Freshly made air fryer baked potatoes are a simple delight. They come out warm with a crispy skin and a perfectly fluffy inside. This dish is great for a cozy family dinner or as a quick side for any meal. You can even dress them up with your favorite toppings!
Why You Will Love This air fryer baked potatoes
This recipe is a real winner. It’s incredibly easy to make and requires just a few everyday ingredients. The air fryer cuts down on cooking time, making it a fast option for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s family-friendly, so everyone can enjoy a soft, tender potato topped to their liking.
How to Make air fryer baked potatoes
Making these baked potatoes is straightforward. You’ll simply prepare the potatoes, season them lightly, and let the air fryer do all the work. It’s a hassle-free method that results in delicious potatoes without needing to heat up your oven.
What You Need
- 4 russet potatoes (6 to 8 ounces per potato)
- 1 tablespoon of neutral oil
- Coarse sea salt to your liking
Step-by-Step
Turn on your air fryer to 400 F. Rinse the 4 russet potatoes and use a vegetable scrubber to get rid of any grimes and mud. Tap them dry with paper towels and transfer them to a cutting board. Next, poke holes in each potato using a fork for ventilation. Coat the potatoes with a tablespoon of neutral oil and sprinkle with coarse sea salt all over the surface. If your air fryer basket is small, you can work in batches. Cook them for about 30 minutes.
When the timer goes off, check if they’re done by inserting a fork. If it doesn’t go in smoothly, cook for another 5 minutes and check again. Repeat until they’re cooked to your liking. Once finished, take the potatoes out of the air fryer and place them back on your cutting board. Cut a slit down the middle, but not too deep to cut them in half. Gently press the sides to widen the cut and let the steam escape. Fluff the insides with a fork, add your favorite toppings, and enjoy while they’re still warm!
How to Serve air fryer baked potatoes
These baked potatoes are versatile. You can enjoy them as a cozy side dish or a quick meal on their own. Top them with sour cream, cheese, chives, or bacon bits for a heartier option. They pair beautifully with grilled meats or a fresh salad for a well-rounded dinner.
How to Store air fryer baked potatoes
For any leftovers, simply store the baked potatoes in the fridge in an airtight container. They will keep well for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze them, wrap each potato tightly in foil and place them in a freezer bag. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes until heated through.
Recipe Tips
- Poke the potatoes well. This helps steam escape and prevents them from bursting.
- Adjust the cooking time based on the size of your potatoes.
- Don’t overcrowd your air fryer. If you have large potatoes, cook them in batches.
- For extra crispy skin, you can brush on a bit more oil halfway through cooking.
- Experiment with toppings! Try everything from chili to guacamole!
Variations & Swaps
- For a cheesy twist, add shredded cheese and pop them back in the air fryer to melt.
- Try adding spices like garlic powder or paprika to the oil coating for added flavor.
- For a healthier option, you can skip the oil and simply sprinkle the potatoes with your favorite seasonings.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the potatoes in advance and keep them in the fridge for a few days. Just reheat them in the air fryer when you’re ready to serve.
Can I freeze baked potatoes?
Absolutely! Just wrap each one individually and store them in the freezer. They will last a couple of months, but make sure to label them!
How do I reheat leftover baked potatoes?
Reheat them in the air fryer for best results. Set the temperature to around 350 F and heat for about 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through.
What can I use instead of neutral oil?
You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or melted butter if you prefer a different flavor. Just remember to keep it light so you don’t make the potatoes greasy.
What are some common mistakes to avoid?
Avoid not poking holes in the potatoes, as this can cause them to burst in the air fryer. Also, don’t overcrowd the basket; give them enough space for even cooking.
Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces russet potatoes (6 to 8 ounces per potato) Choose firm potatoes for the best results.
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil Can substitute with olive or avocado oil.
- to taste amount coarse sea salt Adjust based on preference.
Instructions
Preparation
- Turn on your air fryer to 400°F.
- Rinse the russet potatoes, scrub off any grimes and mud, and tap them dry with paper towels.
- Poke holes in each potato using a fork for ventilation.
- Coat the potatoes with the neutral oil and sprinkle with coarse sea salt all over the surface.
Cooking
- Cook in the air fryer for about 30 minutes. Check if they’re done by inserting a fork; if it doesn’t go in smoothly, cook for another 5 minutes.
- Once finished, remove the potatoes from the air fryer and place them back on the cutting board.
- Cut a slit down the middle but not too deep. Gently press the sides to widen the cut and let the steam escape.
- Fluff the insides with a fork, add your favorite toppings, and enjoy while they’re still warm.
