Air Fryer Baked Potato

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5 from 84 votes
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Learn how to make an air fryer baked potato that is perfectly crispy on the outside and fluffy and soft inside. They are the fastest and most delicious way to cook them! 

air fryer baked potatoes.

I love using my air fryer as an alternative to baking vegetables because it is FAST!

I think it’s safe to say it has become my most used kitchen gadget, and my favorite way to cook veggies. These include air fryer zucchini and air fryer Brussels sprouts.

After having success with air fryer baked sweet potatoes, I used the same method to bake a potato in the air fryer and now am utterly obsessed.

Table of Contents
  1. Why this recipe works
  2. Ingredients needed 
  3. How to make air fryer baked potatoes
  4. Baked potato air frying time
  5. Tips to make the best recipe
  6. Storage instructions
  7. Frequently Asked Questions 
  8. More air fryer vegetables to try
  9. Air Fryer Baked Potato (Recipe Card)

Why this recipe works

  • 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.
  • 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 taste even better and extra soft in the middle. 
  • Healthy and delicious. Baked potatoes are packed with fiber, potassium, and vitamin C and are extremely filling. I love to top it with Greek yogurt, cheese, and some chopped veggies for a well-balanced meal.
  • Perfect every time. What I love about air frying potatoes is that it guarantees consistent results every single time.

Ingredients needed 

Just like oven baked potatoes, besides some seasonings and grease, there isn’t anything else needed to make this air fryer baked potato recipe. Here is what you’ll need:

  • 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.

Find the printable recipe in the recipe card below.

How to make air fryer baked potatoes

Cooking a baked potato in the air fryer needs very little prep time, and is mostly hands-off. 

Step 1- Prepare the potatoes: Pat dry the potatoes using a paper towel. Poke potatoes using a fork or sharp knife and rub melted butter over their exterior. Then, add a sprinkling of salt and pepper and season well.

prepped potatoes.

Step 2- Air fry the potatoes: Place potatoes in the air fryer basket and cook for 25-30 minutes at 200C/400F. Flip the sides after this time and cook for another 5-10 minutes.

potatoes in air fryer.

Step 3- Fill and serve: Transfer the cooked potatoes to a plate and let sit for several minutes. Pierce the center with a knife, fluff the innards slightly and add toppings. 

air fried baked potato.

Baked potato air frying time

As we know, potatoes differ in size and weight. Follow the time guide below to bake them according to their weight-

  • 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.

For anything over 16 ounces, add an extra 5 minutes per ounce.

Tips to make the best recipe

  • 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 in 4 large potatoes.
  • Always poke holes in the potatoes because no one wants exploding vegetables!
  • The easiest way to check if the potato is fully cooked is if a sharp knife can easily pierce the potato skin. If needed, cook them a little longer until they are tender.

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.

air fryer baked potato.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can you put foil in an air fryer?

Yes, you can put foil in an air fryer, provided the size does not exceed the top of the air fryer basket.

Should I wrap my potatoes in foil beforehand? 

There is no need to wrap potatoes in foil before adding them to the air fryer basket. Adding a thin layer of it can help with clean up.  

Do you have to poke holes before air frying? 

While baking potatoes in the oven benefit from being poked beforehand, there is no need to do that when air frying them. The equal circulation ensures they cook evenly throughout.

More air fryer vegetables to try

  • Carrots– These make a fabulous French fry substitute.
  • Mushrooms– Fast, buttery, and perfect with almost anything.
  • Eggplant– My favorite way to cook eggplant.
  • Green beans– Tender, crisp, and so good.
  • Smashed potatoes– If you love potatoes, this is the recipe for you.
air fryer baked potato recipe.

Air Fryer Baked Potato

5 from 84 votes
Learn how to make an air fryer baked potato that is perfectly crispy on the outside and fluffy and soft inside. They are the fastest and most delicious way to cook them! 
Servings: 4 potatoes
Prep: 1 minute
Cook: 35 minutes
Total: 36 minutes

Video

Ingredients  

  • 4 large russet potatoes
  • 2 tablespoons butter melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Instructions 

  • 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.
    prepped potatoes.
  • Cook the potatoes at 200C/400F for 25-30 minutes, flip, and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until crisp.
    potatoes in air fryer.
  • Transfer the potatoes onto a plate. Cut the potatoes in the middle and fill generously with toppings.
    air fried baked potato.

Notes

TO STORE: Place leftovers in airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
TO FREEZE: Place the cooked and cooled potatoes in freezer-safe bags and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
TO REHEAT: Reheat in the microwave, oven, or air fryer. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1baked potatoCalories: 195kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 8gFat: 6gSodium: 354mgPotassium: 1542mgFiber: 5gVitamin A: 179IUVitamin C: 21mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mgNET CARBS: 35g
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Author: Arman Liew
Tried this recipe?Give us a shout at @thebigmansworld or tag #thebigmansworld!

Recipe originally posted December 2022, but updated to include new information, recipe video and photos for your benefit!

Arman Liew

I’m a two time cookbook author, photographer, and writer, and passionate about creating easy and healthier recipes. I believe you don’t need to be experienced in the kitchen to make good food using simple ingredients that most importantly, taste delicious.

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  1. 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.