Dinner

Air Fryer Baked Potato Recipe

Name: Air Fryer Baked Potato Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: PT-489407H50M31S
Total time: PT-489407H50M31S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 medium russet or Idaho potatoes (7 ounces each, washed and dried); Olive oil spray; 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt (divided); Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Sour cream; Greek yogurt; Butter; Chili; Chives; Broccoli and cheese

ByThomas Greene October 8, 2025October 8, 2025

Jump to Recipe

There is something incredibly satisfying about a perfectly cooked Air Fryer Baked Potato — crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, ready to be loaded with all your favorite toppings. This method brings out the best in a humble potato, making it a quick and foolproof side or even a main dish that feels comforting and fresh every single time. If you’re someone who loves the idea of a baked potato but hates waiting around for the oven to do its job, this recipe is going to become your new best friend.

Air Fryer Baked Potato Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully simple and focus on enhancing the natural flavor and texture of the potatoes. Each one plays a crucial role, from crisping the skin to seasoning the flesh, so you get that perfect balance of crispy and creamy in every bite.

4 medium russet or Idaho potatoes: Ideal for their starchy insides that turn fluffy when baked.
Olive oil spray: Helps the potato skin become wonderfully crispy without excess oil.
1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt: Adds just the right amount of savory flavor both inside and out.
Freshly ground black pepper: For an adjustable kick that wakes up the potato.
Optional toppings like sour cream, Greek yogurt, butter, chili, chives, broccoli, and cheese: These allow you to customize and dress up your Air Fryer Baked Potato in endless delicious ways.

How to Make Air Fryer Baked Potato

Step 1: Prep Your Potatoes

Begin by washing and drying your potatoes thoroughly. Using a fork, pierce each potato all over to allow steam to escape during cooking, ensuring that the inside cooks evenly and stays light and fluffy without bursting.

Step 2: Season and Oil

Spray each potato evenly with a few spritzes of olive oil spray. Then, sprinkle about a quarter teaspoon of Kosher salt on each one. This combination is the secret to that coveted crispy skin, adding subtle crunch and flavor without overpowering the potato’s natural taste.

Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection

Place the potatoes in a single layer inside your air fryer basket. Set the temperature to 400°F and cook them for about 35 to 40 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time. The goal is for a knife to slide in easily without resistance, signaling that the interior is perfectly tender.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once cooked, slice the potatoes open and season with additional salt and black pepper to taste. Top with your favorite toppings—whether that’s a pat of butter, a scoop of sour cream, fresh chives, or even chili and cheese. The beauty of the Air Fryer Baked Potato is how versatile it is to your taste buds.

How to Serve Air Fryer Baked Potato

Garnishes

The simplest garnishes can transform an Air Fryer Baked Potato from plain to spectacular. Classic options like butter and sour cream create creamy richness, while chopped chives or green onions add a fresh and slightly peppery bite. For extra indulgence, shredded cheese or crumbled bacon bits work wonders.

Side Dishes

This baked potato pairs beautifully with a wide variety of sides — from crisp green salads to roasted vegetables or hearty grilled meats. Because of its satisfying texture and flavor, it complements everything from weeknight dinners to weekend barbecue spreads effortlessly.

Creative Ways to Present

Feel like mixing things up? You can turn your Air Fryer Baked Potato into a loaded potato bar for parties, allowing everyone to customize their own with toppings ranging from chili and sour cream to steamed broccoli and cheese sauce. For a lighter twist, top with salsa, guacamole, or a spoonful of Greek yogurt.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Air Fryer Baked Potato leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the skin intact helps preserve the texture, so try to avoid peeling until you’re ready to reheat.

Freezing

Freezing baked potatoes isn’t ideal for retaining a crispy skin, but you can still freeze the insides if you scoop out the flesh. Place the scooped potato in a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. This is perfect for quick future meals where you reheat and add fresh toppings.

Reheating

To bring back that crispy skin, reheat your Air Fryer Baked Potato in the air fryer or a conventional oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. This revives the texture wonderfully compared to a microwave reheating, which tends to make the skin soggy.

FAQs

Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?

While russet or Idaho potatoes are best for baking due to their texture, you can experiment with Yukon Golds, but expect a slightly different consistency—less fluffy but still delicious.

Do I need to soak the potatoes before air frying?

There’s no need to soak them when making an Air Fryer Baked Potato. Just washing and drying will suffice to keep the skin crisp without extra prep time.

Is it necessary to turn the potatoes during cooking?

Turning the potatoes halfway ensures even cooking and crisping on all sides. Skipping this step could result in uneven texture.

Can I cook more than four potatoes at once?

You can, but make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Air needs to circulate properly for the potatoes to crisp up perfectly. Cook in batches if needed.

What are some healthy topping ideas for baked potatoes?

Greek yogurt, steamed broccoli, salsa, or fresh herbs like parsley and chives all add flavor without loading on excess calories, keeping your Air Fryer Baked Potato both nutritious and tasty.

Final Thoughts

The Air Fryer Baked Potato is a game changer for anyone craving that classic baked potato without the long wait. It’s simple, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable to your favorite toppings and meals. Give it a try—you might just find it becoming a staple in your cooking routine as it did in mine!