Air Fryer Baked Potatoes: The Perfect Recipe

Looking to add a new twist to a classic side dish? Look no further than the air fryer for a foolproof way to make crispy and delicious baked potatoes. In just a few easy steps, you can have perfectly cooked potatoes that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

To get started, choose medium-sized potatoes that are similar in size to ensure even cooking. Wash and dry the potatoes thoroughly and then pierce them a few times with a fork to allow steam to escape during cooking. Rub a little bit of olive oil over the skin of each potato and then sprinkle with kosher salt. Place the potatoes in the air fryer and cook at 400°F for 30 to 40 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes. With this simple technique, you’ll never need another recipe for baked potatoes again!

1. Preparing the Potatoes

The first step in making baked potatoes in an air fryer is preparing the potatoes. Wash the potatoes thoroughly and dry them with a paper towel. Then, use a fork to poke several holes in the potatoes on all sides. This allows steam to escape and prevents the potatoes from exploding when they cook.

2. Seasoning the Potatoes

Next, we need to season the potatoes before we put them into the air fryer. You can use any seasoning you like, but some of the most popular options include salt, pepper, garlic powder, and olive oil. Simply rub the potatoes with the seasoning, making sure they are coated evenly.

3. Setting the Air Fryer Temperature

Once your potatoes are seasoned, it’s time to set the air fryer temperature. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F. This will ensure that the potatoes cook evenly and come out crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.

4. Placing the Potatoes in the Air Fryer

Now, it’s time to place the potatoes in the air fryer. You can place them directly on the rack or in a basket. Make sure that the potatoes are spaced out evenly so that they cook evenly. Set the timer for 30-40 minutes, depending on the size of your potatoes.

5. Checking the Potatoes

After about 20 minutes, check on the potatoes to see how they are cooking. You can do this by opening the air fryer and using a fork to poke the potatoes. If they feel soft, they are not done yet. If they feel firm, they are almost finished.

6. Flipping the Potatoes

Once the potatoes are halfway done, it’s time to flip them over. Use tongs to gently flip the potatoes, making sure that they are evenly cooked on both sides. This will help them cook evenly and come out crispy all around.

7. Testing for Doneness

When the timer goes off, it’s time to test the potatoes for doneness. You can do this by using a fork to poke the potatoes. If they feel soft, they need more time. If they feel firm, they are done.

8. Removing the Potatoes from the Air Fryer

Once the potatoes are done, it’s time to remove them from the air fryer. You can do this using tongs or a spatula. Place them on a plate or cutting board and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

9. Serving the Potatoes

Baked potatoes in an air fryer can be served as is, or you can add toppings like butter, sour cream, cheese, bacon, or chives. Serve them with your favorite protein and a side salad for a complete meal.

10. Cleaning the Air Fryer

Before you put your air fryer away, it’s important to clean it properly. Allow it to cool before removing the basket or rack and wash them with warm soapy water. Wipe the interior of the air fryer with a damp cloth and dry it with a paper towel. Your air fryer is now ready to use again!

Choosing the right potatoes

When it comes to making baked potatoes in the air fryer, choosing the right potatoes is crucial. Not all potatoes are created equal, and some varieties work better for baking than others. Russet potatoes are by far the most popular choice for baking, thanks to their high starch content and fluffy texture.

When shopping for potatoes, make sure to choose potatoes that are roughly the same size to ensure even cooking. Large potatoes are best for baking, but if you’re using smaller potatoes, adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Preparing the potatoes

Before you start cooking, it’s important to properly prepare your potatoes. Begin by washing the potatoes thoroughly and patting them dry. You can choose to leave the skin on or peel it off, depending on your preference.

To get an extra crispy skin, many people like to coat their potatoes in oil or butter before cooking. This can be done by brushing the potatoes with melted butter or spraying them with cooking spray.

Slicing the potatoes

Although most baked potatoes are cooked whole, some people prefer to slice their potatoes in half for faster cooking times. If you choose to slice your potatoes, try to keep the slices roughly the same thickness to ensure even cooking.

Seasoning the potatoes

One of the great things about baked potatoes is that they can be seasoned however you like. Some popular options include garlic salt, paprika, and rosemary. You can also add a sprinkle of cheese or bacon bits for an extra boost of flavor.

To season your potatoes, simply sprinkle the desired amount of seasoning over the potatoes and use your hands to rub it in.

Preheating the air fryer

Before you start cooking your potatoes, it’s important to preheat your air fryer. This ensures that your potatoes cook evenly and prevents them from sticking to the basket.

To preheat your air fryer, simply set the temperature to 400°F for approximately 5 minutes.

Cooking the potatoes

Once your air fryer is preheated, it’s time to cook your potatoes. Place the potatoes in the basket, making sure to leave enough space between them for air to circulate.

Cook the potatoes for approximately 35-40 minutes, flipping them once halfway through the cooking time. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size of your potatoes and the power of your air fryer, so be sure to check on them periodically.

Checking for doneness

To check if your potatoes are done, you can insert a fork or knife into the center of the potato. If it slides in easily and the potato feels soft to the touch, it’s ready to eat.

If your potatoes are still a bit firm, you can continue cooking them for a few more minutes.

Serving suggestions

Baked potatoes are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a variety of toppings. Some popular toppings include sour cream, chives, and shredded cheese. You can also add bacon bits, chili, or butter for a richer flavor.

Storing leftover potatoes

If you have leftover baked potatoes, you can store them in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat them, simply place them in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.

Final thoughts

Making baked potatoes in the air fryer is a simple and delicious way to enjoy this classic dish. With a little bit of preparation and the right seasoning, you can create perfectly cooked potatoes that are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Whether you’re serving them as a main dish or as a side, these potatoes are sure to be a hit with your whole family.

Choosing the Right Potatoes

When making baked potatoes in the air fryer, choosing the right kind of potato is important. You want to choose potatoes that are starchy, which will make them fluffy and dry on the inside after they’re cooked. The most commonly used potato for baking is the Russet potato.

Russet Potatoes: Russet potatoes are the most commonly used potatoes for baking. They have a high starch content and low moisture content, making them perfect for baking in the air fryer. Russet potatoes have a thick and sturdy skin, which makes them easy to handle and serve.

Red Potatoes: Red potatoes have a lower starch content and a higher moisture content than Russet potatoes. They may not turn out as fluffy as Russet potatoes when baked in the air fryer, but they can still be cooked using the same method.

Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes have a thicker skin and are sweeter than Russet or Red potatoes. They require a longer cooking time than regular potatoes, and if not cooked properly, they can become mushy. However, sweet potatoes are a great option for those looking for a healthier alternative to traditional baked potatoes.

Yukon Gold Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes have a buttery flavor and a creamy texture. They have a medium starch content and are great for roasting or boiling. However, they may not be the best option for baking in the air fryer because of their moisture content.

Purple Potatoes: Purple potatoes have a beautiful purple skin and flesh. They have a similar texture to Russet potatoes and can be used for baking in the air fryer. However, they may require a longer cooking time than Russet potatoes because of their denser flesh.

In summary, when making baked potatoes in the air fryer, it’s best to choose Russet potatoes for their high starch content and low moisture content. However, if you prefer a different type of potato, they can also be cooked using the same method with slight adjustments to cooking time.

That’s All Folks!

And there we have it – your ultimate guide to making baked potatoes in the air fryer! It’s super easy and the results are so tasty, you’ll never want to make them any other way again. So thank you for joining me on this culinary adventure – I hope you’ve enjoyed reading and will be back for more tasty recipes soon! Til then, happy cooking!