This crispy air fryer baked potato is a game-changer! It gets that perfect golden skin outside while the inside stays fluffy and soft. It’s super simple to make.
I love loading mine up with butter, cheese, and sour cream. Who can resist a warm, tasty potato? Plus, no waiting around for the oven! Just pop it in, and you’ll have a delicious side dish in no time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are perfect for this recipe due to their creamy texture. If you can’t find these, red potatoes work too, but they won’t be as fluffy. I prefer Yukon Gold for their buttery taste.
Olive Oil: Olive oil gives a nice flavor and helps crisp the skin. If you’re out of olive oil, avocado oil or canola oil can work as alternatives. Just keep in mind that flavored oils might change the taste slightly.
Sea Salt & Black Pepper: These are key to enhancing the potato’s natural flavor. If you’re watching your sodium, try using a salt substitute or seasoning blend that doesn’t use salt. For a kick, add some garlic powder!
Optional Toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings! Other favorites are Greek yogurt instead of sour cream or even salsa for a fresh twist. I like to use chives for color and flavor, but any herbs will do!
How Do You Get the Perfectly Crispy Skin on Air Fryer Potatoes?
Getting that crunchy skin is all about the coating and cooking process. Start with dry potatoes, as moisture can soften the skin. Make sure to prick the potatoes well with a fork; this allows steam to escape and prevents them from bursting in the fryer.
- After washing, dry the potatoes with a towel. This helps the oil adhere.
- Rub olive oil generously on each potato. The oil is key for that sought-after crispiness.
- Don’t skimp on the salt and pepper! This seasoning should stick to the oily surface. Press it in gently.
- Ensure there’s space between the potatoes in the air fryer. This allows hot air to circulate, giving even cooking.
- Flip the potatoes halfway through cooking for that uniform golden color.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potatoes:
- 4 medium Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Butter (for serving)
Optional Toppings:
- Sour cream
- Chives
- Cheese
- Bacon bits
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 35-40 minutes to cook, totaling around 50 minutes. You’ll spend a bit of time washing, seasoning, and cooking the potatoes, and then enjoy them with your favorite toppings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Wash and Prepare the Potatoes:
Start by washing the potatoes thoroughly under running water. Make sure to scrub their skin gently to remove any dirt. Once clean, dry them completely with a clean towel to ensure they crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
2. Prick and Season the Potatoes:
Using a fork, prick each potato several times. This helps steam escape during cooking. Next, rub the potatoes all over with olive oil, making sure they are evenly coated. Then, sprinkle sea salt and black pepper generously over the skin, pressing it in slightly for good flavor.
3. Cook the Potatoes in the Air Fryer:
Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them for air circulation. Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook for about 35-40 minutes. Remember to flip the potatoes halfway through the cooking time to ensure they cook evenly. After 35-40 minutes, check if the potatoes are tender by piercing them with a fork; if they still feel firm, cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until soft.
4. Serve and Enjoy!
Once cooked, take the potatoes out of the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. Then, slice them open and add a pat of butter. Feel free to top them with any of your favorite toppings like sour cream, chives, cheese, or bacon bits. Serve them hot and enjoy your delicious crispy air fryer baked potatoes!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes work best for crispy baked potatoes, you can use other varieties like red potatoes or sweet potatoes. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so check for doneness by piercing them with a fork.
What if I Don’t Have an Air Fryer?
No problem! You can still make crispy baked potatoes in a conventional oven. Preheat it to 425°F (220°C) and bake the potatoes for about 45-60 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Follow the same preparation steps for washing, pricking, and seasoning!
How to Store Leftover Baked Potatoes?
Store any leftover baked potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place them in the microwave or return them to the air fryer or oven until heated through—this will help restore some of their crispiness!
Can I Prep The Potatoes Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the potatoes a few hours ahead by washing, drying, pricking, and seasoning them. Wrap them in plastic wrap and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to air fry. Just make sure to bring them to room temperature before cooking for the best results.
