Description
Air fryer baked potatoes deliver everything we love about the classic version but with incredible efficiency. The circulating hot air creates an exceptionally crispy skin while keeping the interior impossibly light and fluffy. What once took over an hour in the oven now takes just 35-40 minutes, making weeknight comfort food completely achievable.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 4 medium russet potatoes (6–8 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt or kosher salt
Optional Toppings
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup chives, finely chopped
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Substitution Suggestions
For those avoiding dairy, coconut oil works beautifully in place of butter, while cashew cream or Greek yogurt can substitute for sour cream. Sweet potatoes work wonderfully using this same method, though they’ll cook slightly faster. If you’re watching sodium intake, try herbs like rosemary or thyme instead of salt for flavor.
Instructions
Scrub your potatoes thoroughly under cold running water, removing any eyes or blemishes. Pat them completely dry with paper towels – this step is crucial for achieving that coveted crispy skin. Using a fork, pierce each potato 8-10 times all around, creating small holes that prevent bursting during cooking.
Rub each potato with olive oil, ensuring every surface is lightly coated. This creates the foundation for that golden, crispy exterior. Sprinkle generously with coarse salt, pressing gently so it adheres to the oil. The salt not only seasons but also helps draw out moisture for extra crispiness.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the potatoes in the basket, ensuring they don’t touch each other for optimal air circulation. Cook for 20 minutes, then carefully flip each potato using tongs. Continue cooking for another 15-20 minutes until the skin feels crispy and yields slightly when gently squeezed.
The potatoes are ready when the skin is deeply golden and crispy, and a fork easily pierces through to the center. Internal temperature should reach 210°F (99°C) for that perfect fluffy texture. If they need more time, continue cooking in 5-minute intervals.
Immediately after cooking, carefully slice each potato lengthwise about ¾ of the way through. Gently squeeze the ends toward the center to open up the potato, creating space for toppings. This step creates those beautiful fluffy peaks that make baked potatoes so appealing.
Nutrition
- Calories: 160 calories