Name: Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 4 pcs medium/large russet potatoes; 1-2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 0.5 tablespoon coarse salt (use kosher or sea salt); 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper

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There’s nothing quite like the satisfying crunch of a perfectly baked potato, and when you toss that into an air fryer, magic happens. My journey with air fryer baked potatoes began out of convenience—busy weeknights and a desire for a wholesome, comforting meal. They’re the ideal side dish for everything from grilled meats to hearty salads or enjoyed solo with a little butter and seasoning. Plus, these potatoes come together so quickly, I often find myself making them on a whim, and they never disappoint.

Why you’ll love this dish

You might wonder, what sets air fryer baked potatoes apart from their oven-baked counterparts? For starters, they are incredibly quick and incredibly crispy, yet retain that fluffy interior that makes potatoes so delightful. This dish is budget-friendly, requiring just a handful of staple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy weekend brunch, they fit seamlessly into any meal and are sure to earn rave reviews from kids and adults alike.

“These air fryer baked potatoes are a game-changer! Perfectly crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. I’ll never bake potatoes any other way!” – Satisfied Home Cook

Preparing Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

Before diving into the cooking process, let me give you a quick overview: First, you’ll clean and prepare the potatoes, followed by giving them a gentle massage with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Finally, they go into the air fryer for that golden-brown magic. That’s right; it’s really that simple, and the results are fantastic.

What you’ll need

To make these delicious air fryer baked potatoes, gather the following ingredients:

4 medium/large russet potatoes
1-2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/2 tablespoon coarse salt (use kosher or sea salt)
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Feel free to use other varieties of potatoes depending on your preference; just be mindful that different types may yield varied cooking times.

Step-by-step instructions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these straightforward steps to achieve the perfect air fryer baked potatoes:

Clean your potatoes: Thoroughly wash and dry the russet potatoes to remove any dirt.
Oil them up: Place the potatoes in a bowl, drizzle the olive oil over them, and rub it into the skins using your hands for a nice even coating.
Season generously: Sprinkle the coarse salt and ground black pepper over the potatoes. Turn them several times to ensure each potato is well coated.
Air fry away: Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 400°F (200°C). Cook for about 35-40 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

Best ways to enjoy it

Now that your air fryer baked potatoes are perfectly cooked, consider serving them with some delicious accompaniments. A dollop of sour cream, chives, or even some melted cheese can elevate this simple dish. They also pair wonderfully with various proteins like grilled chicken or steaks, or even as a hearty base for a loaded potato mix with toppings like bacon, cheese, and broccoli.

Storage and reheating tips

If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare, but it happens), you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain that desired crispiness, or pop them in the microwave if you’re in a hurry.

For longer storage, you can freeze baked potatoes wrapped in aluminum foil or freezer bags for up to three months. Just remember, thawing them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating will yield the best results!

Helpful cooking tips

Here are a few pro tips to ensure your air fryer baked potatoes turn out splendidly:

Choose the right potatoes: Opt for russet potatoes for their starchy texture, which gives you that light and fluffy inside.
Don’t skip the oil: It aids in achieving that desirable crisp on the skin.
Try pricking them: Some cooks swear by pricking potatoes with a fork before cooking to allow steam to escape; it’s worth a try for even better results.

Creative twists

Feeling adventurous? Here are some creative variations to try:

Loaded potato skins: After baking, scoop out the insides and mix with cheese, sour cream, and bacon bits before stuffing them back into the skins and returning them to the air fryer to crisp.
Spicy twist: Add chili powder or smoked paprika to the oil before applying it to the potatoes for a zesty kick.
Herbaceous delight: Experiment with fresh herbs; rosemary or thyme can add an aromatic depth to your potatoes.

Your questions answered

Q: How long does it take to cook air fryer baked potatoes?
A: Typically, it takes about 35-40 minutes at 400°F (200°C), but this can vary based on the size of your potatoes.

Q: Can I use different types of potatoes?
A: Yes! While russets are ideal for their texture, you can use red or Yukon gold potatoes, just adjust the cooking time as necessary.

Q: What should I do if the skins aren’t crispy enough?
A: If your skins aren’t crispy, consider adding a bit more oil and cooking them an additional 5-10 minutes in the air fryer.

Q: How do I know when the potatoes are done?
A: They’re done when the skins are golden-brown and a fork easily pierces the flesh.

With this simple recipe for air fryer baked potatoes, you’re well on your way to creating a fabulous addition to any meal. Get ready for quicker cooking time and deliciously crispy results that will have your family asking for seconds!