fork—if it slides in and out smoothly, the potato is ready. You can also try pinching or squeezing the potato; if it is soft and the fluffy insides come out, it is done.

If you are reheating a baked potato in the air fryer, it will take about 5 to 10 minutes at 375°F to 400°F, depending on how hot and crispy you want it.

How to reheat a baked potato in an air fryer

If you're looking to reheat a baked potato in an air fryer, there are a few simple steps you can follow to achieve a potato that is crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.

First, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). While the air fryer is preheating, prepare your leftover potato by poking holes in it with a fork. This will help the steam escape and prevent the potato from splitting. You can also sprinkle a little water on the potato to help it retain its moisture.

Once the air fryer is preheated, place the potato inside, making sure there is some space around it for even cooking. Reheat for 7 to 10 minutes, or until the potato is heated through and the skin is crispy again.

If you're starting with a cold potato, you may need to increase the reheating time to 15-20 minutes. It's important to keep an eye on the potato to make sure it doesn't burn.

When the potato is done, carefully remove it from the air fryer using tongs or oven mitts to protect your hands. You can then cut it open and add your favourite toppings, such as butter, sour cream, chives, or cheese.

And that's it! You now have a delicious, crispy reheated baked potato cooked to perfection in your air fryer.

Frequently asked questions