The Fastest Air Fryer Baked Potato
Introduction
Craving a perfectly baked potato without waiting an hour for the oven? The air fryer is your secret weapon! It crisps the skin beautifully while keeping the inside fluffy and soft—and it does it in a fraction of the time. Ideal for a quick weeknight side or a last-minute dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 medium russet potatoes
- 1–2 teaspoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- Optional toppings: butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, chives, bacon bits
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it heat for 3–5 minutes.
- Prepare the Potatoes: Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Season: Rub each potato with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt evenly.
- Air Fry: Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 30–35 minutes, turning halfway through for even cooking.
- Check for Doneness: Insert a fork or skewer into the center; it should slide in easily. If not, cook for an additional 5 minutes and recheck.
- Serve: Slice open and fluff with a fork, then top with your favorite toppings.
Description
This method produces baked potatoes with a delightfully crisp skin and fluffy, tender insides—all in under 40 minutes. Unlike traditional oven baking, the air fryer concentrates heat and circulation, reducing cooking time significantly without compromising texture or taste.
Tips
- For extra crispy skin, increase the temperature to 425°F (220°C) for the last 5 minutes.
- Pierce potatoes with a fork 2–3 times before cooking to avoid bursting.
- If cooking multiple potatoes, try to choose ones that are similar in size for even cooking.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness.
Common Mistakes / Corrections
- Too soft or undercooked inside: Make sure to use medium russet potatoes; smaller potatoes may cook too quickly, while large ones may need extra time.
- Skin not crispy: Don’t skip the olive oil rub, and avoid overcrowding the basket.
- Potatoes bursting: Always pierce the skin before air frying.
Enjoy
Serve immediately with butter, sour cream, cheese, or your favorite toppings and enjoy the quickest, fluffiest, and crispiest baked potato you’ll ever make!
