These crispy air fryer baked potatoes are a game-changer! With a light and fluffy inside and a crunchy skin, they’re super easy to make and taste amazing.
Who doesn’t love a potato that cooks in a fraction of the time? I like to top mine with butter, sour cream, or anything I can find in the fridge—there’s no wrong way! 🥔✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Russet Potatoes: These are perfect for baking due to their higher starch content. If you can’t find russets, you can use Yukon Golds, which are creamy, but the texture won’t be quite the same.
Olive Oil: This adds flavor and helps achieve that crispy skin. Canola oil or avocado oil are good alternatives if you’re looking for a neutral flavor or higher smoke point.
Sea Salt: Sea salt is great for flavor. You could substitute with kosher salt if needed, but adjust the quantity as it’s generally less salty than sea salt.
Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper gives the best flavor. If you don’t have any, white pepper works too, though it has a milder taste.
Butter: I love adding butter right after baking for richness. You could also use plant-based butter for a dairy-free option.
How Do I Make the Potatoes Extra Crispy?
Getting that perfect crispy skin is all about preparation and timing. Follow these steps for the best results:
- Preheat your air fryer before adding potatoes to ensure even cooking.
- Scrub and dry the potatoes well. Moisture can create steam, making the skin soggy.
- Pierce the potatoes with a fork to help steam escape, preventing bursting.
- Coat the potatoes thoroughly with olive oil. This is key for crispiness; don’t skip this step!
- Space out the potatoes in the air fryer basket. Air needs to circulate for crispy skin, so don’t overcrowd.
- Flipping them halfway through cooking allows for even browning on all sides.
Following these tips will give you that crunch on the outside while keeping the inside fluffy!
Crispy Air Fryer Baked Potato Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potatoes:
- 4 medium russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Butter, for serving
Optional Toppings:
- sour cream
- chives
- shredded cheese
- bacon bits
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 35-40 minutes to cook in the air fryer. So, you’ll be enjoying your crispy baked potatoes in about 50 minutes! Perfect for a quick and tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This helps to get that wonderful crispy outside on your potatoes!
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
Give the russet potatoes a good scrub under running water to get rid of any dirt. Once they’re clean, dry them thoroughly with a clean towel.
3. Pierce the Potatoes:
Using a fork, carefully pierce each potato several times. This will allow steam to escape while they cook, preventing any bursting in the air fryer.
4. Season the Potatoes:
Rub the potatoes all over with olive oil, making sure they’re well-coated. Then, sprinkle the sea salt and black pepper evenly on each potato for great flavor.
5. Arrange in the Air Fryer:
Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer. Be careful not to overcrowd the basket, as this can affect cooking.
6. Cooking Time:
Cook the potatoes in the air fryer for about 35-40 minutes. Remember to flip them halfway through to ensure even cooking. They’re done when the skin is crispy and a fork easily pierces the flesh.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, use tongs to carefully remove the potatoes from the air fryer. Let them cool for a few minutes, then slice them open. Add a pat of butter inside each potato to melt, and top with your favorite extras like sour cream, chives, shredded cheese, or bacon bits. Dig in and enjoy your delicious crispy baked potatoes!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While russet potatoes are ideal for that fluffy interior and crispy skin, you can also use Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly due to their size and moisture content.
What If I Don’t Have an Air Fryer?
No problem! You can bake these potatoes in a conventional oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 45-60 minutes. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on the potato size and check with a fork for doneness.
How to Store Leftover Baked Potatoes?
Store any leftover baked potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but they won’t be as crispy.
Can I Prepare the Potatoes Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the potatoes ahead! After washing and poking, you can rub them with oil and seasonings, then wrap them in plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to a day. Just let them come to room temperature before air frying for the best results.
