These crispy air fryer baked potatoes are a game-changer! With a crunchy skin and fluffy inside, they’re the ultimate comfort food that cooks up fast without needing to heat the oven.
And let’s not forget those toppings! Whether you like butter, cheese, or a mountain of sour cream, you can’t go wrong. I just love how easy they are to whip up on a busy day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Russet Potatoes: These potatoes are perfect for baking thanks to their starchy texture. If you can’t find russet, try using Yukon Golds for a creamier inside, or even sweet potatoes for a healthier twist.
Olive Oil: This adds flavor and helps the skin get crispy. If you’re out of olive oil, canola oil or avocado oil work just as well. They’ll give you that nice crispiness too.
Sea Salt: Sea salt enhances the flavor, but table salt is a good substitute if that’s what you have on hand. Just remember, it’s a bit finer, so use slightly less.
Butter: Classic for serving, but you can switch it up with sour cream or Greek yogurt if you prefer something lighter. They add a nice tang!
How Do I Get the Perfectly Crispy Skin on My Potatoes?
Achieving that crispy skin is all about the prep and cooking method. Here’s how to perfect it:
- Start with dry potatoes; moisture can hinder crisping.
- Poking holes lets steam escape, preventing sogginess.
- Coat them with oil; it’s essential for crispness. Don’t skip this step!
- Arrange them in the air fryer basket without crowding; air circulation is key for a nice, even cook.
- Flip halfway through cooking for consistent crispiness all around.
Following these steps will help you get those potatoes just right! Enjoy your crispy treat!
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potatoes:
- 4 medium russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Butter (for serving)
Optional Toppings:
- Sour cream
- Chives
- Shredded cheese
- Bacon bits
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 5 minutes for preparation and 35-40 minutes for cooking. In total, you’ll spend around 45-50 minutes to enjoy heaven in a potato!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures that the potatoes will cook evenly and get that lovely crispy skin.
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
Give the russet potatoes a good scrub under running water to remove any dirt. After that, pat them dry with a towel. This keeps the skin crispy!
3. Poke Those Potatoes:
Using a fork, poke several holes in each potato. This is super important because it allows steam to escape while they’re cooking and prevents any explosions!
4. Oil and Season:
Rub the olive oil all over your potatoes to coat them evenly. Next, sprinkle sea salt and black pepper over each potato and gently press it into the skin for flavor.
5. Air Frying Time:
Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded. Cook them for 35-40 minutes, flipping them halfway through until the skin is crispy and you can easily pierce the flesh with a fork.
6. Cool Down and Fluff:
Once they’re cooked, carefully take the potatoes out of the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. Then, cut a slit down the center of each potato and fluff up the insides with a fork to make it extra delicious!
7. Add Toppings and Serve:
Now comes the fun part! Add a pat of butter and any of your favorite toppings like sour cream, chives, cheese, or bacon bits. Serve warm, enjoy, and get ready to savor your crispy air fryer baked potatoes!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While russet potatoes are ideal for their fluffy interior and crispy skin, you can also use Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Just note that cook times may vary slightly; check for doneness with a fork.
What if I Don’t Have an Air Fryer?
No problem! You can bake the potatoes in a conventional oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 45-60 minutes. Wrap them in foil for a softer skin, or bake them directly for a crispier outer layer!
How to Store Leftover Baked Potatoes?
Store any uneaten baked potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through, or microwave them for a quicker option.
Can I Prepare the Potatoes Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the potatoes by washing, poking holes, and oiling them, then store them in the fridge for up to a day before cooking. Just bring them back to room temperature before air frying for even cooking!
