Air Fryer Baked Potato Recipe

on Apr 04, 2018, Updated Jan 15, 2024 42 Comments

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These easy air fryer baked potatoes are made with 3 ingredients and ready in about 30 minutes! A delicious, fluffy baked potato with crispy skin worthy of any restaurant baked potato!

Ingredients

Equipment

You’ll want to see how many fit comfortably in your air fryer without overstuffing and make sure there is good airflow all around the potatoes. Don’t have an air fryer? You will also love my how-to guide for baked potatoes in the oven, Instant Pot “baked” potatoes, and slow cooker “baked” potatoes. If you prefer sweet potatoes, you can use my recipes for baked sweet potatoes and Instant Pot “baked” sweet potatoes.

Potatoes – You can technically make baked potatoes using any potato, but I believe the absolute BEST baked potatoes are made using Russet potatoes. Look for medium to large-sized potatoes without bruises, blemishes, or sprouts. A medium russet potato weighs between 5 to 10 ounces. The cooking time can vary depending on the size of your potatoes. Olive Oil – Use your favorite olive oil. Brushing the olive oil onto the exterior of the cleaned potato gives the air fryer baked potato a crispy exterior. You can also substitute with avocado oil if you prefer. Salt – I use kosher salt, but you can use your favorite salt. Salting the outside of the potato once you have brushed it with olive oil makes for a crispy, salty skin that is delicious when air fried!

Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep potatoes. Scrub the potatoes well to make sure that they are clean. Dry them and then prick them with a fork or sharp knife on both sides of the potato. Since potatoes contain water which will turn to steam (water vapor) as the potato cooks, the potato builds up pressure as it cooks. Pricking holes in the potato’s skin releases this pressure and prevents the potato’s skin from bursting as it cooks. Brush or rub them with olive oil and then sprinkle them with salt. Arrange the potatoes in the air fryer basket to make sure that the air can easily circulate around the potatoes. Cook. Set the heat setting to 400º F and set the timer for 30 minutes. At 30 minutes, I like to open the air fryer and gently press on the sides of the potatoes or pierce them with a sharp paring knife. If they give easily, then they are done. If not, I close the air fryer and cook them for up to 10 minutes more. You can also use an instant-read thermometer to test for doneness. The internal temperature of a baked potato should be 208º F to 211º F.

Storage Tips

To store. Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer, microwave, or oven until warm throughout. To freeze. Cook as directed and cool completely. Wrap each potato in foil and place them into a freezer-safe zip-top bag. Remove as much air as possible and seal the bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. To serve, allow to thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat in the air fryer, microwave, or oven until warm throughout.