Air Fryer Baked Potato: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Baked potatoes are a family-friendly option, and cooking them in an air fryer makes them crispier and quicker than baking them in an oven. Here's a guide on how to make the perfect air-fried baked potato.

Choosing the right potato

When it comes to choosing the right potato for your air fryer baked potato, there are a few factors to consider. The type of potato you select will depend on the desired texture and taste of your final dish.

First, let's talk about the different types of potatoes:

• Starchy potatoes: These include Russet, Idaho, and Long White potatoes. They have a high starch content, making them ideal for baking, frying, and mashing. They tend to produce fluffy, mealy textures.
• Waxy potatoes: Varieties such as Red Bliss, Russian Banana, and fingerlings fall into this category. They are best for recipes where you want the potato to retain its shape, like potato salads or roasted dishes.
• All-purpose potatoes: Yukon Gold and purple potatoes are considered all-purpose. They have moderate starch and moisture levels, making them versatile for various dishes, including mashed, steamed, roasted, or baked recipes.

Now, let's discuss how these potatoes can be used for air fryer baked potatoes:

• Russet potatoes: These are the most common choice for baked potatoes due to their low moisture and high starch content. They produce a fluffy centre and crispy skin.
• Idaho potatoes: Similar to Russets, Idaho potatoes are also great for baking in the air fryer. They are low in moisture and high in starch.
• Yukon Gold potatoes: While these potatoes have a waxy skin, they can still be used for baking in the air fryer. They will result in a buttery, rich flavour and a denser texture compared to Russets.
• Sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes can be a great alternative to white potatoes. Just be sure to choose ones that are similar in size and shape to ensure even cooking.

In summary, the ideal potato for an air fryer baked potato is one that is low in moisture and high in starch, such as Russet or Idaho potatoes. However, you can also use waxy-skinned potatoes like Yukon Golds or even sweet potatoes for a different flavour and texture.

Preparing the potato

Once you've chosen your potatoes, give them a good scrub to clean the skins. This step is important as it helps the skin crisp up during cooking. After scrubbing, dry the potatoes thoroughly with a kitchen towel or paper towel.

Next, you'll need to prick the potatoes a few times with a fork or knife. This allows steam to escape during the cooking process and helps prevent the potatoes from bursting open. You can also choose to pierce the potatoes with a fork before this step, although it is not necessary if you remember to prick them.

Now it's time to add some flavour! Drizzle or rub olive oil, avocado oil, or any other oil of your choice onto the potatoes. Make sure to coat them evenly. Then, season generously with sea salt or kosher salt, and add other seasonings like garlic powder, parsley, or ground black pepper to taste. You can also use cooking spray instead of oil to coat the potatoes and help the seasonings stick.

Finally, place the potatoes in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each one to ensure even cooking and crisping. If your air fryer requires preheating, set it to 400°F (200°C). Now they're ready to cook!

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for baking a potato in an air fryer depend on the size of the potato and the model of the air fryer. For example, a large russet or Idaho potato (7 oz) will take 35-40 minutes at 400°F, while smaller potatoes (8 oz) will take about 45-50 minutes at the same temperature.

For three medium-sized russet potatoes (12 oz each), it takes 50-55 minutes to cook in an air fryer at 400°F. If you are cooking only one potato, start checking for doneness about 10 minutes earlier than the recipe calls for, as a single potato will cook faster than multiple potatoes.

Some recipes suggest preheating the air fryer to 400°F, while others suggest setting it directly to 200°C. It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the model of the air fryer and the size of the potato, so it is recommended to check the potatoes for doneness by inserting a knife or fork into the centre. If it goes in easily, the potatoes are ready.

Additionally, it is recommended to pierce the potatoes with a fork or knife 3-4 times before cooking to allow steam to escape and prevent the potatoes from splitting.

Potato toppings

There are endless possibilities for baked potato toppings, and you can get creative with your combinations. Here are some ideas for potato toppings, with a few examples of how to combine them for a delicious and flavourful baked potato:

Savoury Toppings

• Butter
• Sour cream
• Greek yoghurt
• Ghee
• Coconut oil
• Cashew cream
• Cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or cream cheese)
• Chives
• Bacon
• Green onions/scallions
• Crispy chorizo
• Mushrooms
• Tomatoes
• Avocado
• Chilli
• Broccoli
• Salsa
• Black beans
• Pulled pork or chicken
• BBQ sauce
• Cottage cheese
• Ranch dressing
• Pesto
• French onions
• Bolognese
• Parmesan

Sweet Toppings

For those with a sweet tooth, you can also top your baked potato with sweet toppings:

• Tuna mayo
• Baked beans

Combination Ideas

• BBQ sauce, pulled pork or chicken, cheddar cheese, and green onions
• Butter, ghee, or coconut oil, with salt and pepper
• Butter, cheddar cheese, sour cream or Greek yoghurt, chopped bacon, and chives
• Sour cream, salty bacon, cheese, sliced green onions, and black pepper
• Sour cream, guacamole, hot pico de gallo, cheese, and crushed tortilla chips
• Smoked salmon, green onions, capers, dill, and a spoonful of sour cream or cream cheese

Get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favourite!

Serving suggestions

Baked potatoes are a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a side. They can be loaded up with toppings to make a hearty meal, or kept simple as a side dish to complement a variety of proteins.

For a classic baked potato, top with a pat of butter and a sprinkle of chives. You could also add a dollop of sour cream, Greek yogurt, or even cashew cream. For a more indulgent option, go for loaded potatoes with butter, cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped bacon, and chives. If you're looking for something with a bit more kick, try BBQ sauce, pulled pork or chicken, cheddar cheese, and green onions.

Baked potatoes also pair well with a variety of proteins as a side dish. Try serving them with air fryer steak, pork, or chicken, and a salad. They can also be a great addition to a heartier salad like a broccoli salad, avocado salad, or kale Caesar salad.

If you're looking for something a little more creative, try stuffing your baked potatoes. Some tasty options include Turkey Chili Baked Potatoes, Philly Cheesesteak Potatoes, or Chicken Enchilada Stuffed Potatoes.

No matter how you choose to serve them, air fryer baked potatoes are a quick, easy, and delicious option that your family is sure to love!

Frequently asked questions