This crispy air fryer baked potato is the perfect side dish! It’s golden on the outside and fluffy inside, making it a comforting treat any day of the week.
Fun fact: using an air fryer means less waiting time for that perfect bake. I love to top mine with sour cream and chives—yum! 🥔 Who’s ready for potato heaven?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Russet Potatoes: These are my go-to choice for baked potatoes. They have a high starch content, which makes them fluffy on the inside. If you can’t find russets, consider using Yukon golds for a slightly creamier texture.
Olive Oil: It helps to achieve a crispy skin. If you’re looking for a different flavor, you could use avocado oil or even melted butter instead.
Sea Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning. If you’re watching sodium, feel free to use kosher salt or a salt substitute. For a spicy kick, consider adding some chili flakes!
Toppings: Classic butter is always good, but sour cream, chives, shredded cheese, or bacon bits add a lot of flavor. You can get creative with toppings like guacamole or a sprinkle of feta cheese too!
How Do I Get Perfectly Crispy Skin on My Potatoes?
The key to crispy skin lies in really coating the potatoes well. Make sure to wash them thoroughly since the skin brings so much flavor. Here’s a little guide:
- After scrubbing, dry them well to allow the oil to stick.
- Piercing the skin with a fork is vital; this helps steam escape and prevents them from bursting.
- Don’t skip rubbing the oil—this is what makes the skin crispy. Be generous with the salt, as it enhances the flavor.
- Turn them halfway through cooking; this ensures even crispiness on all sides.
By following these tips, you’ll end up with perfectly crispy baked potatoes every time!
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potatoes:
- 4 medium russet potatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For Serving:
- Butter (for serving)
- Optional toppings: sour cream, chives, shredded cheese, bacon bits
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus 35 to 40 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’ll be ready to enjoy your crispy air fryer baked potatoes in about 50 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step ensures your potatoes will cook evenly and get that crispy exterior you want.
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
Give the russet potatoes a good scrub under running water to clean them. After scrubbing, gently pat them dry using a paper towel—this helps the oil stick better.
3. Pierce and Season:
Take a fork and poke each potato several times. This allows steam to escape while cooking and helps prevent any mess. Now, rub each potato with olive oil so they’re well-coated. Sprinkle sea salt and black pepper all over them for flavor.
4. Air Fry the Potatoes:
Place the prepared potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure there’s space between each one for proper air circulation. Cook the potatoes for 35 to 40 minutes, turning them halfway through. They’re ready when you can poke them easily with a fork and the skins are nice and crispy.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Carefully remove the hot potatoes from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. Once they’re cool enough to handle, cut a slit down the center of each potato and fluff the insides with a fork. Add a dollop of butter and your favorite toppings, like sour cream, chives, shredded cheese, or bacon bits. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious, crispy air fryer baked potatoes!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Yes, you can! While russet potatoes are ideal for that fluffy interior and crispy skin, Yukon Golds or red potatoes can work as well. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on them.
What If I Don’t Have an Air Fryer?
No problem! You can bake these potatoes in a conventional oven instead. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake for about 45-55 minutes, or until the skins are crispy and you can easily pierce the flesh with a fork.
How to Store Leftover Baked Potatoes
Store any leftover baked potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until warmed through, or back in the air fryer for a few minutes to re-crisp the skin.
Can I Prepare the Potatoes in Advance?
Absolutely! You can scrub and pierce the potatoes ahead of time, then coat them with olive oil and seasoning. Keep them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before air frying. Just let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking for even results.
