These crispy air fryer baked potatoes are the perfect side dish! They have a crunchy skin that gives way to fluffy, warm inside—just delightful!
Plus, they cook way faster than in the oven. I love topping mine with butter and cheese! You can’t go wrong with a little extra cheese, right? 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Russet Potatoes: These are the best choice for baking because they have a fluffy texture inside. If you’re looking for alternatives, Yukon Golds can work too, but they won’t be as fluffy. For a healthier option, try sweet potatoes, which add a delicious twist!
Olive Oil: This adds great flavor and helps the skin become crispy. If you’re out of olive oil, light vegetable oils like canola or grapeseed can be substitutes. I also like using avocado oil for its high smoke point and health benefits.
Salt: Coarse or kosher salt gives a wonderful crunch. If you need a sodium-free option, try using garlic powder or your favorite seasoning blend for flavor. Sea salt is another great choice if you want something a bit finer.
Toppings: Classic baked potato toppings include sour cream, cheese, and chives. You could also use Greek yogurt as a healthier substitute for sour cream or try adding crispy bacon bits for added flavor!
How Do I Ensure My Potatoes Are Super Crispy?
Getting perfectly crispy potatoes in an air fryer is all about the preparation and cooking technique.
- First, wash and dry your potatoes well. Moisture on the skin will prevent crispiness.
- Pricking the potatoes with a fork is crucial. This allows steam to escape, helping to keep the skin from turning soggy.
- Don’t skip rubbing them with olive oil! This step is essential for achieving that golden, crispy texture.
- Ensure the potatoes are spaced out in the air fryer basket. If they touch, they will steam instead of crisp up.
- Flipping halfway through helps achieve even cooking and crispiness on all sides.
Following these steps will guarantee a deliciously crispy air fryer baked potato every time! Enjoy!
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Potatoes:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt (coarse or kosher preferred)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For Serving:
- Butter (for serving)
- Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheese, chives
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 10 minutes to prepare the potatoes, and then you’ll need 35-40 minutes for cooking in the air fryer. So in total, you’re looking at around 50 minutes to enjoy your delicious crispy baked potatoes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Potatoes:
Start by giving the russet potatoes a good scrub under running water to wash away any dirt. After washing, pat them dry with a paper towel. This will help the skin get crispy.
2. Prick the Potatoes:
Using a fork, prick each potato all over about 6-8 times. This allows steam to escape while they’re cooking, preventing them from bursting open in the air fryer.
3. Oil and Season:
Rub each potato with olive oil to coat them evenly. Then, sprinkle the coarse salt and black pepper over the potatoes, making sure they’re well-seasoned.
4. Air Fry:
Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket, arranging them so they aren’t touching each other. Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook for 35-40 minutes. Remember to flip the potatoes halfway through the cooking time to ensure they get nice and crispy all around. You’ll know they’re done when the skin is crispy and a fork easily goes through the flesh.
5. Serve:
Once cooked, carefully take the potatoes out of the air fryer. Cut a slit down the center of each potato and add a pat of butter. For an extra treat, top them with sour cream, shredded cheese, or chopped chives if you like!
6. Enjoy:
Serve the potatoes hot and enjoy your crispy air fryer baked potatoes! They make a great side dish or even a tasty main course!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While russet potatoes are ideal for a fluffy interior and crispy skin, you can use Yukon Golds or red potatoes for a slightly different texture and flavor. Just adjust cooking time based on the size; smaller potatoes may need a bit less time in the air fryer.
What If I Don’t Have Olive Oil?
No worries! You can substitute olive oil with other cooking oils like avocado oil or grapeseed oil. If you’re looking for a lower-calorie option, you can also use cooking spray for a light coating on the potatoes.
How Can I Store Leftover Baked Potatoes?
Store any leftover baked potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through, to regain that crispy skin.
Can I Air Fry More Than 4 Potatoes at Once?
You can, but make sure they don’t touch to allow proper air circulation. If your air fryer basket is large enough, feel free to add more! Just be prepared to increase the cooking time slightly and check for doneness with a fork.
