Crispy Baked Potatoes: Air Fryer Magic

Making baked potatoes in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get crispy potatoes with fluffy insides. The air fryer method is also more energy-efficient than using an oven, as it doesn't need to be preheated and doesn't heat up the entire house.

To make crispy baked potatoes in an air fryer, start by washing and drying the potatoes. Prick them with a fork, then coat them in a light layer of oil and season with salt and garlic powder. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook at 400°F for 35-50 minutes, or until a knife or fork can be easily inserted into the centre. For extra crispy skin, don't wrap the potatoes in foil and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.

How to Make Crispy Baked Potatoes in an Air Fryer

Choosing the right potato

Potato Variety

The type of potato you choose will impact the final texture and flavour of your crispy baked potatoes. Here are some recommended varieties:

• Russet potatoes: These are ideal for air fryer baked potatoes due to their high starch content, which results in fluffy insides and extra-crisp skin.
• Yukon gold potatoes: This variety, also known as yellow potatoes, will crisp up beautifully in the air fryer while offering a tender bite.
• Red potatoes: Smaller red potatoes, or baby red potatoes, are perfect if you're looking for a crispier option.
• Sweet potatoes: If you're feeling adventurous, sweet potatoes are a delicious alternative. They will provide a sweet and creamy contrast to the crispy skin.

Size

The size of the potato will determine the cooking time and the overall texture. For even cooking, it's best to choose potatoes that are similar in size. Smaller potatoes will cook faster and result in a higher ratio of crispy skin to fluffy interior. Larger potatoes will require a longer cooking time and may be better suited for baking in a conventional oven.

Skin

Leaving the skin on is crucial for achieving the ultimate crispiness in your baked potatoes. The skin also adds nutritional value and flavour to your dish. Give the potatoes a thorough wash and scrub to remove any dirt or residue. You can also peel your potatoes if you prefer, but this may impact the final texture.

Freshness

Always choose firm, unblemished potatoes with smooth skin. Avoid potatoes that have started to sprout or show signs of shrivelling. Fresh potatoes will yield the best results in terms of texture and flavour.

Quantity

Don't overcrowd your air fryer basket. A general rule of thumb is to leave enough space between the potatoes to allow air to circulate, promoting even cooking and maximum crispiness. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook your potatoes in batches.

By considering these factors when choosing your potatoes, you'll be well on your way to creating the perfect crispy baked potatoes in your air fryer!

Oil and seasoning

The oil and seasoning you use can make or break your crispy baked potatoes. Here are some tips and suggestions to ensure your potatoes are seasoned to perfection:

Oil

When it comes to oil, extra virgin olive oil is a popular choice for achieving that perfect crispiness. It also adds great flavour to your potatoes. However, other oils such as avocado oil, coconut oil, or even cooking spray can also be used. Avoid aerosol cooking sprays as these can damage the coating of your air fryer basket. A light coating of olive oil is sufficient to prevent sticking and promote even browning.

Seasoning

The beauty of seasoning is that you can get creative and experiment with different combinations. Here are some common and well-loved seasoning suggestions:

• Salt: Sea salt or kosher salt is commonly used to enhance the flavour of the potatoes.
• Garlic Powder: This adds a savoury kick to your potatoes.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper can be added to taste for a bit of spice.
• Italian Seasoning: This combination of herbs and spices can complement the other seasonings.
• Cajun Spice: For a kick of spice and a unique flavour profile, Cajun seasoning is a great option.
• Lemon: A squeeze of lemon juice can help cut through the richness of the potatoes, but be sure to add it just before serving to avoid sogginess.
• Parsley: Freshly chopped parsley adds a nice garnish and a touch of colour to your dish.
• Other Options: You can also try other dried or fresh herbs like basil, oregano, dill, thyme, or rosemary. Smoked paprika, chilli powder, and cumin are other spices that can enhance the flavour of your crispy baked potatoes.

When seasoning your potatoes, be sure to use your hands to rub the seasonings onto the potatoes, ensuring an even coat. You can also drizzle oil over the potatoes and then sprinkle with the desired seasonings, tossing them to combine and coat evenly.

Air fryer settings

To make crispy baked potatoes in an air fryer, you should follow these air fryer settings:

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Some air fryers, such as the Wonder Oven, may not require preheating. However, preheating can help your potatoes achieve maximum crispiness in a shorter amount of time.

Once your air fryer is preheated, place your seasoned potatoes inside the air fryer basket. Ensure that you do not overcrowd the basket, as the potatoes need room for the air to circulate and crisp up properly. Depending on the size of your potatoes, you may need to cook them in batches.

Set the air fryer temperature to 400°F and cook for 35 to 50 minutes. For smaller potatoes, such as baby potatoes or new potatoes, the cooking time will be shorter, around 10 minutes. For larger potatoes, you may need to increase the cooking time.

Halfway through the cooking time, use tongs to flip the potatoes over to ensure even cooking and browning.

When the potatoes are crisped and fork-tender, they are ready to be served.

Cooking time

The cooking time for crispy baked potatoes in an air fryer depends on the size of the potato and the specific air fryer being used. For example, a large baked potato typically takes around 40 to 50 minutes at 400°F, while smaller potatoes may only need 10 to 20 minutes. It's important to note that different air fryers may have different preheating requirements, so be sure to check your air fryer's instructions.

When cooking, it's best to arrange the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness. Additionally, it is recommended to flip the potatoes halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning.

To check if the potatoes are done, insert a knife or fork into the centre of the potato. If it goes in easily, the potatoes are ready to be served.

Serving suggestions

These crispy baked potatoes can be served as a side dish with a range of meals. Here are some ideas:

• For breakfast, add them to tacos or a breakfast burrito.
• For lunch or dinner, serve them as a side with steak, chicken, or pork.
• Pair them with a dip and serve them as an appetiser.
• Add them to a salad, such as a hearty broccoli salad, avocado salad, or kale Caesar salad.

You can also get creative with toppings for your crispy baked potatoes. Here are some suggestions:

• Greek yoghurt and chives
• Broccoli and cheese
• 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
• BBQ sauce
• Cashew cream or butter
• Vegan sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, or crumbled feta
• Chopped fresh herbs like chives or dill
• Chopped green onions

Frequently asked questions