There’s nothing quite like a perfectly baked potato—crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and just waiting to be loaded with your favorite toppings. But here’s the problem: Traditional oven-baked potatoes take forever.
That’s where the air fryer comes in!
Air fryers cut cooking time in half, use minimal oil, and deliver unbeatable crispiness—making them the ultimate tool for baked potatoes. Whether you’re meal prepping, making a quick side dish, or craving a fully loaded spud, this foolproof air fryer baked potato recipe guarantees perfect results every time.
Fun fact: A medium baked potato has just 161 calories but packs 4g of fiber and 4g of protein—making it a surprisingly nutritious choice!
Ready to make the best air fryer baked potato of your life? Let’s get started!
Why Make Baked Potatoes in an Air Fryer?
Before we jump into the recipe, let’s talk about why air fryer baked potatoes are superior:
✅ Faster cooking – No more waiting an hour for oven-baked potatoes! Air fryers cook them in 35-45 minutes.
✅ Crispier skin – The high-speed circulating air creates a perfectly golden, crunchy exterior with just a little oil.
✅ Energy-efficient – Air fryers use less electricity than heating a full-sized oven.
✅ No flipping needed – Unlike frying or roasting, air fryers cook potatoes evenly without babysitting.
✅ Great for meal prep – Cook a batch ahead and reheat them later—they stay crispy!
If you love baked potatoes but hate how long they take, the air fryer is your new best friend.
Best Potatoes for Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
Not all potatoes are created equal! For the best texture and flavor, here’s what to use:
✔ Russet Potatoes – The #1 choice for baked potatoes! High starch content = fluffy interior and crispy skin.
✔ Yukon Gold Potatoes – Slightly creamier and buttery, but still great for baking.
✔ Sweet Potatoes – A healthier twist with natural sweetness (cooks slightly faster).
Pro Tip: Stick with medium-sized potatoes (about 6-8 oz each) for the most even cooking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple, but you can customize with your favorite seasonings and toppings!
Essential Ingredients:
- 2 medium russet potatoes
- 1 tsp olive oil or avocado oil (for crispiness)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Optional Toppings (Get Creative!):
- Butter
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Crumbled bacon
- Chopped chives or green onions
- Chili, broccoli, or sautéed mushrooms
Step-by-Step Air Fryer Baked Potato Recipe
1. Prep the Potatoes
- Wash & scrub the potatoes well (no dirt = better texture).
- Pat them dry (moisture prevents crispiness).
- Poke holes with a fork (4-5 times per potato to prevent bursting).
2. Season & Oil
- Lightly coat each potato with oil (about ½ tsp per potato).
- Sprinkle evenly with salt & pepper (or other seasonings like garlic powder or paprika).
3. Air Fry
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) (optional but helps crispiness).
- Place potatoes in the basket, leaving space between them.
- Cook for 35-45 minutes, depending on size (no flipping needed!).
4. Check for Doneness
- Pierce with a fork—it should slide in easily.
- Skin should be crispy and golden brown.
Pro Tips for the Best Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
Want next-level baked potatoes? Try these tricks:
🔥 Don’t overcrowd the basket – Air needs to circulate for even cooking.
🔥 Add a splash of water – A tablespoon in the bottom helps steam slightly for fluffier insides.
🔥 For extra crispiness – Air fry an extra 3-5 minutes at the end.
🔥 Reheat like new – Leftovers? Air fry at 350°F for 5 minutes to revive crispiness!
Delicious Topping Ideas
The best part of a baked potato? Loading it up! Here are some mouthwatering combos:
Classic Loaded Potato
- Butter, sour cream, cheddar cheese, bacon bits, chives
Healthy & Light
- Greek yogurt, avocado slices, salsa, black beans
Vegan-Friendly
- Vegan cheese, coconut yogurt, roasted chickpeas, green onions
Spicy Twist
- Jalapeños, hot sauce, chili flakes, pepper jack cheese
FAQs About Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
Can I make baked potatoes ahead of time?
Yes! Cook them, let them cool, and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.
Do I need to wrap potatoes in foil?
No! Foil traps steam, making the skin soft. Skip it for maximum crispiness.
Why is my potato still hard inside?
It might be too large—try smaller potatoes or cook longer.
Can I cook sweet potatoes the same way?
Yes! They may cook slightly faster (check at 30 minutes).
Conclusion
Now you know the secret to perfect air fryer baked potatoes—fast, crispy, and foolproof! Whether you’re serving them as a side dish, meal-prepping for the week, or loading them up with toppings, this method is easier and tastier than traditional baking.
Give it a try tonight and taste the difference! And if you have a favorite topping combo, let me know in the comments below! 😊
Air Fryer Baked Potato Recipe (Crispy Outside, Fluffy Inside!)
Course: Side DishCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy2
servings5
minutes40
minutes210
kcal45
minutesCrispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside—these Air Fryer Baked Potatoes are the easiest and quickest way to get that classic steakhouse-style texture without turning on the oven! Perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a hearty, comforting side dish.
Ingredients
2 large russet potatoes (about 8–10 oz each)
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp sea salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, bacon bits, butter
Directions
- Wash and dry potatoes. Scrub them well to remove any dirt, then pat dry with a paper towel.
- Pierce the potatoes. Use a fork to poke several holes all around each potato—this helps steam escape during cooking.
- Oil and season. Rub each potato with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper to evenly coat.
- Air fry. Place potatoes in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 35–40 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
- Check doneness. Potatoes are ready when you can easily pierce them with a fork and the skin is crisp.
- Serve. Slice open, fluff with a fork, and add your favorite toppings!
Notes
- For extra crispy skin, add a little garlic powder or smoked paprika to the oil before rubbing it on the potatoes.
Want a fully loaded version? Top with chili, cheese, and sour cream for a full meal.
You can use sweet potatoes instead of russets—just reduce the cook time by 5–7 minutes, depending on size.
