Crispy Air Fryer Baked Potato in Just 35 Minutes

Oh my gosh, let me tell you about my latest kitchen obsession – air fryer baked potatoes! I used to wait forever for oven-baked spuds, but now? Crispy perfection in half the time. The first time I tried it, I couldn’t believe how that hot circulating air transformed humble russets into golden-skinned wonders with fluffy insides. And the best part? You can dress ’em up however you want – loaded with all the fixings or just simple with butter and salt. My air fryer’s become my potato best friend, and once you try this method, you’ll never go back to soggy microwave potatoes or hour-long oven bakes again.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Baked Potato Recipe

Let me count the ways this recipe will rock your potato-loving world:

• Crazy-crispy skin – That hot air circulation gives you crunch that regular baking just can’t match
• Ready in half the time – No more waiting an hour for oven-baked spuds
• Almost no cleanup – Just wipe out the basket and you’re done
• Endless topping options – Go classic with sour cream or get wild with pulled pork and barbecue sauce
• Perfect every time – No more guessing – just set it and get perfect potatoes

I swear, once you try potatoes this way, you’ll never go back to your old methods. The difference is night and day!

Ingredients for Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

Here’s all you need for the crispiest, fluffiest air fryer baked potatoes you’ve ever had. I keep it simple because really, great potatoes speak for themselves!

• 2 medium russet potatoes (about 8 oz each) – look for ones that feel heavy for their size with smooth skin
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil – just enough to make that skin crisp up beautifully
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt – trust me, the larger crystals make all the difference
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper – none of that pre-ground dust!

Now for the fun part – the toppings! These are completely optional but oh-so-good:

• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Chopped fresh chives or green onions
• Shredded cheddar cheese (it gets all melty!)
• Crispy bacon bits – because bacon makes everything better
• Or get creative with chili, roasted veggies, or even pulled pork

Pro tip: Make sure those potatoes are scrubbed clean and patted completely dry before cooking – wet spots mean less crispy skin, and we can’t have that!

Print

How to Make Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

Alright, let’s get cooking! This process couldn’t be simpler, but I’ll walk you through every step to ensure potato perfection. The first time I made these, I was shocked at how easy it was to get restaurant-quality baked potatoes right at home. Just follow these steps and you’ll be in crispy-skinned, fluffy-insided heaven.

Prep the Potatoes

First things first – give those spuds some love! I learned the hard way that skipping the prep leads to uneven cooking and sad, soggy skins.

1. Scrub those potatoes clean – Use a veggie brush under running water to get all the dirt off. Nobody wants gritty potatoes!
2. Pat them completely dry – This is crucial for crispy skin. I use paper towels and really get in there.
3. Poke holes all over – Take a fork and stab each potato about 8-10 times. This lets steam escape so they don’t explode (yes, that can actually happen – ask me how I know!).
4. Coat with oil and seasonings – Rub them all over with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. I like to roll mine in my hands to make sure they’re evenly coated.

Cooking in the Air Fryer

Now comes the magic part! This is where your patience gets rewarded with that perfect crispy exterior.

1. Preheat to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. I used to skip this, but preheating really makes a difference in cooking time.
2. Place potatoes in the basket – Don’t overcrowd! They shouldn’t touch or the skins won’t crisp properly. I can usually fit 2 medium potatoes in mine.
3. Cook for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway. Set a timer for 20 minutes, then turn them over with tongs. This ensures even browning on all sides.
4. Test for doneness – The potatoes are ready when a fork slides easily into the center with no resistance. The skin should be crisp and golden brown.
5. Let rest for 5 minutes – I know it’s hard to wait, but this lets the starches set up for that perfect fluffy texture inside.

Pro tip: If your potatoes are smaller or larger than 8 oz, adjust the time – about 30 minutes for small ones, up to 45 for really big ones. The fork test never lies!

Love potato recipes that wow with texture? Try our Crispy Accordion Potatoes — they’re golden, crunchy, and just as irresistible as this baked potato classic.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

After making dozens (okay, maybe hundreds) of air fryer baked potatoes, I’ve picked up some secrets that’ll take yours from good to “oh wow!” Here’s what I’ve learned:

• Give them space! Crowding the basket = steamed potatoes. They need room for that hot air to circulate properly.
• Want extra crisp? Add 5 more minutes at the end. I do this when I’m craving that chip-like crunch.
• Mix up the seasonings! Try garlic powder, smoked paprika, or my favorite – everything bagel seasoning on the skins.
• Odd-sized potatoes? Cut larger ones in half to cook evenly (just reduce time by 5-10 minutes).
• Pre-cook shortcut: Microwave for 5 minutes first if you’re really in a hurry, then air fry for 15 for crispiness.

The best part? You really can’t mess these up – just keep an eye on them and trust your fork test!

Air Fryer Baked Potato Variations

Now for the fun part – let’s get creative with these taters! Here are my favorite ways to mix things up:

• Fully Loaded: After cooking, split open and stuff with cheese, bacon, and a dollop of sour cream – broil for 2 minutes if you want that melty perfection
• Sweet Potato Swap: Use orange sweets instead – they cook in about the same time and pair amazingly with cinnamon butter
• Seasoned Skins: Before cooking, rub with garlic powder, paprika, or even ranch seasoning for extra flavor
• Vegan Version: Skip the dairy toppings and go for avocado, salsa, and nutritional yeast instead
• Breakfast Spuds: Top with a fried egg, cheese, and hot sauce for the ultimate morning meal

Honestly? The possibilities are endless – these are just my go-to favorites when I want to jazz things up!

Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

Oh, the places these crispy spuds can go! My absolute favorite way is as a hearty side to juicy grilled steak or roasted chicken – that contrast of crisp skin and tender meat gets me every time. For lighter meals, pair with a simple green salad – the potatoes make it feel substantial without weighing you down.

When I’m feeling fancy with toppings, I go beyond the basics:

• Buffalo chicken with blue cheese crumbles
• Pulled pork and coleslaw for a BBQ twist
• Sautéed mushrooms and Swiss cheese
• Chili and jalapeños for a spicy kick

Honestly? Sometimes I just eat them straight from the air fryer with a pat of butter – no shame in that game!

Storing and Reheating Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

Here’s the scoop on keeping those perfect potatoes for later! I always refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container – they’ll stay good for 3-4 days. Want to freeze? Wrap cooled potatoes tightly in foil first. When reheating, nothing beats popping them back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes – that brings back the crispness better than any microwave ever could!

Fair warning: The skins won’t be quite as crispy after storage, but a quick air fryer refresh gets them pretty darn close to fresh. Just avoid plastic wrap – it makes them sweat and turns the skins rubbery (learned that one the hard way!).

Air Fryer Baked Potato Nutrition Information

Here’s the skinny on these crispy spuds – without toppings, one medium air fryer baked potato comes in at:

• Calories: 220
• Fat: 7g (only 1g saturated)
• Carbs: 37g
• Fiber: 4g – that’s 16% of your daily needs!
• Protein: 5g
• Sodium: 590mg (mostly from the salt we added)

Now, let’s be real – those numbers change fast once you start loading on toppings! A dollop of sour cream adds about 50 calories, while cheese and bacon can easily double the fat content. But hey, everything in moderation, right?

This air fryer baked potato is comfort food made easy — save it now on Pinterest so you’ll always have a foolproof side dish ready to go.

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

I get asked about these crispy wonders all the time! Here are the answers to the questions that pop up most often: