Air Fryer Baked Potato

Learn how to make an air-fried baked potato that is perfectly crispy on the outside and fluffy and soft inside. It’s the fastest and most delicious way to cook potatoes! 

Looking cooking vegetables in the air fryer? Try my air fryer zucchini, air fryer Brussels sprouts, air fryer carrots, and air fryer cauliflower.

My air fryer baked sweet potatoes are one of my family’s favorite side dishes or easy dinners, so of course, I do it with the humble white potato too. It’s so much quicker than the oven, and it guarantees the gorgeous CRISPY skin every time. Once you add a little salt and some butter, it tastes like a million bucks.

Table of Contents

1. Why I love this recipe
2. Ingredients needed 
3. How to make air fryer baked potatoes
4. Arman’s recipe tips
5. Storage instructions
6. Frequently asked questions 
7. More air fryer recipes
8. Air Fryer Baked Potato (Recipe Card)

Why I love this recipe

• Half the cooking time. A traditional oven-baked potato typically takes 60-90 minutes to cook (especially those on the larger side). Using an air fryer cuts the cooking time in half! Because of this, my family enjoys fluffy baked potatoes as an evening side dish regularly (it’s almost as fast as my microwave baked potatoes).
• More flavorful than oven-baked potatoes. The beauty of air-frying potatoes ensures they cook evenly and precisely. Contrary to popular belief, this makes the potatoes have ultra-crispy skin and extra fluffiness in the middle. 
• Healthy and delicious. Baked potatoes are packed with fiber, potassium, and vitamin C and are extremely filling (source). I love to top them with Greek yogurt, cheese, and some chopped veggies for a well-balanced meal.

Ingredients needed 

• Russet potatoes. The BEST kind of potatoes to bake because of their simple flavor and naturally higher starch content. If you can’t find these, use an Idaho potato instead. Choose equal-sized potatoes so they all cook at the same time.
• Butter. To rub around the potatoes so that once cooked, the skin seamlessly peels off. You can also use olive oil, avocado oil, or another cooking oil. 
• Salt and pepper. To taste.
• Fillings/toppings. The world is your oyster!!! Cheddar cheese, chili, sliced chicken, sour cream and chives, and even a cheese sauce are all fabulous ideas.

How to make air fryer baked potatoes

I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Arman’s recipe tips

• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer. Otherwise, the potatoes won’t cook evenly and will actually take longer. I have a Phillips XXL air fryer, which comfortably fits four large potatoes.
• Always poke holes in the potatoes before cooking because they are prone to bursting once cooked (trust me on this).
• The easiest way to check if the potato is fully cooked is to see if a sharp knife can easily pierce the skin. If needed, cook it a little longer until it is tender. Remember, potatoes come in different sizes and shapes, so it isn’t a one-size-fits-all.

Storage instructions

To store: Place leftovers in airtight containers and store them in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

To freeze: Place the cooked and cooled potatoes in freezer-safe bags and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating: Reheat in the microwave, oven, or air fryer.

Frequently asked questions 

More air fryer recipes

• Air fryer pork chops
• Air fryer chicken breast
• Air fryer salmon
• Air Fryer Okra
• Air fryer pork tenderloin
• Air fryer steak
• Air fryer potato chips

Originally published December 2022, updated and republished May 2024