Can You Bake a Potato in an Air Fryer?
Yes, you can bake a potato in the air fryer! And it will come out crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside. Potato perfection.
As I write this, I’m traveling the country in our beautiful Airstream RV and I happen to be in spectacular Idaho. So I can’t think of a better recipe to put out than the ever popular air fryer baked potato. Using an authentic Idaho Potato of course!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This quick and easy air fryer baked potato recipe will give you crispy-skinned, fluffy flesh baked potatoes every single time.
Baking a potato in the air fryer is the only way I will bake potatoes now. It doesn’t heat up the kitchen and produces consistent results every time I make them.
Is a Baked Potato Better In the Oven or Air Fryer?
I prefer making baked potatoes in the air fryer. There are several reasons for this. First, you don’t need to heat up an entire oven just for a few potatoes.
This, in turn, keeps the vast majority of the heat out of your kitchen! Second, many air fryers do not require preheating. This will ultimately save time. And even if yours does require it (consult your owner’s manual), it’s usually only for a a few minutes.
Watch Me Make Them On My YouTube Channel Here:
Finally, I do notice that I am able to get more consistent results when I use the air fryer. So, yes, potatoes are better when cooked an an air fryer.
How Long Does It Take For a Potato to Get Soft In an Air Fryer?
A medium sized potato should become nice and soft after 45-60 minutes of cooking in the air fryer. The time does depend on the size and firmness of the potato.
An averaged sized potato weighs about 6-9 ounces. Check for doneness after 45 minutes. If your potato is smaller, it could be done as early as 30 minutes. And if it’s large, you’ll need 60 plus minutes.
Ingredients Used For This Recipe
- Russet Potatoes – I like medium-sized potatoes that fit in the palm of your hand. And make sure they are roughly the same size so they get done at the same time. (see full recipe below)
- Avocado Oil – This has a high smoke point so it’s perfect for the air fryer. Avocado oil can be used too.
- Salt and Pepper – Be liberal with these.
- Toppings of choice – Butter or ghee, shredded cheese, bacon crumbles, and chives are all good choices. Or if you want a meal, pour a bunch of my Instant Pot White Chicken Chili on top! Yum!
Instructions to Make a Baked Potato In an Air Fryer
- Wash and dry the potatoes – Scrub them well and make sure you pat them very dry. This helps the skin get crispy. (see the printable recipe below)
- Pierce the skin with a fork – This prevents steam from building up on the inside.
- Rub the potatoes with oil – I prefer avocado oil because it has a high smoke point.
- Sprinkle liberally with salt and pepper.
- Air Fry for 45-60 minutes – The larger the potato, the more time you’ll need. Begin checking for doneness after 45 minutes.
- Split open and fluff – It’s important to split them open as soon as they are done to keep them fluffy. Then scrape the insides with a fork to fluff them even more.
- Serve with your favorite toppings.
What are the Best Toppings for a Baked Potato in an Air Fryer?
This is all a matter of personal preference. I like a little ghee, salt and pepper, and a sprinkling of chives. But there’s nothing wrong with throwing in a little cheese, bacon, and sour cream!
And if you want to throw in a veggie or two, add some air fryer frozen broccoli, peas, onions, or mushrooms. The sky’s the limit!
Here Are Some Other Air Fryer Recipes You’ll Love
I have come to rely heavily on my air fryer. I love it and I’m sure you love yours too! Try this baked potato in an air fryer, and you’ll never again make them in your oven.
Equipment Used In This Recipe
Baked Potato In An Air Fryer
Equipment
- 1 air fryer
Ingredients
- 4 Russent potatoes medium sized – approx 9 ounce potaotes
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil can use olive oil
- coarse salt and pepper
- Topopings of choice butter, ghee, shredded cheese, bacon crumbles,
Instructions
- Scrub and pat dry the potatoes, then pierce a few times with a fork.
- Preheat your air fryer if required per your manufacturers instructions. Set the temperature to 400 degrees.
- Drizzle the potatoes with the oil and rub the oil into the skins.
- Sprinkle the outside of the potatoes with salt and pepper.
- Place the potatoes into the air frying basket and set the timer for 60 minutes.
- Check for doneness after 45 minutes by piercing the potato with a fork. It should slide into the potato easily. Remove the potatoes if done. If they are still firm, place back into the air fryer, checking for doneness every 5-10 minutes.
- Immediately split the potato open by cutting through the top of the potato and squishing the ends together to pop it open a bit. Then fluff with a fork.
- Add toppings of choice – salt, pepper, butter, chives, bacon crumbles, cheese, sour cream are all good choices.