Name: Air Fryer Baked Potato – Crispy Skin & Fluffy Inside Every Time
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: AMERICAN
Ingredients: 2 large russet potatoes (or more, depending on air fryer size); 1 tbsp olive oil; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; Optional: garlic powder, smoked paprika, or seasoning of choice

Air Fryer Baked Potato – Crispy Skin & Fluffy Inside!

If you’ve never made a baked potato in the air fryer, you’re in for a treat! This method gives you perfectly crispy skin while keeping the inside soft and fluffy—all in less time than a traditional oven. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or a simple side dish, air fryer baked potatoes are effortless and delicious every time.

My Experience with Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

I used to bake my potatoes in the oven, but I never loved the long cooking time and inconsistent textures. When I discovered the air fryer method, I was amazed! Not only did the potatoes cook faster, but they also had the crispiest skin—just like restaurant-style baked potatoes. I tested different temperatures and cooking times and found the perfect way to get crispy, golden skin with a soft, pillowy interior.

I’ve also found that air fryer baked potatoes reheat beautifully, making them a great meal prep option. You can cook a batch at the beginning of the week and enjoy them in different ways—stuffed with eggs for breakfast, topped with chili for lunch, or loaded with your favorite toppings for dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Crispy, Golden Skin – Just the right crunch with every bite.
✔️ Soft & Fluffy Inside – The perfect texture for butter, cheese, or toppings.
✔️ Faster Than the Oven – No need to wait an hour; the air fryer speeds things up!
✔️ Foolproof & Easy – Just season, pop in the air fryer, and enjoy!
✔️ Customizable – Load them up with your favorite toppings.
✔️ Perfect for Meal Prep – Make ahead and reheat for quick meals.

How to Make Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

Find the full recipe with measurements in the recipe card below.

Ingredients:

2 large russet potatoes (or more, depending on air fryer size)
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
Optional: garlic powder, smoked paprika, or seasoning of choice

Instructions:

Prep the Potatoes: Scrub the potatoes clean and pat them dry with a paper towel.
Season: Rub each potato with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings.
Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Air Fry: Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 35-45 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Check for Doneness: Pierce with a fork—if it slides in easily, the potatoes are done. If not, cook for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Serve & Enjoy: Slice open, fluff with a fork, and add your favorite toppings!

Best Toppings for Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

These crispy, fluffy potatoes are delicious on their own, but even better with toppings like:

Classic: Butter, sour cream, chives, shredded cheese, and bacon bits.
Tex-Mex: Salsa, black beans, guacamole, and jalapeños.
Loaded BBQ: Pulled pork, BBQ sauce, cheddar cheese, and green onions.
Healthy: Greek yogurt, avocado, or cottage cheese for a protein-packed option.
Buffalo Style: Shredded chicken, hot sauce, ranch, and blue cheese crumbles.
Mediterranean: Hummus, feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, and olives.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

Choose the Right Potatoes: Russet potatoes work best—they have the ideal texture for baking.
Don’t Skip the Oil: A light coating of oil helps crisp up the skin beautifully.
Avoid Overcrowding: Give the potatoes space in the basket so they cook evenly.
Size Matters: If using smaller potatoes, reduce the cooking time by 5-10 minutes.
For Extra Crispy Skin: Increase the air fryer temp to 425°F for the last 5 minutes.
Pierce or Not? Some prefer to pierce their potatoes with a fork before cooking, but it’s not necessary in the air fryer since the circulating air cooks them evenly.

Ways to Use Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

Baked Potato Bar: Set up a variety of toppings for a fun DIY meal.
Twice-Baked Potatoes: Scoop out the inside, mix with cheese, bacon, and sour cream, then stuff back in and air fry again.
Breakfast Stuffed Potatoes: Fill with scrambled eggs, sausage, and cheese.
Mashed Potatoes: Use the baked potatoes to make creamy mashed potatoes with minimal effort.
Potato Skins: Scoop out some of the flesh, crisp up the skins in the air fryer, and fill with toppings.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to bake a potato in the air fryer?
Typically 35-45 minutes at 400°F, depending on size. Check for doneness by piercing with a fork.

Can I cook multiple potatoes at once?
Yes! Just make sure they aren’t touching to allow proper airflow for even cooking.

Do I need to poke holes in the potatoes before air frying?
It’s not necessary, but if you prefer, you can poke a few holes with a fork to release steam.

Can I reheat baked potatoes in the air fryer?
Absolutely! Reheat at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until warm and crispy again.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer for best texture.

Can I use different types of potatoes?
Yes! While russet potatoes are ideal, you can use Yukon Gold or red potatoes, though they may have a creamier texture instead of a fluffy one.

Final Thoughts

Air fryer baked potatoes are a game-changer for anyone who loves a crispy, fluffy, perfectly cooked potato without the long wait. Whether you serve them as a side dish, a meal base, or a snack, they’re effortless and endlessly customizable.

The crispy skin and soft, steamy interior make them irresistible. Plus, they’re healthier than deep-fried potatoes and require minimal ingredients. From busy weeknights to family gatherings, air fryer baked potatoes will quickly become a kitchen staple.

Give this easy method a try, and I guarantee you’ll never go back to the oven again!