I like to use russet potatoes for this recipe because they have superior texture and cook up just like potatoes at a high-end steakhouse. The potatoes are brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with salt before going into the air fryer basket for extra flavor. Serve this easy recipe with your favorite toppings for a perfect side dish. For more air fryer recipes, try my air fryer stuffed peppers, air fryer french fries, or air fryer chicken tenders.
What You Need to Make This Recipe
Potatoes – my preference is to use russet potatoes for this recipe because the flesh cooks into a light and fluffy texture. About four 6-8oz potatoes will fit in most air fryer baskets. This recipe also works for red potatoes and sweet potatoes! Olive Oil – olive oil or another neutral-flavored oil, such as avocado oil, helps the potato skins crisp without drying out.
How to Make Air Fryer Baked Potato
- Scrub the potatoes well, then air dry so the skins are not wet when you proceed. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F if your model requires it. Poke holes all over the potatoes, 5 to 6 times each, with a fork.
- Brush the olive oil evenly all over the potatoes, and sprinkle with sea salt.
- Place the potatoes in the basket of the air fryer, leaving about a ½-inch of space in between each potato. Cook at 400°F for 25 minutes.
- Flip the potatoes and continue cooking for 20 to 25 minutes until tender or a sharp knife is easily inserted into the potatoes. Let cool for 5 minutes. Once cool enough to handle, cut a lengthwise slit across the top of the potato, squeeze the sides towards the center to open, and fluff the interior with a fork. Serve immediately with your favorite potato toppings.
Pro Tips For Making This Recipe
Use similarly sized potatoes. For potatoes that are all perfectly cooked at the same time, select similarly sized potatoes. I recommend using potatoes that are 6-8 ounces each. Wash and dry the potatoes. Remove any excess dirt from the potatoes by washing them under cool water and scrubbing them with a produce brush. Air dry or pat dry the potatoes with a towel before poking holes and brushing with the olive oil. Don’t forget to prick the potatoes. Before air frying, use a fork to prick several holes in each potato, 5-6 times is a good amount. This will help hot air to be released from the potatoes and prevent them from bursting open while cooking. Leave room between the potatoes. For the best cooking, leave about ½ inch of space between each potato and place them in a single layer. The potatoes will shrink as they cook but they still need adequate space for the hot air to circulate around them to cook evenly. Preheat only if necessary. Not all air fryers need to be preheated before cooking. Check your manufacturer’s instructions and preheat only if required. Allow to cool slightly before cutting open. The cooked potatoes will be very hot. Allow them to cool for about 5 minutes before cutting them open and serving. Use tongs to remove them from the air fryer basket, and be careful as hot steam can release as you cut the potatoes. Reduce cooking time for smaller potatoes. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of the potato. When cooking smaller potatoes reduce the cooking time by 5-10 minutes total. Seasoned potatoes variation. If you’re a fan of enjoying the whole potato, including the skin, add some Italian seasoning, oregano, freshly ground pepper, or chili powder along with the salt before cooking to add extra flavor.
If you’ve tried this air fryer baked potato recipe, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you!
