If you love baked potatoes with a crispy skin and a soft, fluffy center, you’ll love this Air Fryer Baked Potato recipe! Cooking baked potatoes in the air fryer takes less time than the oven and gives you restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. Whether you’re making them as a side dish or loading them up with toppings for a full meal, this method is a game-changer!
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My potato-loving family is obsessed with baked potatoes, and ever since we got our Ninja air fryer, it’s been a total game-changer. I just rub them with oil and salt, toss them in, and walk away—only to return to crispy-skinned, fluffy perfection when the timer beeps. It’s my own version of “Set it and Forget it” (thanks, infomercial legend Ron Popeil!). We pile them high with sour cream, cheese, and chives—or go wild with bacon and chili. Honestly, our air fryer works overtime just for potatoes, and when we’re feeling fancy, we whip up Blooming, Hasselback, or Sweet Potatoes too! 🥔
Ingredients
- 2 large russet potatoes (or more, depending on air fryer size)
- 1 tbsp. olive oil (or avocado oil)
- Sea salt (or Kosher salt)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How to Make Baked Potatoes in the Air fryer
1. Prep the Potatoes
- Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt.
- Pat them dry with a paper towel. (Tip: Dry skin helps them crisp up better!)
- Poke several holes in each potato with a fork to prevent bursting while cooking.
2. Season
- Rub each potato with olive oil to help crisp the skin. (Tip: Using your hands works best for even coverage!)
- Sprinkle sea salt and black pepper all over the potatoes for flavor.
3. Air Fry Potatoes
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). (Tip: Preheating helps the potatoes cook evenly!)
- Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them.
- Cook for 35-45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the potatoes are fork-tender. (Note: Cooking time varies based on potato size—larger ones may need up to 50 minutes!)
TIP: Microwave First for Faster Cooking – If you’re short on time, microwave the potatoes for 5-7 minutes first, then transfer them to the air fryer at 400°F for 10-15 minutes to crisp up the skin. This cuts the cooking time in half!
4. Check for Doneness
- Pierce the potatoes with a fork or knife—if it slides in easily, they’re done!
- If they need more time, cook in 5-minute increments until soft inside.
5. Serve & Enjoy!
- Slice open the potatoes, fluff the inside with a fork, and add butter, salt, and your favorite toppings.
- Enjoy them as a side dish or load them up with protein for a full meal!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cook multiple potatoes at once in the air fryer?
Yes, you can cook multiple potatoes at once, but make sure they’re not overcrowded. The air fryer works best when there’s enough space for air to circulate around the potatoes for even cooking. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may want to cook them in batches.
Should I poke holes in the potatoes before air frying?
While it’s not strictly necessary, poking a few holes in the skin can help steam escape during cooking, preventing the potato from bursting. It’s a simple step that can make a big difference in texture!
Can I make a “loaded” baked potato in the air fryer?
Yes! After cooking the potato in the air fryer, cut it open and load it with your favorite toppings like cheese, bacon, sour cream, and chives. To melt the cheese, you can place it back in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes.
How do I reheat leftover baked potatoes in the air fryer?
To reheat a leftover baked potato, place it in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. This will warm it through and help crisp up the skin again, making it taste almost as good as fresh!
Can I make crispy potato skins in the air fryer?
Absolutely! After cooking the potatoes, you can scoop out the flesh, drizzle the skins with oil, and air fry them at 375°F for 5-10 minutes until they’re golden and crispy. Add some cheese, bacon, or herbs for a delicious snack!
What’s the best way to make a “twice-baked” potato in the air fryer?
After air frying, scoop out the insides, mix with butter, cheese, and seasoning, then refill the skins and return them to the air fryer at 375°F for 5-7 minutes until golden and melty.
What potatoes are best for baking?
