How to make an air fryer baked potato (with crispy skin!)

This is the ultimate air-fried baked potato recipe, with crispy outside and completely fluffy inside! All within an hour! With minimal effort and a few simple ingredients, you can get the classic baked potato flavor without heating the oven.

Whether you’re loading up butter, cheese or your favorite toppings, this quick and easy way is perfect for weekday dinners and weekend comfort foods. Once you try it, you wonder how other ways you’ve grilled the potatoes!

It’s texture for me. There’s something very satisfying about classic, old-fashioned baked potatoes! A refreshing, cracked, salted skin and a soft, fluffy center that melts in butter. Truly, there’s nothing better than having a simple dinner at home, piping hot baked potatoes on the sides and gathering around the table.

I thought you needed to wrap them in foil to get them right (we weren’t all of us?), but the years I live in Idaho have taught me otherwise. I have become an expert on fully baked potatoes and now the air fryer is my secret weapon.

For the past year, recipes on how to make baked potatoes in a crispy skin oven have quickly climbed the charts as one of the most viewed recipes on our site. And I’ll get it! Its crunchy skin is pure gold. But, to be honest, I still love the oven method, but the air fryer officially won over me. Now it’s my favorite way to cook baked potatoes.

What you need to make air fry baked potatoes

You need three simple ingredients to make the perfect air fryer baked potato! Plus, toppings you love. This recipe is about crisp skin, fluffy interiors, and minimal effort.

Russet potato: starch for thick skin, perfect for baking. Oil (olive oil or avocado oil): Helps your skin to become golden and crisp. Kosher salt: A simple seasoning that enhances flavor. Toppings (optional): Try butter, sour cream, cheddar, bacon, chives or chili.

These basic ingredients are all you need to make baked potatoes that are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, and endlessly customizable with your favorite toppings. Check out the recipe cards below for more information and tips.

How to Dress Up Baked Potatoes

When it comes to baked potato toppings, the options are endless, but some classics are always there. A generous amount of sharp cheddar cheese blends into the fluffy centre, and a hearty chili scoop turns the potato into a complete meal.

Add a few sour cream for a cool, creamy contrast, then add a fresh bite with a handful of chopped chives or green onions. Don’t forget to pinch the salt and pepper to bring it all together. If you feel like it’s luxurious, a crispy bacon bit is the perfect delicious crunch. Whether you’re making it simple or not, these toppings take your baked potato to the next level.

Karian’s Notes

Swap the sour cream for Greek yogurt and try a protein-packed alternative! It’s creamy, tangy and tastes very similar so you might not even notice the difference.

How to make air fried baked potatoes

Whether you’re offering air fryer baked potatoes as the perfect side dish for your favorite steak or enjoying it as a heartfelt meal on its own, this step-by-step guide will help you master the ultimate baked potatoes. With attractive, crisp skin and fluffy interior, it’s a fast, easy and a life-changing innocent way!

Scrub: Wash and dry the russet potatoes thoroughly. Pork: Use a fork to stab each potato 6-8 times. Seasonal: Scrub with oil and sprinkle generously with kosher salt. Preheat: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F if necessary. Cook: Fry at 400°F for 35-45 minutes, then flip halfway through. Check: Potatoes are done when using a fork tender. Serve: Open the slices and top with cheese, black pepper, sour cream, bacon bits or your favorite toppings.

This perfect method will shorten the restaurant’s quality baked potatoes and lessen the big deal. It easily upgrades to any meal, on its own! See the recipe card below for complete detailed instructions.

What to eat with air fry baked potatoes

These air fryer baked potatoes are extremely versatile and can be a great base or side for a variety of meals. Pair with your favorite protein and have a hearty dinner. Especially tasty with a simple serving of pork, juicy smoked chicken or roasted broccoli. Whether you keep things classic or loading them, these baked potatoes will fit in quickly.

How to store and reheat air fry baked potatoes

Once cooled, wrap the baked potatoes in aluminum foil and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, remove the foil and pop it in the microwave and choose the quick option. Make sure your skin doesn’t flush. For a better texture, reheat in an air fryer or oven to help you regain some of its clarity.

Air Fryer Baked Potato FAQ

Do I need to stab the potatoes before frying?

yes! Using a fork or knife to stab the potatoes allows steam to escape while cooking. Skip this step and the potatoes can burst with the air fryer. And I know from experience. 😉

Should I wrap the potatoes in foil before cooking?

Everyone in Idaho is screaming “No!” Now. Wrap the potatoes in tin foil before air frying or baking. Instead, leave them alone and season the potato crust with olive oil and sea salt. This is what makes them super crisp!

How much baked potatoes should I cook in an air fryer?

The exact timing of cooking baked potatoes on an air fryer depends on the size of your particular air fryer and potatoes. Typically, large potatoes take around 45 minutes at 400 degrees.

The outside is crispy and the inside is fluffy! These air fryer baked potatoes are a simple and satisfying addition to any meal. With just a few ingredients and minimal preparation, they come together effortlessly and pair perfectly with all your favorite toppings. Try this method and it may be a great way to grill potatoes.

Other potato recipes your family loves:

See how these baked potatoes from the Air Fryer are made…