These Air Fryer Baked Potatoes have wonderfully crispy, salty skins and a soft, fluffy center. They’re quick, easy, and make the perfect side dish for steak, chicken, or just about any dinner!
🛒 Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper, optional
🧈 For Serving
- Butter
- Sour cream
- Chopped chives or green onions
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Cooked bacon bits, optional
- Black pepper
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
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1. Wash the potatoes
Scrub the potatoes thoroughly under cool running water to remove any dirt.
Pat them completely dry with paper towels.
2. Pierce the potatoes
Using a fork, poke each potato several times all around.
This allows steam to escape while they cook.
3. Season the skins
Rub each potato lightly with olive oil.
Sprinkle generously with salt and add a little black pepper if desired.
The oil and salt are what give the skins that delicious crispy texture.
4. Preheat the air fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3–5 minutes, if your model requires preheating.
5. Air fry
Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 35–45 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes.
Turn them halfway through cooking for more even browning.
6. Check for doneness
Insert a fork or thin knife into the center of the largest potato.
It should slide in easily with very little resistance.
If the potatoes are still firm, continue cooking for another 5–10 minutes.
7. Open the potatoes
Carefully remove the hot potatoes from the air fryer.
Make a deep slit lengthwise across the top of each potato.
Gently squeeze the ends to open them and fluff the center with a fork.
8. Add butter
Place a generous pat of butter inside each potato and let it melt into the fluffy center.
Sprinkle with a little extra salt and pepper.
9. Add your favorite toppings
Finish with sour cream, shredded cheese, chives, green onions, or crispy bacon.
Serve immediately while the potatoes are hot and fluffy. 🥔🧈
⭐ Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Potatoes
- Russet potatoes work especially well because they have a fluffy interior and naturally crisp skin.
- Make sure the potatoes are completely dry before adding oil.
- Don’t wrap them in foil—the foil prevents the skin from becoming crispy.
- Choose potatoes that are similar in size so they finish cooking at about the same time.
- For extra-crispy skin, use a little more salt and make sure every potato is lightly coated with oil.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 35–45 minutes
Total Time: 40–50 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy 🥔✨
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