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Make the BEST Baked Potatoes ever in the Air Fryer! These potatoes are tender and flaky on the inside with an amazing super crispy skin. Keep them simple with butter, salt, and pepper or load them up with your favorite toppings for a side dish that’s outstanding.
Air Fryer Baked Potatoes may seem like a bit of a “no-brainer” recipe but let me share something with you. Once you make a baked potato this way, you’ll never, ever go back to cooking them in the oven or in the microwave. Nope, never, ever.
Using the air fryer produces a soft, evenly cooked spud that is like nothing you’ve had before. The outside is crispy, salty and if you are one of those people who’ve left the skin of a baked potato on your plate, well, those days are gone.
Since I’ve had success cooking Sweet Potatoes, Brussel Sprouts, Baby Potatoes, and Chicken Wings in my air fryer, I had a good feeling that baked potatoes would turn out beautifully. I was right. From now on, this is the only way I’ll be making one of my family’s favorite side dishes.
Why I Love This Cooking Method
- I don’t have to wait for the oven to preheat, which saves me so much time.
- The air fryer doesn’t heat up the whole kitchen which is always important during hot summer months.
- It produces the absolute best cooked, crispy skin baked potato ever.
How To Make The Best Baked Potatoes In The Air Fryer
- Wash and scrub the potatoes, then pat them dry with a dishtowel. Using a fork, poke holes in the potatoes.
- Place potatoes on a cutting board or in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with kosher salt and rub to coat the potatoes.
- Place potatoes in the basket of the air fryer and cook on 400 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes. After 30 minutes, test the potatoes with a fork. If the fork pierces the potato all the way through, it’s done. If not, cook for an additional 5-8 minutes.
- Carefully remove the potatoes from the air fryer using oven mitts. Slice open the top of the potato and squeeze the ends to release the steam.
- Add butter, salt, and pepper or any of your favorite toppings!
Items Needed To Make This Recipe
- Air Fryer – I have 2 favorites that I use depending on how much food I’m cooking. The Ninja 4-quart is great for cooking just a couple of potatoes, and the Power XL works wonderfully for 3-4 potatoes.
- Tongs – for removing the potatoes.
Frequently Asked Questions And Answers
The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the potato and what type of air fryer you are using. Test by piercing with a fork or knife to see if the potato is soft and cooked in the middle. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until completely done.
Cooked potatoes can be stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For crispy skin, return the potatoes to the air fryer and cook at 400 degrees until hot. You can also reheat in the microwave.
Nope, that is not needed, and it will prevent the skin from becoming crispy.
Yes, you should pierce potatoes before air frying. The holes help any steam release during the cooking process.
That depends on the size of the air fryer. Place the potatoes in the air fryer without crowding so that the air can circulate.
Tips For Making The Best Baked Potatoes In The Air Fryer
- Select potatoes that are about the same size.
- Russet potatoes are the best for baking. They are starchy and allow all the toppings to be absorbed. YUM!
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. You want the air to circulate evenly over the potatoes.
Air Fryer Baked Potato Topping Ideas
- Butter, salt, and pepper are classic toppings that can’t be beaten.
- Cool sour cream and chives.
- Cheddar, pepper jack or smoked Gouda turn baked potatoes into a cheesy creation.
- For a south-of-the-border twist, add Avocado Salsa and Slow Cooker Mexican Shredded Beef.
- Turn baked potatoes into a main dish by spooning on Bloody Mary Chili, then top with cheese and sour cream.
- For game day, set up a baked potato bar along with Game Day Meatballs, Meatlovers Stuffed French Bread Pizza, and Meatloaf Muffins.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes!
- Air Fryer Hot Dogs
- Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
- Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
- Air Fryer Baby Potatoes
- Air Fryer Salmon
- Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 – 3 russet potatoes
- olive oil
- kosher salt
Instructions
- Wash and dry potatoes then rub with olive oil and salt. Prick outside of potatoes with a fork.
- Place potatoes in the basket of the air fryer. Set temperature to 400 degrees and cook the potatoes for 30 minutes. Pierce with a fork to test. If the fork does not smoothly go through the potato, cook for an additional 5-8 minutes until done.
- Using oven mitts, remove potatoes from the air fryer. Slice open, pinch ends and fluff insides. Add toppings and serve.
Pin This Recipe To Your Favorite Pinterest Board
Want To Know More About Air Frying?
If you are new to cooking with an Air Fryer or just don’t know where to start, I’ve got something to help. I’ve put together a helpful guide with tips and recipes to get you using the Air Fryer like a pro!
