Perfect Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

There is something deeply satisfying about pulling crisp yet fluffy baked potatoes straight from the air fryer This method has transformed our weeknight dinners making perfect baked potatoes that taste like a steakhouse treat but with almost zero fuss

I discovered air fryer baked potatoes on a busy afternoon and instantly became obsessed Even my pickiest eater comes running for seconds and the leftovers rarely last

Ingredients

• Medium sized russet potatoes: Choose potatoes that feel firm and heavy no soft spots or sprouts They crisp best and become fluffy inside
• Olive oil: Adds richness and helps skin get golden Choose a cold pressed oil for best flavor
• Salt pepper and garlic herb blend: These seasonings bring out the potato flavor perfectly You can use just salt and pepper or try a custom blend Check the label for coarse salt to get extra crunch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Set your air fryer to 400 degrees on the air fry setting Allow a few minutes for it to fully preheat so the potatoes start cooking immediately

Prepare Potatoes:

Wash potatoes thoroughly then dry with a towel Use a fork to poke three holes on each side which prevents bursting and helps steam escape

Brush and Season:

Lightly brush each potato with olive oil making sure every part is coated Sprinkle generously with your chosen seasonings so they form a tasty crust

Air Fry Potatoes:

Place potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket Leave space between each one for air circulation Air fry for about forty minutes flipping each potato halfway through so both sides become crisp

Check for Doneness:

Pierce potatoes with a fork They are done when tender all the way through with a crackling skin If not quite ready cook five more minutes and check again

Serve and Enjoy:

Transfer to a plate and use a knife to slice open Fluff the inside with a fork and finish with your favorite toppings from butter and chives to cheddar and sour cream

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For me the best part is the crispy skin I used to skip eating the skins but air frying turned them into the star of the show Once my sister visited and we finished every single one toppings and all and even debated who would get the last crispy potato

Storage Tips

Store any leftover potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days To reheat pop them back in the air fryer for five to seven minutes at three hundred fifty degrees This keeps the skin crisp and the inside soft Avoid microwaving which can make the skin chewy

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use Yukon Gold potatoes for a naturally buttery flavor though they have thinner skin Sweet potatoes work well too though they may cook a few minutes faster If olive oil is not available use avocado oil or melted butter for another layer of richness

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Serving Suggestions

Top your baked potatoes with classic choices like butter and sour cream or go bold with salsa shredded barbecue chicken or roasted veggies Our family favorite is a sprinkle of sharp cheddar and fresh chives You can even serve as a build your own potato bar for gatherings

Cultural Note

Baked potatoes have roots in American and British comfort food where they have been served for decades as a simple and affordable meal The air fryer update adds a modern twist while staying true to the potato’s humble beginnings

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I get crispy skin on baked potatoes?

Brush the potatoes with olive oil before cooking and season them generously. This helps create a perfectly crisp skin in the air fryer.

→ Do I need to wrap potatoes in foil when air frying?

No foil is needed for air frying. Leaving them unwrapped ensures the skins get crisp and golden.

→ How do I know when the potatoes are fully cooked?

Potatoes are ready when a fork can easily glide through the center without resistance.

→ Can I use other potato varieties besides russet?

Russets work best for their fluffy texture, but you can try Yukon Gold or red potatoes, adjusting cook time as needed.

→ What toppings go well with air fried baked potatoes?

Classic options include butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, chives, or even chili and bacon bits.