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These air fryer baked potatoes have such a crispy skin and always turn out fork tender. You’ll wonder why you ever used the oven!

Air Fryer Baked Potato on a tray with topping

Air fryer baked potatoes are so simple to make you can hardly call this a recipe. With an ultra crispy skin and tender center, they’re just as good (if not better) than baked potatoes made in a conventional oven.

Whether you’re looking for a quick side dish or laying out a ton of toppings for a baked potato bar, these baked potatoes come together in nearly half the time they do when made in the oven. On busy weeknights, they are the perfect recipe to lean on to get dinner on the table faster.

Let’s get to it!

How to Make Baked Potatoes in an Air Fryer

Making baked potatoes in the air fryer is as easy as it gets. Below, find a quick hitter overview of the process.

  • Prep the Potatoes: Wash potatoes, pat dry them with a towel, and poke a few holes in each with a sharp knife. Rub the potato skins with oil and sea salt.
  • Air Fry the Potatoes: Arrange the potatoes in the air fryer basket, leaving at least an inch of space between each one. Bake the potatoes at 390°F for at least 30 minutes, or until you can pierce them easily with a fork.
  • Split the Potatoes: After you remove the potatoes from the air fryer, split them down the middle with a knife. Serve with sour cream, butter, chives, bacon bits, or any other of your favorite toppings. Enjoy!
Baked potatoes in a air fryer

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

Below, find a couple of pro tips to help you make the best baked potatoes in the air fryer.

  • Pat the potatoes dry. For the crispiest possible skin, pat the potatoes dry of any moisture leftover from washing them.
  • Season the potatoes with flakey salt. Use a flakey salt like Maldon to coat the potatoes. This will give them that signature steakhouse feel!
  • Leave room between the potatoes. Leave at least an inch between the potatoes to allow the hot air to make them 360 degrees crispy.
  • Slice the potatoes immediately. To prevent the flesh from overcooking and becoming gummy, slice the potatoes down the center immediately after you take them out of the air fryer basket.
Air Fryer Baked Potato on a tray with topping

Serving Baked Potatoes

Air fryer baked potatoes are the perfect side dish for so many different dishes. Pair them with a grilled ribeye and air fryer asparagus for a full blown steakhouse dinner or top them with chili and cheese for a quick lunch.

Storing Baked Potatoes

Store leftover baked potatoes in the refrigerator in an airtight container or wrapped in foil. They should keep for up to 5 days. Refrain from freezing baked potatoes, as they do not thaw well and will turn gritty upon reheating.

FAQ

How long does it take to cook baked potatoes in an air fryer?

Baked potatoes take anywhere from 30-45 minutes to make in the air fryer depending on their size. To check their doneness, test them with a fork to see if they’re tender before removing.

Should I wrap the potatoes in foil before air frying them?

No, you should no wrap the potatoes in foil before air frying them. The foil will prevent the skins from turning crispy.

Do I need to flip the potatoes halfway through cooking?

No, you do not need to flip the potatoes halfway through cooking. Unlike most food made in the air fryer, you can truly “set it and forget it” with whole baked potatoes.

Why did the skin on my baked potatoes not get crispy?

The skin on your baked potatoes likely didn’t crisp if you didn’t dry them after washing. Any moisture left on the skin will prevent them from crisping.

What are the best kind of potatoes for baked potatoes?

Russet potatoes are the best kind of potatoes to use for baked potatoes.

Tasty Baked Potato Toppings

Recipe

Air Fryer Baked Potato on a tray with topping

Easy Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

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Servings
2 servings
Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 40 mins
Total Time 45 mins
Recipe contributed by: Natalya Drozhzhin
These air fryer baked potatoes have such a crispy skin and always turn out fork tender. You'll wonder why you ever used the oven!

Ingredients

US Units – Metric

Instructions

  • Wash, pat dry, and poke holes in all the potatoes.
    Ingredients on a tray for baked potato
  • Cover the potatoes with oil and salt. Place them in the air fryer basket, leaving at least an inch of space between each. Air fry them at 390°F for at least 30 minutes, or until you can pierce them easily with a fork.
    Baked potatoes in a air fryer
  • Using a knife, split the potatoes in the center. Serve with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
    Air Fryer Baked Potato on a tray with topping
Nutrition Facts
Easy Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
Amount Per Serving
Calories 292 Calories from Fat 126
% Daily Value*
Fat 14g22%
Saturated Fat 2g10%
Sodium 3499mg146%
Potassium 888mg25%
Carbohydrates 38g13%
Fiber 3g12%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 5g10%
Vitamin C 12.1mg15%
Calcium 28mg3%
Iron 1.8mg10%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Posted October 30, 2021

About Author

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Natalya Drozhzhin

Natalya founded Momsdish to demonstrate that placing a homemade meal on the table is not hard at all. Natalya makes cooking easier and approachable, by simplifying the ingredients, while still producing the same great taste.