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YES….Easy and crispy. Beats the “ole-Fashioned” way. Delish and crispy
So good. They were fluffy. I will always make ” baked” potatoes this way.
my potatoes turned out prefectly!
WOW! You’ve made my day. Thanks for sharing.
I appreciate your terrific rating!
~Donya
I received an air fryer for Christmas I’ve been using it but it’s just been trial and error today I said I will find a professional online that will assist me so thank you and God bless you will let you know how it works
Love love
Hello I was just curious about what’s setting should I use for the baked potatoes? Bake or airfry? Thx.
400 degrees for about an hour.
Thanks!
~Donya
Hi, Donna! 400 degrees F on which setting— air fry, or bake?
Thank you!
Never mind! I see the answer below. It’s bake.
And sorry, I meant *Donya 😊
Perfect, easy and delicious! Thank you!
Hey there!
Yayyy! I am so happy to hear that you’ve enjoyed this recipe, there’s no better way to Baked Potatoes than in the Air Fryer! Thank you so much for your kind words and this wonderful rating, if you ever have any questions about a recipe please don’t hesitate to ask!
~Donya
My Son and his wife bought me an air fryer for Christmas last year. I was wondering about baked potatoes in an air fryer… found your recipe and subscribed to your site! I love it! TY for sharing! Was crispy salty goodness on outside and so fluffy inside and added our fav toppings for perfection!!!
Can’t wait to try more recipes from you!
Hey there Marisa!
Wow! Thank you so much for your interest in this recipe and for subscribing, I am so excited to share more recipes with you! If you’re looking for more Air Fryer recipes you’ve definitely come to the right place. If you type ‘Air Fryer’ into the search bar on my home page you will find all my Air Fryer recipes, my personal favorites are the Air Fryer Wings and the Air Fryer sweet potato fries. Thank you again for your support and for this fantastic rating, welcome to the Southern Soul family I am so happy to have you here!
~Donya
I had one REALLY big potato, and cooked it for 40 mins in the air fryer. It was nice and crispy on the outside, but nowhere close to done in the middle. I cut it in half length-wise and wrapped it in a damp paper towel and stuck it in the microwave for 3 minutes to finish it up, and it was perfect! still crispy outside and warm, soft on the inside!
Hey there Katie!
Thank you so much for your interest in this recipe! It sounds like you did the exact same thing I would’ve, the timing in this recipe is meant for a more average sized potato, so if you’ve got a huge one it’s a great idea to finish up that cooking in the microwave. Sometimes if I want it a little extra crispy on the outside, I’ll throw it back into the Air Fryer for a couple minutes after it’s been microwaved. I am glad to hear you enjoyed this recipe, if you ever have any questions feel free to ask! I hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving Day, and a Happy Holidays!
~Donya
Did 5 potatoes and they were standing on end. Sides touching, medium to large size. They took 57 minutes but could have gone a little longer. Just putting this out there for people trying to make more than 2-3. They were incredible though.
Hey there!
Thank you so much for sharing this, it’s definitely good to know. It probably needed more time since there were extra potatoes, but I am so glad you enjoyed! Thank you for your support, I hope you have a great day!
~Donya
Hi – can’t wait to try this. I have a question, am I cooking the potatoes on air fry mode or bake mode? Thanks for your help 😊.
Hey there Anita!
Thank you so much for your interest in this recipe, that is a great question! I use the Bake mode at 400 degrees and cook for about 30-35 minutes. I hope this helps, let me know how it turns out, thanks for your support!
~Donya
I’m a bit confused. In earlier notes you said air fry, but one on 8/17 said bake. So…?
Hey there Nancy!
That’s a good question! On 8/17 someone commented asking if they should put their Air Fryer on Bake mode or Air Fry mode, I use bake mode on the Air Fryer. You’ll still be following the recipe card, using the Air Fryer, I set the temperature to 400 degrees and cook the potatoes for 30 minutes. Thank you for your interest in this recipe, I hope this helps!
~Donya
First time using air fryer….loved this baked potatoe recipe! Thanks
Hey Paula!
First, I have to say congratulations on your first time using the Air-fryer, it’s very handy and one of my favorite kitchen tools! I’m thrilled you enjoyed this recipe, thank you so much for your rating! I hope you find more Airfryer recipes on my site, if you search “Airfryer” several recipes should pop up! Have a great day!
~Donya
I’ll never make baked potatoes in the oven again! These are the best baked potatoes ever! After cooking, I wrapped them in tinfoil & let them rest until dinner was prepared. Perfect!
Hey Suzi!
