This crispy air fryer baked potato is a game changer! It has a perfectly golden outside and fluffy inside, making it the ideal side dish for any meal.
Seriously, who doesn’t love a good baked potato? I often load mine up with butter and cheese, and let’s just say, it’s hard to stop at just one! 🤤
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Russet Potatoes: These are ideal for baking due to their starchy texture, which becomes fluffy inside. If you can’t find them, you could use Yukon Gold potatoes, but they will be creamier and less fluffy.
Olive Oil: This is great for crisping the skin. If you prefer a different flavor or want a lighter option, avocado oil is a good substitute here!
Salt and Black Pepper: They enhance the potatoes’ flavor. You can try garlic powder or smoked paprika for a twist, but remember to adjust the amounts to your taste.
Butter: While delicious, feel free to swap with a dairy-free option like vegan butter to keep it plant-based!
Optional Toppings: Toppings are where you can get creative. Try Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangy twist, and you can also use steamed broccoli or sautéed mushrooms as healthy toppings.
How Do You Get the Skin Extra Crispy in the Air Fryer?
The secret to a crispy potato skin lies in the poking and oiling steps before air frying. Poking holes allows steam to escape, which keeps the skin from becoming soggy. Remember to coat the potatoes evenly in olive oil; this adds flavor while promoting crispiness.
- Start by thoroughly washing and drying your potatoes. A dry surface helps the oil stick better.
- Poke multiple holes with a fork around each potato. Don’t skip this part!
- Coat them evenly with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Avoid overcrowding in the air fryer; this ensures proper air circulation and crispiness.
- Turn the potatoes halfway through to achieve even cooking. Monitor until they are fork-tender with a crispy skin—this usually takes around 35-40 minutes.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potatoes:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter (for serving)
Optional Toppings:
- sour cream
- chives
- cheese
- bacon bits
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep and around 35-40 minutes to cook, so you’ll need about 50 minutes in total. The best part? You’ll have delicious, crispy baked potatoes ready to enjoy in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Potatoes:
Start by giving the russet potatoes a good wash and scrub them under cold water to remove any dirt. Once they’re clean, dry them thoroughly with a towel. You want them dry so the skin crisps up nicely!
2. Poke and Season:
Grab a fork and poke several holes in each potato. This helps steam escape while they cook and ensures crispy skin. Next, rub each potato with olive oil to coat them evenly, and sprinkle on the salt and black pepper for some extra flavor.
3. Air Frying Time:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Once it’s hot, carefully place the potatoes in the air fryer basket, making sure they have some space around them. If you have a lot of potatoes, you can cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding.
4. Cooking the Potatoes:
Air fry the potatoes for 35-40 minutes. Don’t forget to turn them halfway through cooking so they cook evenly. You’ll know they’re ready when a fork goes in easily, and the skin is nice and crispy.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the potatoes are cooked, carefully take them out of the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. Cut each potato open and add a tablespoon of butter while it’s still warm, so it melts into the fluffy potato. Top with your favorite toppings like sour cream, chives, cheese, or bacon bits. Enjoy your crispy air fryer baked potatoes!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Yes, you can use different types of potatoes such as Yukon Gold or sweet potatoes. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary – sweet potatoes usually take a bit less time, around 30-35 minutes, so check for doneness a bit earlier!
What If My Potatoes Are Smaller?
If you’re using smaller potatoes, reduce the cooking time to about 25-30 minutes. Be sure to check their tenderness by poking them with a fork; they should be soft all the way through when done!
How Do I Store Leftover Baked Potatoes?
Store any leftover baked potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, put them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until heated through, helping to retain that crispy skin!
Can I Prepare the Potatoes in Advance?
Absolutely! You can wash, scrub, and oil the potatoes up to a day in advance. Just wrap them in plastic wrap and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before air frying to ensure even cooking.