The best potatoes for baking are Russet potatoes. They have a high starch content, which makes them fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside when baked. Their thick skin also crisps up nicely in the air fryer or oven. Other varieties like Yukon Gold or Sweet Potatoes can be used, but Russets are the classic choice for a perfect baked potato.
Can I freeze the leftover baked potatoes?
Yes! Let them cool completely, then wrap them in foil or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, air fry at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Note: Freezing baked potatoes may slightly affect the texture, especially the skin, which can soften and lose its crispiness. The inside usually stays fluffy, but it might be a little grainier or waterier. To minimize changes, wrap the potatoes tightly before freezing and reheat them in the air fryer or oven. While they may not be as fresh, they’re still a great option for meal prepping or leftovers!
Toppings Ideas
🔥 Classic: Butter, salt, and black pepper
🧀 Cheesy Loaded: Sour cream, shredded cheddar, bacon bits, green onions
🌿 Herb & Garlic: Garlic butter, parsley, Parmesan cheese
🥑 Healthy Twist: Greek yogurt, diced avocado, salsa
🍖 Hearty Meal: Shredded BBQ chicken, pulled pork, or taco meat
More Air Fryer Potato Recipes You’ll Love
- Air Fryer Potato Peelings
- Roast Potatoes with Turmeric and Cumin
- Potato wedges with Mayo and garlic
- Crispy Potato Skins
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Super Easy Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
Ingredients
- 2 large russet potatoes or more, depending on air fryer size
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- 1/2 teaspoon Sea salt or Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep the Potatoes: Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt.Pat them dry with a paper towel. (Tip: Dry skin helps them crisp up better!)Poke several holes in each potato with a fork to prevent bursting while cooking.
- Season the PotatoesRub each potato with olive oil to help crisp the skin. (Tip: Using your hands works best for even coverage!) Sprinkle sea salt and black pepper all over the potatoes for flavor.
- Air FryPreheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). (Tip: Preheating helps the potatoes cook evenly!)Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them.Cook for 35-45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the potatoes are fork-tender. (Tip: Cooking time varies based on potato size—larger ones may need up to 50 minutes!)
- Check for Doneness: Pierce the potatoes with a fork or knife—if it slides in easily, they’re done! If they need more time, cook in 5-minute increments until soft inside.
- Serve & Enjoy! Slice open the potatoes, fluff the inside with a fork, and add butter, salt, and your favorite toppings.Enjoy them as a side dish or load them up with protein for a full meal!
Notes
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
✔️ Use Russet Potatoes – They have the best texture for baking, with crispy skin and a fluffy inside.✔️ Don’t Skip the Oil – Rubbing oil on the skin helps it crisp up beautifully.
✔️ Flip Halfway Through – This ensures even cooking and crispiness on all sides.
✔️ Don’t Overcrowd – Air needs to circulate for the best results. If making several, cook in batches.
✔️ Reheat – To keep them crispy, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5 minutes instead of the microwave.
In the directions for just air fryer you specify a temp. of 400 degrees.
In the directions for microwave then air fryer you specify preheating the air fryer but DON’T give a temperature. I’m assuming it’s also 400 degrees?
This is the ONLY way to make a baked potato! Quicker, easier and more delicious than most other methods. Thanks!
You’re absolutely right! The air fryer should be preheated to 400°F for the microwave-then-air-fryer method as well. Thanks for catching that! I’ll update the instructions to make it clearer. And I totally agree—this is the best way to make baked potatoes! So glad you love the recipe. 😊🥔✨
I’ve just done this recipe/method. By FAR the best baked potatoes I’ve ever had. Thank you 👍👍👍
That makes me so happy to hear! Thank you for trying it—and I totally agree, air fryer baked potatoes hit different! So crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside… chef’s kiss!
In Wisconsin we would get what’s called potato skins. They were thick slices of potato cooked/baked ( I don’t know) and Served with sour cream, chives and bacon bits.
They are delish! I love potato skins. I do make my own Recipe: Air Fryer Potato skins