Description

This recipe for Easy Air Fried Baked Potatoes offers a quick and convenient way to enjoy classic baked potatoes with fluffy interiors and crispy skins. Using an air fryer reduces cooking time compared to traditional oven baking and minimizes cleanup, making it ideal for busy weeknights. The russet potatoes are simply scrubbed, poked, rubbed with olive oil and kosher salt, then air fried to perfection. Perfect as a side or a base for a hearty meal, these potatoes deliver comforting taste with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes

4 medium russet potatoes, scrubbed clean

Coating

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) to ensure the potatoes begin cooking immediately, which helps achieve crispy skin and fluffy interiors.
Prepare the Potatoes: Scrub the russet potatoes thoroughly under running water and pat them completely dry with a towel to help crisp the skins. Use a fork to poke each potato several times all over deeply to allow steam to escape during cooking and prevent splitting.
Coat the Potatoes: Place the dried potatoes in a small bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and rub the oil evenly over every surface. Sprinkle kosher salt over the potatoes and rub it in to evenly distribute and enhance skin texture.
Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket: Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket spaced apart to allow proper airflow, avoiding stacking. If they have natural flat spots, place them seam side down for stability during cooking. Cook in batches if the basket is small.
Air Fry the Potatoes: Cook at 400°F for 35 to 45 minutes depending on potato size. About halfway through, turn each potato with tongs to ensure even cooking. The potatoes are done when the skin is crisp and a fork slides easily into the center.
Rest Before Serving: Remove the potatoes and let them rest for 5 minutes to let internal steam settle, keeping the flesh fluffy rather than dense.
Serve: Slice each potato lengthwise, gently squeeze the ends to fluff the interior, and serve hot with your choice of toppings or as a side to your main dish.

Notes

Russet potatoes are recommended for their high starch content resulting in fluffy insides.
Microwave potatoes for 5 minutes before air frying if you need faster cooking.
Use perforated parchment liners to reduce cleanup without sacrificing airflow.
Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 375°F for 6 to 8 minutes for best skin crispness.
Do not wrap potatoes in foil; this traps steam and prevents crisping.
Try variations like adding garlic powder before cooking or topping with cheese and sour cream after cooking.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35-45 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Air fryer baked potatoes, crispy baked potatoes, quick baked potatoes, healthy baked potato recipe, easy side dish