Introduction

Discover the magic of the Ultimate Air Fryer Baked Potato—crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. This easy recipe transforms simple russet potatoes into a flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with any meal.

A baked potato is placed open on a white plate, showing its inside with a fluffy, light yellow texture. The potato skin is golden brown and crispy with a rough, wrinkled surface. Some salt and green herb flakes are sprinkled on the skin and plate. The white plate sits on a white marbled surface with soft natural light shining from the side, casting a warm glow on the potato. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 medium russet potatoes (6-8 oz each)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon coarse sea salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional: garlic powder, rosemary, or your favorite seasonings

Instructions

Step 1: Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly under cold water, then pat completely dry with paper towels. Pierce each potato 8-10 times deeply with a fork to prevent bursting during cooking.
Step 2: Rub each potato with olive oil until fully coated, then season generously with coarse sea salt and black pepper. Add optional seasonings if desired.
Step 3: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch for even air circulation.
Step 4: Cook the potatoes at 400°F for 35-45 minutes, flipping halfway through. Test doneness by gently squeezing—they should give slightly when perfectly cooked.
Step 5: If potatoes are still firm after 35 minutes, continue cooking in 5-minute intervals until tender.
Step 6: Once done, cut a deep X into the top of each potato and gently squeeze the ends to fluff the interior before serving.

Tips & Variations

Choose uniform-sized russet potatoes for even cooking and best texture.
Try sweet potatoes or red potatoes as swaps; adjust cooking times accordingly.
For crispier skin, don’t skip the olive oil and salt rub.
Add herbs like rosemary or spices like paprika for extra flavor twists.
Transform into loaded potatoes with butter, sour cream, chives, bacon bits, or cheese.

Storage

Store leftover baked potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes to regain crispiness. You can also prep and season the potatoes ahead of time, keeping them covered until ready to cook.

How to Serve

A baked potato with a golden brown, crispy skin split open on a white plate showing the soft, fluffy, pale yellow inside. The potato is sprinkled with coarse salt and small green herb bits on the skin and the plate. The white plate sits on a white marbled surface, with soft warm light reflecting in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I cook different sized potatoes together in the air fryer?

It’s best to cook similarly sized potatoes together for even cooking. Smaller potatoes will finish first, so remove them as they are done to avoid overcooking.

Why do I need to pierce the potatoes before cooking?

Piercing the potatoes allows steam to escape during cooking, preventing them from bursting inside the air fryer. This is an important safety step to avoid messes and uneven cooking.

How do I know when my air fryer baked potato is perfectly done?

The potato should feel tender and give slightly when gently squeezed. You can also test with a knife—it should slide in easily. The internal temperature should reach about 210°F (99°C) for perfect doneness.

Can I make these ahead for meal prep?

Yes, cooked potatoes keep well refrigerated and reheat beautifully in the air fryer for quick, delicious weeknight meals.