Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

Introduction

If you love baked potatoes but don’t want to wait an hour for the oven, the air fryer is the ultimate shortcut. These Air Fryer Baked Potatoes have perfectly crispy, golden skins with soft and fluffy centers — ready in about 40 minutes, no preheating the oven required.

This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or customizable side dishes. Top them with butter, sour cream, bacon, chives, or your favorite toppings, and you’ve got a hearty side (or even a main meal).

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Ingredients

• 4 medium russet potatoes (about 7–8 oz each)
• 1–2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp coarse salt
• Optional toppings: butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, bacon bits, green onions

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Timing

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 35–45 minutes
• Total Time: 40–50 minutes

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep Potatoes

• Scrub potatoes and pat dry.
• Rub with olive oil and sprinkle generously with salt.

Step 2: Air Fry

• Place potatoes in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them.
• Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 35–45 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Potatoes are done when skins are crispy and a fork slides in easily.

Step 3: Serve

• Slice open, fluff with a fork, and add your favorite toppings.

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Tips for Success

• Use russet potatoes for the fluffiest centers.
• Don’t overcrowd — air circulation is key for crispy skins.
• Adjust cook time by size: smaller potatoes may take 30 minutes, larger ones up to 50.
• For extra crispy skins, brush with oil halfway through.

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Nutrition (per serving, plain potato)

• Calories: 165
• Protein: 4g
• Carbs: 37g
• Fat: 0.2g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sodium: 5mg

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Variations

• Loaded Baked Potato: Top with sour cream, bacon, cheese, and chives.
• Tex-Mex Style: Add salsa, black beans, avocado, and jalapeños.
• Healthy Swap: Top with Greek yogurt and steamed broccoli.
• Twice-Baked: Scoop out centers, mix with cheese, bacon, and sour cream, refill skins, and air fry for 5 minutes.

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Serving Suggestions

• Pair with grilled steak or chicken for a classic dinner.
• Serve as a vegetarian main with a hearty topping like chili.
• Add to a baked potato bar at parties with different toppings.

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Storage & Reheating

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat in air fryer: 350°F for 5–7 minutes until hot and crisp again.
• Freezer: Not recommended — texture gets grainy.

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Conclusion

These Air Fryer Baked Potatoes give you the best of both worlds: crispy, golden skins and soft, fluffy insides — all in less time than the oven. They’re versatile, customizable, and sure to become a weeknight staple.

👉 Try them tonight and load them up with your favorite toppings!

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FAQs

Q1: Can I wrap them in foil like oven-baked potatoes?
No — foil prevents the skin from crisping. Air fryer potatoes don’t need foil.

Q2: What if my air fryer basket is small?
Cook in batches to allow proper air circulation.

Q3: Do I need to poke holes in the potatoes?
Yes, a few fork pricks help steam escape and prevent splitting.

Q4: Can I use sweet potatoes instead?
Absolutely! Cook at the same temperature, adjusting time (30–40 minutes depending on size).

Q5: How do I make them extra fluffy inside?
After cooking, slice open and let steam escape before adding toppings.