You know that warm, earthy smell when you unwrap a baked potato straight from the foil? Yeah, this is thatbut even better. These Air Fryer Baked Potatoes are all the rage lately, blowing up on TikTok because they’re golden, crispy, and don’t heat up the whole dang house.
This cozy little side dish only needs three things: russet potatoes, a splash of oil, and a sprinkle of salt. That’s it. It’s like your grandma’s foil-wrapped pocket of comfortonly it’s faster, crispier, and doesn’t require an oven. Full details in the blog!
I made these on a wild Tuesday when I forgot to defrost anything for dinner. My kids each ate a whole one (with butter rivers, of course), and I knew we had a winner. I tested it. You’ll love the secret!
Air Fryer Baked Potatoes deliver a crispy crust with fluffy insides seasoned perfectly. This easy recipe yields delicious Crispy Air Fryer Baked Potatoes that make a perfect side dish every time. Enjoy the best baked potato you’ll ever make or eat!
Ingredients
Scale
4 russet potatoes medium
1 teaspoon avocado oil
1 teaspoon parsley
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
black pepper to taste
Instructions
Scrub the russet potatoes clean.
Cover the potatoes with the oil and seasonings.
Massage the seasonings into the potato – you can also pierce them with a fork.
Place the potatoes onto the air fryer basket and air fryer the potatoes at 350 degrees F in an oven style and 400 degrees F in a bucket style.
Cook the potatoes for 20 minutes and then flip the potatoes and cook another 10-15 minutes at 375 degrees F.
Allow the potatoes to cool about 5 minutes before cutting open.
Slice the potatoes open and then push the bottoms of the potatoes in with your fingers to fluff the potato.
Serve as desired with your favorite toppings.
Notes
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket – you want to allow the air to circulate around the food to “fry it” with the hot air
Adjust the time and temperature if your potatoes are smaller cook less if they’re larger cook longer and possibly reduce the temperature if much larger
Bucket style air fryers may not need to flip the potatoes, with oven style flipping helps it evenly crisp the food
Cook at 350 degrees F for toaster oven style and 400 degrees F for bucket style
Prep Time:5 minutes
Cook Time:35 minutes
Category:Side Dish
Method:Air Fryer
Cuisine:American
Nutrition
Calories:179kcal
Sugar:1g
Sodium:302mg
Fat:1g
Saturated Fat:1g
Carbohydrates:39g
Fiber:3g
Protein:5g
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
If you’ve ever dreamed of a baked potato that’s crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and ready in half the time of using your oven, this recipe is for you. These air fryer baked potatoes are like a cozy hug from your childhood dinner tablebut with a modern twist (and way less waiting).
Not only does the air fryer keep your house cool (hello, no oven heat!), but it also gives the potatoes a perfectly golden, crackly skin that’s downright irresistible. Plus, the hands-off cooking time makes it perfect for juggling weeknight chaos while still putting an impressive side on the table.
Bonus: The seasoning blend makes every bite flavorful all on its own, but it’s still mild enough for endless customizing with your favorite toppings. Butter avalanche? Cheesy goodness? Bring it on.
Key Ingredients & Tools
With just a handful of pantry staples and your trusty air fryer, you’re all set! Here’s what you’ll need to make this crispy magic:
Russet Potatoes: These starchy classics are the MVPs for perfectly baked, fluffy insides.
Avocado Oil: Helps crisp up the skin while keeping it beautifully golden (you can swap for olive oil if needed).
Seasonings: A mix of kosher salt, granulated garlic, parsley, and black pepper adds the perfect touch of flavor. Want it spicy? Add a pinch of paprika or cayenne!
Must-have tool: An air fryer (toaster oven or bucket style) is essential. The hot circulating air is what works the crispy magic!
Pro Tip:
If you’re using a bucket-style air fryer, you might be able to skip flipping the potatoes since the air circulates all around. For oven-style fryers, flipping ensures even crisping.
Simple Steps to Make It
This recipe is as beginner-friendly as it getsyou don’t even have to peel the potatoes! Here’s a quick step-by-step guide:
Prep the potatoes: Start by giving your russets a good scrub under running water. Pat them dry, then coat them with avocado oil and seasonings. Massage everything in to ensure the flavors stick, and don’t forget to pierce each potato with a fork a few times to let steam escape as they cook.
Air fry: Place your seasoned potatoes into the air fryer basket, leaving space between each so the hot air can circulate. For toaster-style fryers, set the temperature to 350°F; for a bucket-style, set it to 400°F. Cook for 20 minutes, flip (if needed), and continue cooking another 10–15 minutes at 375°F until the skin is crispy and a fork slides into the center easily.
