Crispy & Fluffy Air Fryer Baked Potatoes (Better Than Oven-Baked!)
If you love a classic baked potato with crispy skin and a fluffy, tender inside, you have to try making them in the air fryer. You are going to love air fryer baked potato! No more waiting an hour for the oven to heat up—this method gets you perfect potatoes, every single time, with way less hassle. Plus, you can customize them with your favorite seasonings to take your baked potato game to the next level.
Air Fryer Baked Potato
Air fryer baked potatoes are a total game-changer for busy weeknights or easy meal prep. Whether you’re loading them up with chili, butter and sour cream, or keeping it simple with a sprinkle of cheese, they’re so versatile. If you’re loving air fryer recipes, be sure to check out my air fryer chicken nuggets, air fryer frozen fries, and air fryer cheesy meatball even more easy dinner inspiration!
Once you try baked potatoes in the air fryer, there’s a good chance you’ll never want to go back to the oven. They come out perfectly crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside—just right for loading up with your favorite toppings. Whether you’re serving them with steak, grilled chicken, or ribs, they make an easy and satisfying side. And if you’re short on time, you can always check out how to make microwave baked potatoes for a quicker option!
What You’ll Love About This Air Fryer Baked Potato Recipe
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Super easy: Just a few basic ingredients and a push of a button.
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Faster than the oven: No need to preheat and wait around forever.
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Crispy skins, fluffy insides: The air fryer nails that perfect texture!
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Totally customizable: Season them however you like—simple salt or loaded up with herbs and spices.
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Perfect for meal prep: Make a batch and reheat all week long for easy lunches and dinners.
💡 Tips & Tricks
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Pick the right potatoes: Russet potatoes are best—they have thick skins and a starchy center that gets super fluffy.
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Don’t skip the oil or butter: It’s what gives you that crave-worthy crispy skin.
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Size matters: Bigger potatoes will need closer to 50 minutes, smaller ones could be done around 40 minutes. Always check with a fork for tenderness.
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Space them out: Make sure the potatoes aren’t touching in the air fryer so the hot air can circulate properly.
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Flavor boosters: Try different seasonings like smoked paprika, onion powder, or even ranch seasoning for fun twists!
❓ FAQ’s
Can I wrap the potatoes in foil?
Nope! Leave them unwrapped so the skins can crisp up properly. Foil will steam them instead.
Do I need to flip the potatoes halfway through?
It’s not absolutely necessary, but you can flip them once halfway if you want extra-even crisping.
How do I know when they’re done?
Give them a squeeze with tongs or stab with a fork—if they feel soft inside and the skin is crispy, they’re ready!
Can I reheat air fryer baked potatoes?
Yes! Just pop them back into the air fryer at 375°F for about 5–7 minutes, or microwave if you’re short on time.
Can I bake sweet potatoes this way too?
Absolutely! Just follow the same method—sweet potatoes might cook a little faster depending on their size.
Craving more tasty air fryer recipes
- Air Fryer Cheesy Meatballs | Here are some juicy and cheese-filled meatballs that are loaded with flavor. This meatball recipe was a huge hit in our home.
- The Best Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Wings | Whip these up for an easy dinner or appetizer to serve. Pair with your favorite dipping sauce and dive in.
- Air Fryer Crab Rangoons | Skip takeout and make your own crab rangoons at home. This recipe is so easy to make and these are highly addictive.
Give this baked potato recipe a try today. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy the best home-cooked baked potatoes!
Don’t Have An Air Fryer?
Baking in the Oven:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Potatoes: Scrub the potatoes clean and pat them dry with a paper towel. Prick each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Season the Potatoes (Optional): Rub the potatoes with a little olive oil or melted butter and sprinkle them with sea salt and any other desired seasonings, such as garlic powder or herbs.
- Bake the Potatoes: Place the seasoned potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Bake for 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes. They’re done when they’re easily pierced with a fork and the skin is crispy.
- Serve: Once baked, remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Cut a slit in the top of each potato and fluff the insides with a fork. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Cooking in the Microwave:
- Prepare the Potatoes: Scrub the potatoes clean and pat them dry with a paper towel. Prick each potato several times with a fork.
- Season the Potatoes (Optional): Rub the potatoes with a little olive oil or melted butter and sprinkle them with sea salt and any desired seasonings.
- Microwave: Place the seasoned potatoes on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high for 5 minutes.
- Flip and Microwave Again: Carefully flip the potatoes over and microwave for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, until they’re tender when pierced with a fork.
- Serve: Once cooked, let the potatoes cool for a few minutes before serving. Cut a slit in the top of each potato and fluff the insides with a fork. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Air Fryer Baked Potato
Air Fryer Baked Potatoes are the ultimate side dish. Crispy potato skin with fluffy potato inside. You will get the perfect baked potato every single time you bake one in the air fryer.
Ingredients
- 2 - 4 russet potatoes (scrubbed & rinsed)
- 1/2 TBSP Olive Oil or melted butter
- 1/2 TSP sea salt
- 1/2 TSP your favorite seasoning (I used a garlic & herb blend)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Prick the potatoes with a fork. Rub the potatoes with either oil or butter.
- Sprinkle with sea salt, garlic powder & your favorite seasoning.
- Air Fry at 400 degrees, set the time to * 40-50 minutes *(the larger the potato the longer it will take), touch START.
- When the display indicates “Add Food” place potatoes (unwrapped) on a tray. Close the door.
- When time ends carefully remove baked potatoes and serve.
Notes
*Time may vary based on size of your potato. Mine were fairly large (weighing 11.5 oz) potatoes vs small.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 210Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 528mgCarbohydrates: 37gFiber: 4gSugar: 2gProtein: 5g
I’m Melissa, the imaginative force behind Sparkles to Sprinkles, where creativity comes to life, and sprinkles of joy are scattered generously. Melissa is a proud Jersey girl who found love with a New York boy. As a mom to four wonderful boys and a few fur babies, her journey into the world of blogging began after making the life-changing decision to stay home and raise her children. Previously a dedicated workaholic, Melissa’s blog became her creative outlet and passion project. Inspired by her mother-in-law, a masterful cook renowned for her delicious home-cooked meals and legendary holiday feasts (think mouthwatering sausage stuffing), Melissa honed her culinary skills through a combination of family recipes and countless cooking classes. She often attended these classes with her son Michael, who shared her enthusiasm for cooking from a young age. Melissa’s love for learning extends beyond familiar cuisines, as she enjoys exploring international recipes in hands-on cooking classes. Her blog features a diverse array of recipes, showcasing her expertise with various kitchen appliances such as the Instant Pot, air fryer, Slow Cooker, Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex Plus, and more. Join Melissa on her culinary adventures as she shares tried-and-true family favorites alongside exciting new discoveries!
Will this work with an air fryer lid as used on an InstantPot?
Yes, you just may have to adjust the cook time. Just keep an eye on it as it is cooking.