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Ultimate Air Fryer Baked Potato Recipe

4.6 from 60 reviews

Discover how to make the ultimate air fryer baked potato with perfectly crispy skin and fluffy interior. This easy recipe uses simple ingredients and air fryer cooking for a quick and delicious side dish that pairs well with any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes

  • 4 medium russet potatoes (68 oz each)

Seasoning

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: garlic powder, rosemary, or your favorite seasonings

Optional Extras

  • Butter
  • Sour cream
  • Chives
  • Bacon bits
  • Cheese
  • Ranch powder or paprika (for seasoning variety)

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Potatoes Right: Wash and scrub 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.
  2. Season for Maximum Flavor: Rub each potato with olive oil until fully coated, then generously season with coarse sea salt and black pepper. The olive oil helps create a crispy skin while the salt adds flavor and texture.
  3. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for 3-5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
  4. Cook the Potatoes: Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer without touching to allow proper air circulation. Cook at 400°F for 35-45 minutes, flipping the potatoes halfway through the cooking time. Cooking duration depends on size.
  5. Check for Doneness: After 35 minutes, gently squeeze each potato using tongs or an oven mitt. Potatoes should feel tender and give slightly. If they are still firm, continue cooking in 5-minute increments until perfectly tender.
  6. Finish and Serve: Immediately cut a deep X into the top of each potato and gently squeeze the ends to open and fluff the fluffy interior. Add your favorite toppings such as butter, sour cream, chives, bacon bits, or cheese, and serve warm.

Notes

  • Use uniform-sized russet potatoes for even cooking.
  • Deeply piercing potatoes prevents steam explosions in the air fryer.
  • Do not skip oil and salt to achieve crispy and flavorful skins.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 4 days; reheat in air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes for crispiness.
  • Sweet potatoes or red potatoes can be used but may require adjusted cooking times and yield different textures.
  • Try different seasoning blends like herbs de Provence or Cajun spices for flavor variations.

Keywords: air fryer baked potato, crispy baked potato, easy side dish, russet potato recipe, healthy baked potato