Thank you so much for your fantastic rating and comment! And I am absolutely with you, gone are the days of baking potatoes in the oven! I am so glad you enjoyed this recipe, you should try the scalloped potatoes next I think you’d like it. Have a great day!
~Donya
My air fryer doesn’t have a basket. I have 3 wire racks. Can I still do bake potatoes without a basket?
Hey there Angela!
Thank you so much for your interest in this recipe! My Air Fryer at home has a basket, so I have never personally made these potatoes with wire racks, but I don’t see why it wouldn’t work the same way. If you end up making this, let me know how it goes I’m curious. Thank you for your support, I hope you have a great rest of your day!
~Donya
Just an FYI to some out there, my potatoes took 1 hour. I made 3, normal size gold potatoes. Wonderfully crispy on the outside, but nowhere near done at 35 or even 45 minutes. Play with it and see how long it takes. I have a Ninja Air Fryer. Thanks for the recipe!
I have the ninja air fryer as well, did you use the bake or air fry option?
Hello Ayesha,
I actually use an air fryer that only has an air frying setting, so I would recommend that you set your machine to an air fry setting. I really hope you enjoy this recipe, it is a personal favorite! Have a great night!
~Donya
Good crispy skins! I air fried 2 med/large for 35 and baked for 15. Next time I’ll do baking time first. Plan was to save one for tomorrow!
I loved the potato, now I’m going to get the wife to try your Mac & Cheese. I know thats going to be a winner.
Thanks, David!
So glad you enjoyed the recipe. And…I’ve got to say, that mac & cheese is a keeper.
Thank you for letting me know you are cooking along with me.
Have a great day!
~Donya
I have an Emeril Legassi toaster oven/ air fryer combination oven. Are the instructions the same?
Hey Haydee!
Yes, the instructions should work for any air fryer. Just make sure to test for doneness on the potato at the 30 minute mark.
Enjoy!
Have a great day,
~Donya
What if you don’t have olive oil is there an substitute
Hey there Nicole!
Thanks for your interest in this recipe, I think you’re really going to enjoy it! If you don’t have any olive oil, you can use avocado oil, grapeseed oil, safflower oil, canola oil, honestly any kind that you have on hand. I hope this is helpful, let me know how everything turns out if you give it a try!
~Donya
ME TOO…Living in Florida I use my oven for storing fancy shoes. I’m a chef. I had to get over the “GUILT” of using it…..FAB
Best ever baked potatoes!!!!!
Thank you, Jerry!
I so appreciate your kind comments.
I’m thrilled you like the recipe and are hanging out with A Southern Soul.
Have a wonderful weekend!
~Donya
Yum this is what I was looking for.
Hey Ginny!
I really hope you like this recipe, these potatoes are definitely a favorite in my house! If you like these you should try my Air Fryer Potato Wedges, it’s another great spin on potatoes. Let me know how it goes!
~Donya
Best baked potatoes ever! I made tonight for my birthday dinner and they were so fluffy inside! I coated with bacon grease and salt and followed the cooking directions – perfection!
You had me at bacon grease! 😁
When air frying the potato do set the air fryer on bake or air fry
My air only air fries. I do not have a bake setting.
Hope this helps.
~Donya
Hey there James, I too had the same quandary as I’m using the CRUX ARTISAN SERIES 6 Slice Digital Air Fry Toaster Oven, (which I absolutely love) and the answer to your question is, use the “Bake” setting. The difference between “Bake” & “Air Fry” settings being that the “Bake” mode uses both the upper and lower heating elements for a more even and enveloping cooking process. While the “Air Fry” mode uses top heat only and depending on the rest of your meals’ cooking time, it may leave you eating those potatoes for dessert. Hah! Hopefully your potatoes came out great, and thank you to Donya, we are so lucky to have her and all of her excellent ideas and recipes to keep us inspired, excited and interested in preparing meals for our friends and families to enjoy. As we approach the holiday seasons, I can’t help but chuckle to myself as I imagine Donya’s friends and family members sitting by their mail boxes in hopes of receiving an exclusive invite to share a meal with the master, I know I’m waiting quietly on the sidelines. Much love to everyone and albeit a little early, Happy Holidays to everyone near and far. Cheers!
Hey there Dominic!
Thank you so much for your comprehensive answer, you said it better than I could’ve! Thank you so much for your kind words, I don’t know if people are waiting by their mailboxes, but I always try to spread the joy and share a fun holiday treat with all my neighbors. I really appreciate your support, I am so happy to hear you’ve been enjoying my recipes, thank you so much! I hope you have a very happy holiday season!
~Donya