Air-Fryer Baked Potato Perfection: A Simple Guide

Baked potatoes are a family-friendly dish, and cooking them in an air fryer is quicker and more energy-efficient than using an oven. The air fryer yields potatoes with crispy skin and fluffy insides. This introduction will cover the steps to make the perfect baked potato in an air fryer, including preparation, cooking time, and serving suggestions.

Choosing the right potato

First, consider the type of potato. While russet potatoes are a popular choice for baked potatoes due to their high starch content, which results in fluffy insides and crispy skin, you can also use yellow potatoes, sweet potatoes, or any other variety you prefer.

Next, pay attention to the size of the potatoes. For even cooking, it's best to choose potatoes that are similar in size. Medium-sized potatoes are a good option, as they will fit nicely in the air fryer basket and cook through evenly. If you're cooking multiple potatoes, avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure proper air circulation and crisp skin.

When selecting your potatoes, look for those that are firm and smooth-skinned, without any sprouting or green discolouration. Avoid potatoes with wrinkles, soft spots, or cuts, as these may affect the cooking process and the final texture of your baked potatoes.

Before cooking, be sure to scrub the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a kitchen towel or paper towel before seasoning and placing them in the air fryer. This step is crucial, as any remaining moisture on the surface of the potatoes can lead to soggy skin instead of the desired crispness.

Finally, don't forget to pierce the potatoes with a fork before air frying. This step allows steam to escape during cooking, preventing the potatoes from bursting open. Aim for 3 to 4 pierces per potato, and you'll be on your way to perfectly cooked, fluffy baked potatoes with crispy skin.

Preparing the potato

First, select your potatoes. Russet potatoes are a popular choice for this recipe due to their high starch content, which results in fluffy insides and crispy skin. However, you can also use yellow potatoes, sweet potatoes, or any other variety you prefer.

Next, scrub the potatoes clean and dry them thoroughly with a kitchen towel or paper towel. This step is important as it helps the skin crisp up during cooking. Once dry, prick the potatoes 3-4 times with a fork to allow steam to escape during the cooking process and prevent the potatoes from splitting.

Now it's time to add some flavour! Drizzle or brush olive oil, avocado oil, or any other oil of your choice over the potatoes. Make sure to coat them evenly. Then, season generously with sea salt, and you can also add black pepper and garlic powder if you wish. Rub the potatoes with your hands to ensure an even coating of oil and seasoning.

Finally, place the potatoes in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each one. Don't overcrowd the basket, as this will prevent the skin from crisping up properly. Now they're ready for cooking!

Cooking temperature and time

The cooking temperature and time for making baked potatoes in an air fryer will depend on the size of the potato and the model of the air fryer. For example, a large potato will require a longer cooking time than a small one.

Most sources recommend cooking at 400°F (200°C) for 40-50 minutes. However, one source recommends cooking at 380°F if using an Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid, and another suggests 40-60 minutes at 400°F.

It's important to note that you should check on the potatoes during cooking, as the timing may vary depending on your specific air fryer and the size of the potatoes you are using. You'll know the potatoes are done when they are crispy on the outside and tender in the middle. You should be able to easily pierce them with a fork or insert a knife into the centre with ease.

For medium-sized russet potatoes (about 12 ounces each), it takes 50 to 55 minutes to cook three of them in an air fryer at 400°F. For smaller potatoes (about 8 ounces each), it takes about 45 to 50 minutes at the same temperature. If you are cooking only one potato at a time, start checking for doneness about 10 minutes earlier than the recipe calls for, as a single potato will cook faster.

Potato toppings

Now for the fun part: toppings! The beauty of a baked potato is that it goes with almost anything, so you can really let your creativity run wild. Here are some topping ideas to get you started:

Savoury

• Sour cream
• Greek yoghurt
• Butter
• Cheese (cheddar, feta, cottage cheese, ricotta, Swiss)
• Chives
• Green onions
• Bacon
• Crushed tortilla chips
• Mushrooms
• Tomatoes (cherry tomatoes, pico de gallo, roasted tomatoes)
• Avocado
• Chilli
• Salsa
• Beans (baked beans, refried beans)
• Pesto
• Bolognese
• French onions
• Chorizo
• Chicken (barbecue, fajita, buffalo)
• Beef (ground beef, brisket, slow-cooked pork loin)
• Broccoli
• Eggs
• Tuna mayo
• Guacamole
• Spinach
• Corned beef/pastrami
• Pickled jalapenos
• Hotsauce
• Celery
• Gorgonzola
• Chorizo
• Taco stew

Sweet

Sweet potatoes

Vegan

• Vegan butter
• Vegan sour cream
• Vegan cheese

Energy efficiency

Air fryers are more energy-efficient than conventional ovens for a number of reasons. Firstly, they use less energy by heating a smaller space and maintaining a consistent temperature. This means that you can achieve the same delicious crispy-soft texture on your potatoes in a shorter amount of time, using less energy overall.

Secondly, air fryers don't require preheating, which saves energy and time. They also don't heat up the entire kitchen, which is an added bonus in warmer weather.

If you don't have an air fryer, you can use a convection oven setting or a microwave to achieve similar results. However, buying an air fryer is worth considering if your oven doesn't have a convection setting, as it will be more energy-efficient for cooking smaller batches of food.

Frequently asked questions