Air Fryer Baked Potato: Quick, Crispy Comfort Food

Cooking baked potatoes in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get perfect, crispy-skinned potatoes with fluffy insides. The cooking time will depend on the size of the potato and the air fryer being used, but generally, it takes around 40 to 50 minutes at 400°F.

Russet potatoes are best for air frying

Russet potatoes are a great choice for air frying. They are starchy potatoes that will air fry beautifully, with a pale golden colour. Their high starch content means they will become fluffy inside as they bake, and their skin will become extra crispy!

Russets are a good choice when you want a soft, fluffy inside with a mild flavour. They will crisp up wonderfully, and their insides will be soft and tasty. This makes them a very popular choice for air frying.

When preparing your russet potatoes for the air fryer, be sure to wash them thoroughly and pat them dry. Prick them with a fork a few times, and then drizzle with olive oil, rubbing it into the skin. You can then season with salt, and any other spices you like. Place them in the air fryer basket and cook until crispy on the outside and tender in the middle. This should take around 40-50 minutes, depending on the size of the potato. You will know they are done when you can easily pierce them with a fork.

You can serve your air-fried potatoes with a variety of toppings, such as butter, salt, and pepper, or get creative with sour cream, Greek yoghurt, cheese, or herbs.

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F

Preheating your air fryer to 400°F is an important step in making baked potatoes with crispy, golden skins and fluffy insides. Preheating ensures your potatoes start cooking at the right temperature from the moment they go into the air fryer, which helps them cook evenly.

Different air fryers have different preheating functions. Some may not require preheating at all, while others may have a specific preheat setting. If your air fryer does not have a preheat setting, you can simply turn it on and let it run for a few minutes before adding your potatoes. Check your user manual for specific instructions for your model.

Preheating your air fryer to the correct temperature is especially important if you want to achieve a crispy skin on your potatoes. Starting the cooking process at a high temperature will help the potatoes develop a golden, crispy exterior while keeping the inside fluffy and tender.

While your air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your potatoes. Start by selecting the right type of potato. Russet potatoes are a good choice due to their high starch content, which will give you fluffy insides and crispy skins. Scrub the potatoes well under running water to remove any dirt, then pat them dry with a clean towel.

Once your potatoes are clean and dry, use a fork to prick them a few times. This step is important as it allows steam to escape during cooking, preventing your potatoes from bursting. After pricking the potatoes, drizzle them with olive oil and use your hands to rub it into their skins. Make sure to coat the potatoes evenly, as this will help the seasoning stick to the skins and create an even crispness.

Generously season the potatoes with sea salt, making sure to cover all sides. You can also add other seasonings at this point, such as garlic powder, to enhance the flavour of your potatoes.

Pierce the potatoes with a fork

Piercing your potatoes with a fork is an important step in the process of making baked potatoes in an air fryer. This is because it allows the steam to escape from the potatoes as they cook. If you don't pierce the potatoes, the steam will build up inside and they could burst open in the air fryer, which is not only messy but also dangerous.

It is recommended that you pierce each potato 3 to 4 times with a fork before placing them in the air fryer. This will ensure that the steam has enough escape routes and will help to prevent the potatoes from splitting. You can also use a knife to make these holes, but a fork is generally easier and safer to use.

Another benefit of piercing the potatoes is that it helps to ensure even cooking. If the steam is trapped inside the potatoes, it can build up pressure and cause them to cook unevenly. Piercing the potatoes allows the steam to escape, which helps to regulate the pressure and temperature inside the potatoes, resulting in more even cooking.

Additionally, piercing the potatoes with a fork can also help speed up the cooking process. When the steam escapes from the potatoes, it takes some of the heat out with it, which can help to cool down the potatoes slightly and prevent them from getting too hot too quickly. This can be especially important if your air fryer is set to a high temperature or if you are cooking multiple potatoes at once.

In conclusion, piercing your potatoes with a fork is a crucial step when making baked potatoes in an air fryer. It allows steam to escape, helps prevent bursting and splitting, promotes even cooking, and can even speed up the cooking process. So, before you put those potatoes in the air fryer, be sure to give them a few good pokes with a fork!

Drizzle with olive oil and season

Now that your potatoes are scrubbed and dried, it's time to drizzle them with olive oil and season them with salt and pepper. This step is crucial to achieving the perfect crispy skin on your air fryer baked potatoes.

Choosing the Right Oil

Extra-virgin olive oil is a popular choice for air fryer baked potatoes due to its ability to impart a rich flavour and crisp texture to the potato skins. However, other oils such as avocado oil, canola oil, or even cooking spray can also be used. Choose an oil with a high smoke point to ensure that it can withstand the high temperatures of the air fryer without burning.

Drizzling and Rubbing

When drizzling the potatoes with olive oil, use your hands to rub it into their skin generously. This ensures that the oil is evenly distributed and helps the seasoning adhere to the potato skins. Make sure to coat all sides of the potatoes for the best results.

Seasoning

The most common seasoning for air fryer baked potatoes is sea salt or kosher salt. Sprinkle the salt liberally over the oiled potatoes, using your hands to ensure an even coat. Freshly ground black pepper is also often used to add a bit of spice and flavour. Don't be afraid to be generous with the seasoning, as this will enhance the flavour of the crispy skin.

Other Seasoning Options

While salt and pepper are the most traditional seasonings, you can also experiment with other options to add extra flavour to your potatoes. Some people like to use garlic salt or garlic powder, which gives the potatoes a savoury kick. You can also try other dried herbs and spices, such as parsley or paprika, to suit your taste preferences.

Don't Forget the Basket

Before placing the potatoes in the air fryer basket, it's a good idea to give the basket a light coat of cooking spray or oil as well. This will help prevent the potatoes from sticking and ensure that they release easily once they're cooked.

Now that your potatoes are seasoned and ready to go, it's time to pop them into the air fryer and let the cooking begin!

Cook for 35-50 minutes

Cooking a baked potato in an air fryer takes around 35 to 50 minutes, depending on the size of the potato and the air fryer model. For example, a large potato typically takes around 45 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, while a medium-sized potato will take around 40 minutes. Smaller potatoes will take less time, around 25 to 30 minutes.

It's important to note that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the specific air fryer and the size of the potatoes being used. Therefore, it is recommended to keep an eye on the potatoes during the cooking process and adjust the timing as needed.

When cooking, it is crucial to ensure that there is sufficient space between each potato in the air fryer basket. This allows the hot air to circulate properly and ensures even cooking and crisping of the potato skins.

To achieve the perfect baked potato in an air fryer, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer to around 400°F. However, some air fryers may not require preheating, so it is important to refer to the specific model's instructions.

Once the air fryer is preheated, the potatoes should be prepared. Russet potatoes are a popular choice due to their high starch content, which results in fluffy insides and crispy skins. Start by scrubbing the potatoes clean and drying them thoroughly. Pricking the potatoes with a fork or piercing them with a knife is also recommended to allow steam to escape during cooking and prevent them from bursting.

After preparation, the potatoes can be placed in the air fryer basket. For even cooking, ensure they are not stacked on top of each other and have enough space around them. The cooking time will depend on the size of the potatoes and the desired level of doneness. For a soft and tender baked potato, a longer cooking time may be preferred.

Once the potatoes are cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. Finally, cut a thin slice through the top of each potato, fluff the inside with a fork, and add your favourite toppings, such as butter, sour cream, chives, or cheese.

Frequently asked questions