Air Fryer Baked Potato {The BEST Recipe}

Name: Air Fryer Baked Potato
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 50 min
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*)

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 on the outside and fabulously fluffy inside, the air fryer is hands down the best way to bake a spud I’ve encountered.

A crispy air fryer baked potato with bacon

I don’t dislike baked potatoes (especially not my classic Baked Potato), per se (I do after all 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 to keep 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).

An air fryer baked potato with butter on a plate

5 Star Review

“These potatoes were fabulous! It isn’t that much faster than cooking them in the oven – but they are so much better!”
— Stacy —

The air fryer itself also offers its own benefits (hence, my extensive collection of air fryer recipes).

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 prep time is roughly the same, the air fryer is typically quicker than the regular oven when it comes to cooking.
Less oil is needed to create that craveable, crispy skin exterior, making the air fryer a healthy cooking option for potatoes (like these Air Fryer Potato Wedges).

A fork cutting into an air fryer baked potato

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 fit to serve alongside your favorite Air Fryer Steak recipe.

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 on 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) or among diets that prefer to avoid carbohydrates. However, potatoes are actually packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants.

Substitution Tip

This method works well for russet potatoes, Idaho potatoes, and Yukon gold potatoes.

I do not recommend using it for baby potatoes, red potatoes, or new potatoes, as they will cook too quickly. Save those for Roasted Potatoes and Carrots.

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.

Topping Suggestions!

While I chose to go light on the toppings, you can add anything. Suggestions for some favorite toppings are bacon bits, green onion, garlic, shredded cheddar cheese, or even Instant Pot Chili! You could also add a healthy vegetable like Roasted Broccoli or Sautéed Mushrooms.

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), there are countless ways to enjoy air fryer baked potatoes. Here are a few of my favorite ideas:

Mashed Potatoes. Scoop out the insides. Add milk (or cream), seasonings, and herbs. For inspiration, check out my Crockpot Mashed Potatoes, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, and Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes.
Shepherd’s Pie. Use the insides of air fryer baked potatoes to top off a scrumptious Shepherd’s Pie or Vegetarian 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.

An air fryer baked potato with butter and bacon

Storage Tips

To Store. Refrigerate leftover baked potatoes in an airtight 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.

What to Serve with An Air Fryer Baked Potato

Main Dishes

Baked Fried Chicken

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Grilling

Grilled Pork Tenderloin

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Seafood

Buffalo Baked Salmon

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Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe

Air Fryer. Perfect for making air fryer baked potatoes.
Tongs. My choice for flipping 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!

Get on AMazon

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Steakhouse baked potato, schmeakhouse.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need to Wrap my Air Fryer Baked Potato in Foil?

No. Unlike Crockpot Baked Potatoes, wrapping the potatoes in foil in the air fryer isn’t needed.

Do I Need to Poke Holes in My Potatoes Before Air Frying?

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.

Can I Turn These into Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes?

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.)

What Types of Oil Can be Used in an Air Fryer?

Many types of oils can be used in an air fryer for baked potatoes. Olive oil is my go-to for this recipe (and air fryer recipes at 400 degrees or less). Otherwise, oils with a high smoke point, such as canola oil, avocado oil, grapeseed oil, and even cooking spray, are ideal.

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