Air Fryer Baked Potatoes: Timing For Perfect Spuds

Cooking baked 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, but generally, it takes around 40 to 50 minutes at 400°F. To speed up the cooking time, you can microwave the potatoes for 8-10 minutes before air frying.

How long to cook a baked potato in an air fryer

Cooking a baked potato in an air fryer is a quick and energy-efficient way to achieve a crispy skin with a fluffy centre.

The cooking time will depend on the size of the potato and the model of the air fryer. A large potato can take up to 45 minutes, while smaller potatoes may only need 20 minutes. As a general rule, a 7-ounce russet or Idaho potato will take 35 to 40 minutes at 400°F. It is important to note that the air fryer should be preheated to this temperature before adding the potatoes.

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 to ensure they are not browning too quickly on one side. The total cooking time will be around 30 minutes if you use the microwave to pre-cook the potatoes.

To prepare the potatoes for air frying, scrub them well and pat them dry. Prick the potatoes a few times with a fork to allow steam to escape during cooking. Drizzle or spray the potatoes with olive oil, avocado oil, or another oil with a high smoke point, and rub it into the skin. Sprinkle the potatoes with salt, and other seasonings like pepper, garlic powder, and dried parsley, if desired.

Arrange the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 40-50 minutes, or until a sharp knife can be inserted into the potatoes easily. For even cooking, check the potatoes after 20 minutes and turn them over with tongs if they are browning too much on one side.

Once the potatoes are crispy on the outside and tender in the middle, they are ready to be served. Split them open and fluff the insides with a fork. Season with salt and pepper, and add your favourite toppings like butter, sour cream, chives, or cheese.

Should you wrap potatoes in foil before air frying?

While it is possible to put foil in an air fryer, it is not necessary to wrap potatoes in foil before air frying. In fact, doing so may be counterproductive as the aluminium foil can hold in moisture, resulting in soggy potato skin. Air frying potatoes without foil will lead to crispier skin. If you want to avoid the hassle of cleaning up, a thin layer of foil can help with that, but it is not necessary for the cooking process.

How to get crispy skin on an air fryer baked potato

Air fryer baked potatoes are a great way to achieve a crispy skin with a fluffy centre, and they're quicker and more energy-efficient than using an oven. Here's a step-by-step guide to getting crispy skin on your air fryer baked potatoes:

Ingredients and Preparation:

• Potatoes (russets are recommended, but you can also use yellow potatoes, sweet potatoes, or any other variety).
• Oil (avocado oil spray, olive oil, canola oil, or cooking spray).
• Salt and pepper for seasoning.
• Other seasonings like garlic powder or dried parsley (optional).

Scrub the potatoes and pat them dry with a paper towel or kitchen towel. Drizzle or spray the potatoes with oil and use your hands to rub it into the skins, ensuring they are well-coated. Sprinkle salt and pepper (and any other desired seasonings) over the potatoes and rub them again to ensure an even coat.

Cooking:

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they have enough space around them to crisp up. Depending on the size of your potatoes, cook them for 35-50 minutes. For smaller potatoes, such as red potatoes, adjust the cooking time accordingly. Check the potatoes after 20-25 minutes, and use tongs to turn them over if they are browning too quickly on one side. The potatoes are done when a sharp knife or paring knife can be easily inserted into the centre.

Serving:

Split the potatoes open and serve immediately with your favourite toppings, such as butter, sour cream, cheese, chives, or bacon bits. Enjoy the crispy skin and fluffy interior of your perfectly cooked air fryer baked potatoes!

How to reheat air fryer baked potatoes

Preparation

Before reheating your baked potatoes in an air fryer, it's important to note that you should not reheat them more than twice as this will dry them out. You should also ensure that the internal temperature of the potatoes reaches 185°F (85°C) for safe consumption.

If your potatoes are wrapped in foil, remove the foil before placing them in the air fryer. Foil can prevent air from circulating and stop the skin from crisping up.

For an extra-crispy finish, spray the potato skins with cooking spray or olive oil. This step is optional but will enhance the crispiness of the potato skins.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F. The higher the temperature, the crispier the potato skins will be. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket, leaving enough space between them to ensure proper air circulation.

Slide the basket into the preheated air fryer and cook for 10-15 minutes, depending on the size of your potatoes. If you are adding shredded cheese, do so near the end of the cooking time, so it only takes a few minutes for the cheese to become bubbly and lightly browned.

Once the baked potatoes are heated through and the skin is crispy, remove them from the air fryer and serve.

What to serve with air fryer baked potatoes

Air fryer baked potatoes are a great side dish, and you can serve them with a variety of mains and toppings. Here are some ideas:

Main Dishes

• Steak
• Pork
• Chicken
• Salmon
• Swedish Meatballs
• Prime Rib

Salads

A side salad can be a great complement to a baked potato, especially if you've loaded up on toppings.

Toppings

• Butter
• Sour cream
• Greek yoghurt
• Chives
• Broccoli
• Cheese
• BBQ sauce
• Pulled pork
• Pulled chicken
• Cheddar cheese
• Green onions
• Ghee
• Coconut oil
• Bacon
• Chili
• Tuna mayonnaise
• Baked beans
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Dried parsley

Frequently asked questions