Of all the ways to cook a potato, I never thought a simple baked potato would be the method that moved me to use the word “transcendent,” yet here we are: Air Fryer Baked Potato. Shatteringly crisp outside, and fabulously fluffy inside, the air fryer is hands down the best way to bake a spud I’ve encountered.
I don’t dislike baked potatoes, per se (I do have a pulse).
Unlike Air Fryer French Fries or Oven Roasted Potatoes, however, I sought them more for the toppings (ahem, Air Fryer Bacon) than for the potato itself.
That is, until I tried baking a potato in my air fryer.
- The skin becomes devastatingly dark, shiny, and crisp.
- The inside steams into a downy pillow, primed for fluffing.
- I was so pleased with the air fryer potato’s texture, I was happy with keeping the potato toppings light (though of course you can take a note from this loaded Crockpot Potato Soup and gussy ‘em up as you wish).
The air fryer itself also offers its own benefits.
- The air fryer keeps the heat in your kitchen to a minimum, because it bakes the potato in a tidy space.
- Your regular oven stays free to use for other endeavors while the potatoes cook.
- The air fryer is quicker than the regular oven.
- Less oil is needed to create that craveable, crispy skin exterior, making the air fryer a healthy cooking option for potatoes.
How to Make Air Fryer Baked Potato Recipe
Only a little oil and a pinch of salt are needed to create a slam-dunk baked potato that’s even better than your favorite steak house.
Tip!
How long to cook a baked potato in the air fryer will vary based on your air fryer model and the size of the potato.
- Small to Medium Potato (8 to 12 ounces): Air fry for 35 to 45 minutes.
- Large Potato (12 ounces or more): Air fry for 45 to 55 minutes.
I tested this recipe as Ninja air fryer baked potatoes (this is my air fryer model).
Depending upon your model, you may need to adjust the cooking time. When in doubt, check early. You can always cook for longer, but an overcooked potato can’t be undone.
The Ingredients
- Russet Potato. Fluffy, starchy, and beloved. Potatoes get a bad wrap in the nutrition department, but that’s often due to the cooking method (ahem, fried). Potatoes are rich in vitamins and antioxidants.
- Olive Oil. Rubbing olive oil onto the outside of the potato helps the skin crisp up.
- Salt. Adds texture and flavor to the potato skin.
The Directions
- Scrub and dry the potatoes, then coat them with oil and salt. Prick holes all over with a fork. Place in air fryer basket.
- Air fry baked potatoes in a single layer for 25 minutes at 400 degrees F. Flip the potatoes.
- Air fry for 10 to 25 additional minutes until fork tender. Transfer to a plate.
- Cut and open the potatoes, add toppings, and DIG IN!
Ways to Use an Air Fryer Baked Potato
Aside from the obvious (serving it as a side dish), you can use your air fryer baked potato in a wide range of ways.
- Mashed Potatoes. Scoop out the insides. Add milk (or cream), seasonings, and herbs. For inspiration, check out my Crockpot Mashed Potatoes and Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes.
- Shepherd’s Pie. Use air fryer baked potatoes to top off a scrumptious shepherd’s pie.
- Baked Potato Boats. The potato is your vessel! Load yours up with any of your favorite ingredients for an all-in-one meal. I used sweet potatoes for my 5 Ingredient Mexican Stuffed Sweet Potatoes and Healthy Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potatoes, but you can use white potatoes for those recipes too.
- Potato Skins. Scoop out the insides (save them to serve under Braised Short Ribs later in the week), then you can have cheesy, crispy Potato Skins!
- Dip. Turn your baked potato into this crowd-pleasing Loaded Baked Potato Dip.
Storage Tips
- To Store. Refrigerate baked potatoes in an airtight storage container for up to 4 days.
- To Reheat. Rewarm leftovers in a baking dish in the oven at 350 degrees F or in the microwave.
- To Freeze. Freeze air fryer potatoes in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Meal Prep Tip
Up to 1 day in advance, scrub and dry the potatoes. Rub them with the oil and salt as directed. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to finish the recipe.
What to Serve with An Air Fryer Baked Potato
Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe
- Air Fryer. Perfect for making air fryer baked potatoes.
- Tongs. My choice for flippings the potatoes.
- Measuring Spoons. These double-sided spoons are so nice.
The Best Air Fryer
No matter which air fryer recipes you want to make, this model will do the trick. It has more room than standard air fryers too!
Steakhouse, schmeakhouse. We’ve got the best baked potato right here!
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Unlike Crockpot Baked Potatoes, wrapping the potatoes in foil in the air fryer isn’t needed.
