Air Fryer Baked Potato

This air fryer baked potato recipe is quick and easy to make. The results are always perfect! With a crispy skin and fluffy interior, this side dish is perfect for any occasion. In addition, baked potatoes are versatile and can be paired with a variety of toppings to suit your taste preferences. This easy and simple recipe is made with only 2 ingredients!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• This air fryer baked potato recipe is a game changer.
• No need to turn on the oven.
• Check out these Air Fryer Hash Browns too!
• The air fryer makes the potato skin extra crispy.
• The insides are soft and fluffy.
• An air fryer is much smaller than an oven. No need to heat up the whole kitchen when baking potatoes.
• Baked potatoes are versatile.
• Serve with a variety of toppings and flavors.
• Great as a side dish or the base of a larger meal.
• This recipe is Whole30 compliant, Paleo, gluten free, dairy free, vegan, egg free, nut free and sugar free.
• Check out these Creamy Mashed Potatoes or these Vegan Mashed Potatoes for another great side dish!

Ingredients & Substitutions

These are the main ingredients and substitutions for air fryer baked potato. Scroll down to the recipe card for full ingredients list and instructions.

First, use Russet potatoes. Russet potatoes have a high starch content. Thus, they become soft and fluffy when baked. For sweet potatoes, make these Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries!

If you do not have Russet potatoes, the second best option is Yukon gold potatoes.

This recipe also works with sweet potatoes.

A pinch of sea salt makes the skin crispy and salty.

Lastly, spray with nonstick spray before air frying. Use olive oil spray or avocado oil spray.

What are Baked Potatoes?

Baked potatoes are a classic side dish that have been enjoyed for generations. They are made by baking a potato until the skin is crispy and the interior is fluffy.

Baked potatoes are typically served as a side dish, but they can also be the star of the show when topped with a variety of ingredients.

They are also incredibly easy to make and require just a few simple ingredients.

Baked potatoes originated in the Andes Mountains of South America, where potatoes were first domesticated over 7000 years ago.

The Incas of Peru are supposedly the first to cultivate potatoes. They cooked them in pits in the ground.

The practice of baking potatoes in ovens apparently originated in the United Kingdom in the 19th century.

Taste & Texture

These baked potatoes in the air fryer taste like classic baked potatoes. They have a mild taste. The flavor comes from the toppings.

The potato skin is salty and crispy. The insides are soft and fluffy. These potatoes have a creamy and somewhat dense texture.

How to Make

Step 1

First, wash and pat dry potatoes.

Step 2

Use fork to pierce holes all over potatoes. Place in the air fryer.

Step 3

Spray potatoes generously with nonstick spray. Sprinkle sea salt all over potatoes.

Step 4

Air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes. Carefully flip and air fry another 10 to 20 minutes.

Step 5

Finally, remove baked potatoes from air fryer. Carefully slice open. Top with butter, sour cream, bacon or fresh herbs if desired.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Choose the right potato. Russet potatoes are the best potatoes for baking. They have a high starch content that makes them fluffy when baked.

Pierce the potato. Before air frying, pierce the potato several times with a fork.

If your air fryer requires preheating, then preheat to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Coat the potato with nonstick spray. Spraying the potato with a thin layer of nonstick spray before cooking will yield a crispy skin.

Flip the potato. A little more than halfway through the cooking process, flip the potato over to ensure even cooking on both sides.

Check for doneness. The cooking time for air fryer baked potatoes can vary depending on the size of the potato and the wattage of your air fryer.

Check for doneness by inserting a fork into the potato. If the fork goes in easily and the potato feels soft, it is done. If the potato feels firm, continue cooking.

Toppings & Flavor Variations

Air fryer baked potatoes are incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of toppings. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

1. Classic toppings: Butter, sour cream, and chives are classic toppings for baked potatoes. Simply add a little butter, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of chives to the top of your baked potato.
2. Cheese: Add your favorite shredded cheese to the top of your baked potato and melt it in the air fryer for a few minutes.
3. Chili: Top your baked potato with your favorite chili recipe for a hearty and filling meal.
4. Bacon: Crumble crispy bacon on top of your baked potato for added flavor and texture.
5. Vegetables: Sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, and steamed broccoli are all delicious toppings for baked potatoes.
6. Garlic: Rub your baked potato with garlic butter for added flavor.
7. Rosemary: Add a sprinkle of rosemary to your baked potato for a fragrant and earthy flavor.
8. Spices: Mix together a variety of spices, such as paprika, cumin, and chili powder, and rub them on your baked potato for added flavor.

How to Serve & Store

Serve air fryer baked potatoes hot and fresh! They are best when enjoyed immediately.

Top with sour cream, butter, bacon and herbs if desired.

Baked potatoes can be eaten as a side dish or main meal.

As a side dish, serve with filet mignon, chicken breast, mac and cheese, sausage, or other protein.

For a main meal, top with chili, Sloppy Joes or carnitas.

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.

To reheat, add to air fryer for 3 to 4 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Equipment Needed

Air Fryer: This air fryer is easy to use and great for this recipe!

You May Also Like

• Baked Sweet Potato Slices
• Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
• Mexican Potatoes
• Sous Vide Potatoes
• Green Beans and Potatoes

If you make this air fryer baked potato recipe, I would really appreciate a review! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Join my exclusive Facebook Group for a behind the scenes look. I would love for you to follow along!  For more ideas, check out these Side Dish recipes.

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