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Make an air fryer baked potato in half the time it takes to bake them in the oven. Crispy and salty skin on the outside, while being fluffy and soft in the middle.
My air fryer baked sweet potatoes are one of my family’s favorite side dishes or easy dinners, so I had to do the same with the humble white potato, too. It’s much quicker than the oven and guarantees gorgeous, crispy skin every time. The middle stays soft and fluffy.
It’s the perfect no-fuss dish that tastes delicious with just a little salt and butter, but can also be dressed up in many ways.
Table of Contents
Why I love this recipe
- Quick and easy. From prep to plate, you can have these potatoes done in under 30 minutes.
- Mess-free. No baking sheet, foil, or anything is needed. Just add the potatoes to the air fryer and let it do its magic.
- Customizable. You can top them with anything! My family enjoys chili, tuna salad (seriously), or some cheese and avocado.
If you love cooking potatoes in the air fryer, try my air fryer baby potatoes, air fryer red potatoes, air fryer potato wedges, and air fryer breakfast potatoes next.
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 seamlessly peels off. 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 even a 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.
Step 1- Prep. Pat dry the potatoes using a paper towel, and poke them with a fork.
Step 2- Season. Rub butter on each potato and season with salt and pepper.
Step 3- Air fry the potatoes for 25 minutes, flip, and cook in 5-minute increments until done.
Step 4- Pierce the potatoes with a knife and fill.
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. Go all out with some shredded cheese, bacon (or air fryer turkey bacon), sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and some 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 some vegan plain yogurt, chopped vegan bacon (or vegan crumbled meat), and some vegan cheese.
Storage instructions
To store: Place leftovers in an airtight container 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.
Frequently asked questions
I don’t recommend removing the skins from the potatoes because they become crispy and keep the insides super fluffy. You can also remove the skins before eating.
No, you shouldn’t. When I oven-bake potatoes, I sometimes keep it on when doing a big batch, but I find with air frying, it actually softens the skin and reduces any chance of it being crispy. Just rub the butter/oil and salt and you are good to gho.
The cooking time depends on the size of your potatoes and the specific air fryer you use. I have a Phillips XXL air fryer, which takes about 30 minutes to cook a medium 8-ounce potato. You’ll know the potatoes are done once they pierce easily with a fork or reach an internal temperature of
205°F.
More air fryer recipes
If you tried this Air Fryer Baked Potato Recipe or any other recipe on The Big Man’s World, please rate the recipe and let me know how it went in the comments below. It really helps others thinking of making the recipe.
Air Fryer Baked Potato
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 200C/400F.
- Scrub the potatoes, then pat them dry. Poke the potatoes all over with a fork, then rub the melted butter over each potato and season with salt and pepper.
- Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket. Air fry the potatoes for 25 minutes, flip, and cook in 5 minute increments until fully cooked in the middle.
- Transfer the potatoes onto a plate. Cut the potatoes in the middle and fill generously with toppings.
Notes
- 8 ounces or less: 30-35 minutes.
- 9 to 12 ounces: 35-40 minutes.
- 12 to 14 ounces: 45-50 minutes.
- 14 to 16 ounces: 55-60 minutes.
- 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.
- Don’t skip the butter or oil rub. This is what guarantees the crispy skin.
- 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 can easily pierce the skin, or to use a meat thermometer and check the internal temperature, which should be at least 205°F.
Ahhh I love your microwave baked potato so tried the air fryer and it was sensational- I LOVE how crispy and salty the skin is.
I made this and put cottage cheese inside. It was like “lava cake” hahaha very good.
Thanks very useful!!!
Im soo happy to know you and flow you I understand too much from your recipe and to be more honestly i just make too much food from your recipes thank you so much for sharing that 🌸🌸
Love these air fryer baked potatoes so much!!! So fluffy and delicious.
me and my family are trying out the baked potato recipe for the first time and so far so good 😊 i can’t wait 😛 until they are done will let you know how it turns out!!! Ms. Jones Teresa
😀 hahahah yay!
Hi Arman what kind of air fryer do you use? Thank you Joanie 😌🌿
Hi Joanie- I love my phillips 🙂
Omg looks so nice. I always cut on parts seeet potato and bake them as chips. This is so easier!
Do you have an air fryer recipe for pork belly?
Sure do!
You are incredible you have saved me a lot of time, testing the Air Fryer, Thank You
No Idea what “Russet potatoes or Idaho potato are” Don’t think we have them in the UK
Any large white potato works 🙂
Your food looks great and healthy. I need to lose some weight so I’m gonna try some of your recipes.
My new favorite way to cook baked potatoes! Love not having to turn the oven on in the summer!
In the prep directions you say cut with a fork. Do you mean to make the slit, because later you say not to prick the skin. Just want to check.
That is correct 🙂