Yes. While the risk of a potato exploding in the air fryer is very low, it doesn’t hurt to poke holes in it prior to air frying. This will allow the steam to escape.
Yes, I think these would be delicious air fryer twice baked potatoes. Once you’ve finished the recipe as directed, scoop out the insides and mix with butter, milk (or heavy cream), salt, and pepper. Divide the whipped potatoes between the skins. Air fry for about 4 minutes, then add cheese and cook for 1 to 2 minutes more. (Be sure to check out my Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes too.)
Different types of oil that can be used are not only olive oil but canola oil, avocado oil, grapeseed oil, even cooking spray can be used.
Air Fryer Baked Potato
Ingredients
- 2 large or 4 small russet potatoes as many as will fit in your air fryer in a single layer
- 1 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- Toppings of choice: butter nonfat plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream), chopped fresh chives, cooked and crumbled bacon*
Instructions
- Scrub and dry the potatoes. Rub evenly with the oil and sprinkle with salt. Pierce all over with a fork.
- Turn the air fryer to 400 degrees F. Add the potatoes in a single layer (do not let them touch or the skins will not crisp). Air fry the potatoes for 25 minutes. With tongs, carefully flip the potatoes over.
- Return the potatoes to the air fryer. Continue air frying for 10 to 25 minutes more, until the potatoes pierce easily with a fork (the total time will vary based upon the size of your potatoes). Remove to a plate.
- Once cool enough to handle, use a sharp knife to slit the potatoes lengthwise down the center and gently squeeze the sides to open. Add toppings of choice. Serve hot.
Notes
- *Use my easy recipes for Air Fryer Bacon or Oven Baked Bacon.
- TO STORE: Refrigerate baked potatoes in an airtight storage container for up to 4 days.
- TO REHEAT: Rewarm leftovers in a baking dish in the oven at 350 degrees F or in the microwave.
- TO FREEZE: Freeze potatoes in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition
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The only benefit this recipe has versus the oven is you leave your oven free. It’s nearly the same time (50 minutes of cook time but you have to flip them halfway so add in a few more minutes) versus 60 in the oven. You still just coat your baked potatoes in a thin layer or oil and salt in the oven.
Hi Adriana! I’m sorry to hear this wasn’t what you hoped for. I truly wish you would have loved it!
This article was a convoluted mess. Do you add the toppings to the potato in the air fryer? If not, how do you cook them? Clearly a Russet potato and any other potato require different cooking time and/or temp. The article is all over the place. Fortunately, I have an idea of what to do, but having recently purchased an air fryer, I was hoping for more specific instructions, which this did not provide.
Hi Christina! Did you see the step by step photos and instructions in the recipe card? Typically even when baking a potato in the oven, you do not add the toppings to your potato until it’s is completely cooked and out of the oven. The same goes for an air fried baked potato. Also I did not test this out on every single type of potato but there is an area called “TIP” that talks about size and adjusting the time. Right under that I go into Ingredients and specifically talk about using Russet potatoes and gave substitution suggestions, such as using Yukon Gold but not baby potatoes. I would suggest spending a few more minutes looking over the the blog post and recipe and I am sure you’ll find what you will need. Hope this helps!
Never tried a baked potato in Air Fryer before and thought I should give this a try. Potatoes turned out nice and crisp. I added mushrooms, green onions and favourite grated vegan cheese. I will use this recipe to make mashed potatoes next time.
Hi Jenniffer! So glad you enjoyed the chili! Thank you for this kind review!
Best baked potato I’ve ever made!! My husband said it was better than a steakhouse. I loved not heating up the kitchen too.
Hi Myla! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
I was confused about the part in the tips that said to reduce temp to 400 in the toaster oven style air fryer. The recipe already called for 400 degrees…?
Hi Heather! That is a mistake! Thanks for letting me know! I’ve fixed it now! Sorry for any confusion.
Wish I would have read this before I started dinner at 5:30. Did not realize it took that long. I will remember for next time, printing it out. KMC79, proud of you 👏🏻
Hope you enjoy it Ethel!
These potatoes were fabulous! It isn’t that much faster than cooking them in the oven – but they are so much better! I love your recipes!!
Hi Stacy!
It’s hot here and I didn’t want to heat up the oven. This was a perfect solution! The potatoes came out perfectly done. There were bug potatoes so I did 25 min, flip, then 20 min. It definitely would have taken over an hour in the oven to cook them. Thank you!!
Hi Paige! So glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for this kind review!