Make perfectly crispy skin and fluffy interior baked potatoes quickly in your air fryer. This simple technique saves time compared to the oven and creates a fantastic side dish or base for loaded potatoes.
Author:ava_sinclair
Prep Time:5 min
Cook Time:40 min
Total Time:45 min
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Side Dish
Method:Air Frying
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
4 medium Russet potatoes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon coarse salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Instructions
Scrub the potatoes well under running water. Dry them completely with a paper towel.
Pierce each potato deeply 6 to 8 times all around using a fork. This allows steam to escape.
In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, coarse salt, black pepper, and garlic powder if using.
Rub the oil and seasoning mixture evenly over the entire surface of each potato, focusing on getting salt into the pierced holes for crispy skin.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch if possible. Work in batches if necessary.
Air fry for 35 to 45 minutes, flipping the potatoes halfway through the cooking time. The exact time depends on the size of your potatoes and your air fryer model.
Check for doneness by inserting a fork or knife into the center; it should slide in with no resistance. The skin should be visibly crisp.
Remove from the air fryer. Slice open the top lengthwise and gently squeeze the sides to fluff the interior before serving with your favorite toppings.
Notes
For the best crispy skin, ensure the potatoes are completely dry before applying the oil and salt.
If you are making loaded baked potatoes, consider adding toppings like cheese, bacon bits, or sour cream during the last 2 minutes of cooking to warm them through.
This method is a fast oven baked potato alternative for weeknight potato dinner ideas.