These air fryer baked potatoes have quickly become my family’s favorite side dish. It takes about half the time to bake them in the oven! Crispy and salty skin on the outside, while being fluffy and soft in the middle.

I make air fryer baked sweet potatoes on repeat (it’s my partner’s favorite side), so it only made sense to give the same treatment to the classic white potato. After testing a few varieties and cooking times (I feel like an expert on potatoes now…), I found that air frying russets gives you the perfect combo: crisp, salty skin and a soft, fluffy center every time.

It’s become one of my go-to side dishes because it’s so easy, cooks faster than the oven, and works with almost anything we’re eating that week. We usually top ours with butter and salt, but have also loaded them with chili, tuna salad, or even my mom’s bolognese sauce when we want to make them a complete meal! 

Table of Contents

1. Key Ingredients
2. How to make air fryer baked potato
3. Arman’s recipe tips
4. How to serve air fryer baked potatoes
5. Frequently asked questions
6. Air Fryer Baked Potato (Recipe Card)
7. More easy air fryer side dishes

Key Ingredients

• 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 peels off seamlessly. You can also use olive, avocado, or cooking oil. 
• Salt and pepper. To taste.
• Fillings/toppings. The world is your oyster. Cheddar cheese, chili, sliced chicken, sour cream and chives, and cheese sauce are all fabulous ideas.

How to make air fryer baked potato

This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.

Arman’s recipe tips

• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer. Otherwise, the potatoes won’t cook evenly and will actually take longer. I have three air fryers: a Philips XXL, a Cosori, and a Ninja, all of which comfortably fit four large potatoes.
• Don’t skip the butter or oil rub. This is what guarantees the crispy skin. If you omit it, it will be cracky and dry.
• Always poke holes in the potatoes before cooking because they are prone to bursting once cooked (trust me).
• The easiest way to check if the potato is fully cooked is to see if a sharp knife pierces the skin easily, or to use a meat thermometer and check the internal temperature, which should be at least 205°F.

How to serve air fryer baked potatoes

These baked potatoes are so versatile and can be enjoyed as a side or, as my family does, a meal in itself. Here are some of our favorite toppings-

• Classic. Our tried and true. Top with a pat of butter, a sprinkle of salt, sour cream, and finely chopped chives.
• BBQ. A dash of BBQ sauce, pulled pork (or pork carnitas), cheddar cheese, and green onions.
• Loaded. I make these for game days or when the football is on. Go all out with shredded cheese, bacon (or air-fried turkey bacon), sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and chives.
• Chili stuffed. Nothing beats a heaping scoop of no bean chili or venison chili, then topped with sour cream, avocado, and again, cheese.
• Vegan friendly. Top with vegan plain yogurt, chopped vegan bacon (or crumbled vegan meat), and vegan cheese.

Frequently asked questions

More easy air fryer side dishes

• Air Fryer Okra
• Air fryer frozen broccoli
• Air fryer cauliflower
• Air fryer zucchini