🥔 Best Ever Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
✅ Why This Recipe Works:
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Extra crispy skin without deep frying
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Soft, fluffy inside like an oven-baked potato
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Faster than baking in the oven
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Minimal ingredients!
📋 Ingredients:
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2–4 medium Russet potatoes (scrubbed and dried)
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1–2 tbsp olive oil
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1–1½ tsp kosher salt
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Optional: black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder
🔪 Instructions:
1. Prep the Potatoes
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Scrub the potatoes clean and pat dry thoroughly.
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Use a fork to poke 5–6 holes all over each potato to release steam while cooking.
2. Season
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Rub each potato with olive oil.
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Sprinkle all over with salt (and pepper or other seasonings if desired).
3. Air Fry
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Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 2–3 minutes (if your model requires it).
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Place potatoes in the basket in a single layer with some space between them.
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Air fry at 400°F for 35–45 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes.
✅ Flip halfway through cooking for even crisping.
4. Check for Doneness
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Pierce with a knife or fork. It should slide in easily.
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If not quite done, add 5 more minutes and check again.
5. Serve
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Slice open, fluff with a fork, and load with your favorite toppings like butter, sour cream, chives, cheese, or bacon bits.
🧂 Optional Toppings:
| Classic | Creative |
|---|---|
| Butter & sour cream | BBQ pulled pork |
| Shredded cheddar | Buffalo chicken |
| Chives or green onions | Vegan cashew cheese |
| Bacon bits | Sriracha & mayo drizzle |
❓Air Fryer Baked Potatoes: Q&A
🔸 Q: What’s the best type of potato to use?
A: Russet potatoes are best! Their thick skin gets crispy, and the inside becomes fluffy. Yukon Golds are okay, but not as fluffy.
🔸 Q: Do I have to poke holes in the potato?
A: Yes! Poking holes prevents steam buildup, which can cause the potato to burst while cooking.
🔸 Q: Can I wrap them in foil?
A: Not in the air fryer. Foil traps steam, making the skin soft. For crispy skin, skip the foil.
🔸 Q: How long does it take to cook?
A:
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Medium potato (5–6 oz): ~35–40 minutes
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Large potato (8–10 oz): ~45–50 minutes
Always check for tenderness with a fork.
🔸 Q: Do I need to flip the potatoes while air frying?
A: It’s optional, but flipping halfway through helps cook evenly, especially if your air fryer has hot spots.
🔸 Q: Can I cook more than 4 at once?
A: Only if your air fryer is large enough. Don’t overcrowd—the air needs to circulate for crispy skins.
🔸 Q: Can I make them ahead of time?
A: Yes! Cook fully, cool, and store in the fridge. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 5–8 minutes.
🔸 Q: Can I freeze air-fried baked potatoes?
A: Yes! Let them cool, wrap tightly in foil, and freeze. To reheat, air fry at 375°F for 15–20 minutes from frozen.