This Crispy Air Fryer Baked Potato is a game-changer! With a fluffy inside and a perfectly crispy skin, it’s the best of both worlds, all in a fraction of the time!
Who doesn’t love a baked potato that’s ready in a snap? I like to top mine with butter and cheese. It’s the kind of comfort that makes you feel at home. 🥔❤️
Ingredients & Substitutions
Russet Potatoes: These are ideal for baking due to their starchy texture. If they’re not available, you can use Yukon Gold potatoes, which are slightly creamier, or red potatoes for a different flavor.
Olive Oil: This adds flavor and helps achieve that crispy skin. You can use avocado oil or melted butter if you’re looking for alternatives.
Sea Salt: This enhances the flavor. If you prefer, you can swap it for kosher salt or any coarse salt you have on hand. Just adjust the amount to taste.
Toppings: Get creative! If you’re dairy-free, try using vegan butter or dairy-free sour cream. For a healthier option, consider Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
How Do You Get Crispy Skins on Baked Potatoes in an Air Fryer?
Achieving crispy skins is the highlight of this recipe! Here are some important steps:
- Preheat the air fryer—it helps create a perfect crisp.
- Scrub and dry the potatoes well. Moisture will hinder the crisping!
- Prick the potatoes to allow steam to escape—this prevents bursts.
- Coat with olive oil to help the salt stick and create a crispy exterior.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer; give them room to circulate air for even cooking.
- Turning them halfway ensures all sides get crispy.
Let the potatoes cool slightly before slicing them open to add toppings, which prevents burning your hands! Enjoy the crispiness!
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 medium-sized russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- Optional toppings: butter, sour cream, chives, cheese, bacon bits, etc.
How Much Time Will You Need?
This crispy air fryer baked potato recipe takes about 5 minutes to prep and approximately 40 minutes to cook, making the total time about 45 minutes. It’s a quick and easy way to enjoy perfectly cooked potatoes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Let it heat up for about 5 minutes while you prepare the potatoes.
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
While the air fryer is heating, scrub the potatoes under running water to remove any dirt. After washing, pat them dry with a towel to make sure they are nice and clean.
3. Prick the Potatoes:
Take a fork and prick each potato several times. This helps the steam escape while they cook, preventing them from bursting.
4. Coat with Olive Oil and Salt:
Rub the potatoes with olive oil, making sure to coat the skins evenly. This will help create that crispy outer layer. After that, sprinkle sea salt generously all over the potatoes for flavor.
5. Air Fry the Potatoes:
Carefully place the potatoes in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overcrowded; if needed, cook them in batches. Set the timer for 35-40 minutes. Don’t forget to turn the potatoes halfway through for even cooking!
6. Check for Doneness:
After the cooking time, check if the potatoes are done. The skins should be crispy, and a fork should easily pierce through the flesh. If they are not quite ready, give them a few more minutes.
7. Dress and Serve:
Once cooked, carefully remove the potatoes from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. Slice them open and load them up with your favorite toppings—think butter, sour cream, chives, cheese, or crispy bacon bits. Serve hot and enjoy your crispy air fryer baked potatoes!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While russet potatoes are the best for a fluffy interior and crispy skin, you can use Yukon Gold or even sweet potatoes. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary; keep an eye on them to make sure they’re tender all the way through!
What If I Don’t Have Olive Oil?
No problem! You can substitute olive oil with any other cooking oil like vegetable oil, canola oil, or avocado oil. Each will give a slightly different flavor, but your potatoes will still come out delicious.
How Can I Make These Potatoes in Advance?
You can prep the potatoes a day ahead by scrubbing and pricking them, then store them in the fridge. You can also cook them in advance; just reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore the crispy texture.
How to Store Leftover Baked Potatoes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, toss them back into the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through and crispy again!
