Air-Fried Potatoes: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Cooking baked potatoes in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get delicious, crispy-skinned potatoes with fluffy insides. This guide will take you through the simple steps to making perfect air fryer baked potatoes.

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F

Preheating your air fryer to 400°F is an important step in making delicious, crispy baked potatoes. While some air fryers, like the Wonder Oven, may not require preheating, it's a good idea to check your specific model's instructions. Preheating ensures your potatoes start cooking immediately and helps achieve that perfect, crispy texture on the outside and fluffy tenderness on the inside. Depending on your air fryer, preheating can be done in just a few seconds, a convenient advantage over traditional ovens.

When preheating your air fryer to 400°F, keep in mind that different models may have specific instructions. For example, if you're using a toaster-oven or toaster-style air fryer, it's recommended to set the temperature slightly lower, around 375°F, and adjust the timing accordingly. Always refer to your air fryer's manual for the most accurate guidelines.

While 400°F is the ideal temperature for cooking your potatoes, it's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of your potatoes. Smaller potatoes will take less time, while larger ones may require a few extra minutes. On average, you can expect to cook your potatoes at this temperature for around 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through, and then adjusting the timing based on their doneness.

By preheating your air fryer to 400°F, you're already on your way to enjoying perfectly cooked, mouth-watering baked potatoes. This temperature sets the foundation for that desired crispy skin and fluffy interior that makes air-fried potatoes so popular. Now, let's move on to the next steps of preparing and cooking those spuds!

Prep the potatoes

Start by selecting your potatoes. Russet potatoes are a popular choice for air fryer baked potatoes due to their high starch content, which makes them fluffy inside and gives their skin an especially crisp texture. However, you can also use yellow potatoes, sweet potatoes, or any other type of potato. Just make sure they are all the same size for even cooking.

Next, scrub the potatoes under running water to remove any dirt, and then pat them dry with a towel. Prick the potatoes a few times with a fork to allow steam to escape during cooking. This will prevent the potatoes from bursting open in the air fryer.

Now it's time to add some flavour! Drizzle olive oil over the potatoes and use your hands to rub it into their skin. Make sure all sides of the potatoes are coated. You can also use cooking spray or another type of oil, such as avocado oil or canola oil.

After the oil, it's time for seasoning. Sprinkle the potatoes liberally with salt, and you can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, black pepper, or dried parsley. Use your hands to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.

Finally, place the potatoes in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. You want to leave enough space for the air to circulate and for the skin to crisp up properly.

Cook the potatoes for 40-50 minutes

Now it's time to cook the potatoes! Place them in the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 400°F. Depending on the size of your potatoes, they will need to cook for 40 to 50 minutes. For larger potatoes, you may need to increase the cooking time, while smaller potatoes will take less time.

You'll know the potatoes are done when they are soft or tender, and a fork can be easily inserted into their centres. If you're not sure if they're ready, you can also pinch the sides of the potatoes to test for doneness. If the potatoes are still firm, they may need a few more minutes.

While the potatoes are cooking, you can start preparing your toppings of choice. Some popular options include butter, sour cream, Greek yogurt, shredded cheese, chives, and bacon bits. Get creative and choose your favourites!

Once the potatoes are soft and cooked through, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious, crispy air fryer baked potatoes!

Slice open the potatoes and add toppings

Once your potatoes are cooked, it's time to slice them open and add your toppings. Use your hands to pinch both sides of the potato, forcing it to open until the fluffy insides start to come out. You can then add a tablespoon of butter to each potato.

You can top your potatoes with almost anything, from Greek yoghurt and chives to broccoli and cheese. Here are some topping ideas:

• BBQ sauce, pulled pork or chicken, cheddar cheese, and green onions
• Butter, ghee, or coconut oil, with salt and pepper
• Sour cream, butter, cheddar cheese, chopped bacon, and chives
• Cashew cream, butter, cheddar cheese, etc.
• Salt
• Butter
• Sour cream
• Bacon bits
• Shredded cheese
• Everything bagel seasoning
• Jalapeno, sliced or diced
• Chives or green onion to garnish

Serve with a main dish

Air fryer baked potatoes are a great side dish to serve with a main course. They are versatile and can be served with a variety of toppings, making them a perfect complement to a range of main dishes.

For a simple and classic option, you can top the potatoes with butter, salt, and pepper. This combination allows the flavour of the potato to shine through while adding a touch of richness and seasoning.

If you're looking for something more indulgent, a fully loaded baked potato is always a popular choice. Load your potato with sour cream, butter, cheddar cheese, bacon bits, chives or green onions, and a sprinkle of salt for a hearty and satisfying side. You can even add in some pulled pork or chicken for a true comfort food experience.

For those who enjoy a little spice, a BBQ-themed baked potato is a great option. Top your potato with BBQ sauce, cheddar cheese, and green onions. You can also add in some pulled pork or chicken for an extra protein boost.

If you're serving vegetarians or want a lighter option, a baked potato topped with Greek yoghurt, chives, and broccoli is a delicious choice. This combination offers a balance of flavours and textures, and the Greek yoghurt provides a tangy and creamy element.

No matter which toppings you choose, air fryer baked potatoes are a convenient and tasty side dish that can be customised to suit a variety of preferences and dietary needs.

Frequently asked questions