Cool & fluff: Let the potatoes cool for about 5 minutes before slicing them open. Then, push the sides inward gently with your fingers to fluff them up for the ultimate tender bite.
Air Fryer Style
Cooking Temperature
Cooking Time
Oven Style (Toaster)
350°F (initial); 375°F (after 20 min)
30–35 minutes
Bucket Style
400°F (initial); 375°F (after 20 min)
30–35 minutes
Easy Customizations
Make this recipe your own with a few fun tweaks and swaps:
Add more seasoning: Love bold flavors? Try onion powder, smoked paprika, or even a sprinkle of ranch seasoning.
Switch up the oil: While avocado oil is great, olive oil or melted butter gives the potatoes a slightly richer flavor.
Dairy-free or vegan: Top with plant-based butter or coconut yogurt instead of traditional dairy-based toppings.
Got mini potatoes? Cut them in halves and reduce the cooking time by about 10 minutes for bite-sized crispy delights.
How to Serve & Store
These potatoes shine as a side dish but can totally hold their own as a meal with the right toppings. Pile on chili, sour cream, or even pulled pork for an irresistible main. For an easy crowd-pleaser, set up a baked potato bar with bowls of shredded cheese, chopped chives, and crumbled bacon.
Leftovers? Pop them in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. To reheat, just toss them back in the air fryer at 375°F for 5–7 minutes to reclaim that crispy skin!
Storage Method
How to Reheat
Shelf Life
Refrigerator (airtight container)
Air fryer at 375°F for 5–7 min
4 Days
Freezer (wrapped tightly)
Thaw, then air fry at 375°F
1 Month
Tip: Avoid microwaving leftovers unless you’re in a rushit softens the skin and takes away the crispy magic!
Expert Insight: Mastering Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
Using an air fryer for baked potatoes creates a crisp skin with a tender, fluffy interior in less time than traditional ovens. The intense circulating heat ensures even cooking, making it a reliable method for consistently perfect results without sacrificing texture or flavor.
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Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
Achieving that ideal balance of fluffy insides and perfectly crisp skin takes a little know-how. Through some trial and error, we’ve refined this Air Fryer Baked Potatoes recipe to consistently deliver delicious results. Pay attention to potato size, proper oil coating, and avoiding overcrowding the basket for the best outcomes. These simple tips will ensure your baked potatoes are a family-approved favorite every time.
FAQs ( Air Fryer Baked Potatoes )
How long do I cook potatoes in an air fryer?
For perfectly cooked potatoes, set your air fryer to 400°F and cook them for about 35 to 45 minutes. Check for doneness by piercing with a fork; the potato should be tender inside. Cooking times vary slightly depending on size, so adjust as needed for consistent results.
What type of potatoes are best for air frying?
Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe because of their starchy texture that crisps well on the outside while staying fluffy inside. Yukon Golds work too, offering a creamier bite. Avoid waxy potatoes that stay firm and don’t crisp as well.
How do I get crispy skin on baked potatoes?
To achieve crispy skin, dry your potatoes thoroughly before cooking and lightly coat the skin with oil and salt. This encourages a crisp, flavorful crust. Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure hot air circulates evenly for crispiness.
Can I cook more than one potato at a time?
Yes, you can cook multiple potatoes as long as they fit comfortably without overlapping. Crowding reduces air circulation and may cause uneven cooking. For best results, leave some space around each potato for consistent heat distribution.
Do I need to preheat my air fryer?
Preheating your air fryer for 3 to 5 minutes helps maintain consistent temperature, making this dish cook more evenly. While not strictly required, preheating can improve texture and reduce total cooking time for the best results.
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Baked Potatoes come together in under 40 minutes and deliver that perfect crispy skin with soft, fluffy insides you just can’t resist. Honestly, I love how the aroma fills the kitchen without heating up the whole housesuch a win on busy days. You’ll find it’s a simple, comforting side that feels homemade, but with way less fuss and way more crunch.
Feel free to play around with seasoningsmoked paprika or a sprinkle of parmesan add a lovely twist. If you have leftovers (which might not happen, but hey), reheating in the air fryer keeps that crispy magic alive. Pro tip: skip the microwave unless you want mushy skin (we’ve all been there). This recipe adapts easily to your pantry and mood, like that trusty friend in your recipe box.
Now I’d love to hear from you! Do you have a favorite baked potato memory or a secret topping hack? Snap a pic, share your stories, and tuck this recipe away for your next cozy meal. Cooking together, even from afar, is what makes the kitchen feel like home.
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
