These air fryer baked potatoes come out perfectly crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside — ready in under 45 minutes with minimal effort. The image shows small-to-medium potatoes, which cook faster.
Ingredients (for 4 servings)
- 4 medium russet potatoes (or Yukon Gold), about 6–8 oz each
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional seasonings: garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, dried herbs
- For serving: butter, sour cream, chives, shredded cheese, bacon bits, etc.
Instructions
- Prepare the potatoes Wash the potatoes thoroughly under cold water and scrub off any dirt. Pat them completely dry with a paper towel (this helps them get crispy).
- Season Pierce each potato several times with a fork. Rub them all over with olive oil, then sprinkle generously with salt and pepper (and any other seasonings you like).
- Preheat the air fryer (optional but recommended) Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
- Cook Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd — cook in batches if needed. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 35–45 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Smaller potatoes: 30–35 minutes
- Larger potatoes: 45–50 minutes They’re done when a fork or knife slides easily into the center and the skin is golden and crispy.
- Serve Remove from the air fryer, let cool for a couple of minutes, then slice open lengthwise. Fluff the insides with a fork, add butter, and top with your favorite toppings.
Tips for Success
- Even cooking: Choose potatoes of similar size.
- Extra crispy skin: Dry them very well and use enough oil.
- No oil version: You can skip the oil, but they won’t be as crispy.
- Make ahead: Cook them in advance and reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes.
- Topping ideas: Classic (butter + sour cream + chives), loaded (cheese + bacon + green onions), or Mediterranean (olive oil, feta, herbs).
Enjoy your perfectly air-fried baked potatoes! They’re healthier than oven-baked because they use less oil and cook faster.
