Of all the ways to describe a simple baked potato, I never thought I’d use the word “transcendent” 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 cook a potato. It bakes in half the time, you don’t need to wait for the oven to preheat, and the results are potato perfection!
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Baked Potato Recipe
- The Potato Itself is Delish. Sometimes a Baked Potato is more about toppings (ahem, Air Fryer Bacon) than the potato itself. Not so when you make baked potatoes in the air fryer! The skin becomes devastatingly shiny and crisp, with very little oil, and the inside steams into a downy pillow.
- Faster Than the Oven. Baked potatoes cook faster in the air fryer than in a traditional oven. Plus, they keep your oven free so you can cook a main (like baked chicken breast) or make some Baked Bacon to top them off! I’ve found myself making Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes more for the same reason. If you’re looking for the oven sweet potatoes, check out How to Bake a Sweet Potato.
- Baked Potatoes Make a Fabulous Side Dish. While potato finger food is fun (especially Air Fryer French Fries and Air Fryer Potato Wedges), there’s something about a classic baked potato side dish that hits the spot. Plus, they go with just about any protein, from Baked Salmon to Air Fryer Steak.
- Or, Turn them Into a Main. Top them off with Turkey Chili or Vegetarian Chili, Crockpot BBQ Chicken, or Instant Pot Refried Beans and Homemade Guacamole.
5 Star Review
“These potatoes were fabulous! [Compared to cooking in the oven] they are so much better!”
— Stacy —
How Long to Cook Baked Potatoes in the Air Fryer
The cooking time for your air fryer baked potato will vary based on your air fryer model and the size of the potato. Here’s a guideline:
- 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 in my Ninja air fryer; 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.
How to Make the Best Air Fryer Baked Potato Ever
The Ingredients
For the Air Fryer Potato
- Russet Potato. Russets (a.k.a. Idaho potatoes) make the fluffiest baked potatoes because they are extra starchy. Yukon golds are another good choice—they’ll be a little more creamy and less fluffy than russets since they are a waxier potato, but their buttery flavor makes up for it.
- 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.
Toppings
- Loaded. You can’t go wrong with bacon, shredded cheddar, chives or green onion, and sour cream!
- Classic. Butter, salt, and pepper is timeless for a reason.
- Broccoli Cheese. Try with Roasted Broccoli or Sautéed Broccoli and cheddar.
- Mushroom Swiss. Add Sautéed Mushrooms or Roasted Mushrooms and Swiss cheese.
The Directions
- Scrub and Dry the Potatoes. Coat them with oil and salt. Prick holes all over with a fork. Place in air fryer basket.
- Air Fry. Air fry baked potatoes in a single layer for 25 minutes at 400 degrees F. Flip the potatoes.
- Air Fry. Air fry for 10 to 25 additional minutes until fork tender. Transfer to a plate.
- Serve. 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.
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
- Chicken. Crispy chicken like Chicken Cordon Bleu or Baked Fried Chicken is especially yummy with baked potatoes.
- Pork. Grilled Pork Tenderloin or Stuffed Pork Chops hit the spot with an air fryer baked potato.
- Fish. Especially “meaty” fish like Baked Salmon or Grilled Swordfish.
- Chili. Smother your air fryer potato with Green Chili, Pumpkin Chili, or even White Chicken Chili for a fun, filling meal.
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.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Use the Right Potatoes. I do not recommend using this recipe for baby potatoes, red potatoes, or new potatoes, as they will cook too quickly (save those for Roasted Potatoes and Carrots). See the blog post above for my recommendations.
- Poke Holes in Your Potato. The odds of your potato exploding in the air fryer are extremely low, but poking holes is a simple way to ensure the odds are zero. Plus, the holes allow steam to escape during cooking.
- Bring on the Toppings! The true beauty of an air fryer baked potato (aside from its perfect texture, of course) is its ability to be topped however each person wishes. Provide everyone with topping options and let the personalization begin!
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°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°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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Sign Me UpFrequently 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.)
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.
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!
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!!
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!
Hi Erin, always enjoy your recipes and information you provide.
I have a Breville toaster oven with air fryer basket. How long do you think for making the potatoes this way?
Thanks so much.
Marcia
Hi Marcia! The time should be the same. Hope you enjoy it!