Air fryer baked potatoes

Air fryer baked potatoes (Jacket potatoes)

Air fryer baked potatoes are a sure to get delicious crispy skin on your spuds without turning on your oven. These air fryer whole sweet potatoes can testify to that and it gets ready in less than 40 mins.

A quick hack will be popping the potatoes into the microwave for a few minutes to precook them. Trust me even if you don’t this, these baked potatoes are ready much more faster in the air fryer with a more crispy skin.

We also love that it’s easily adaptable, family friendly and fits into most diets including gluten free and vegetarian or plant-based diets.

Why this recipe works

• Air fryer baked potatoes are incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
• These potatoes have a crispy and golden brown exterior while maintaining a fluffy and tender interior.
• Quick Cooking Time: Unlike traditional baked potatoes that can take up to an hour to cook, air fryer baked potatoes cook in less than 40 minutes, making them a quick and convenient meal option.
• Versatile: Baked potatoes are incredibly versatile and can be served as a side dish or a main course, depending on the toppings and accompaniments you choose.
• Healthier Option: Air fryer baked potatoes are a healthier alternative to deep-fried potatoes as they use less oil, resulting in a lower calorie and fat content.
• Customizable: Baked potatoes can be customized to suit individual tastes by adding a variety of toppings such as sour cream, cheese, chives, bacon bits, and more.

Ingredients (with Substitutions)

• Russet potatoes
• Salt
• Oil
• Butter, black pepper and scallions for serving

How long to cook baked potatoes in the air fryer

The cooking time may vary depending on the size of your potatoes and the model of your air fryer, so it's always a good idea to check them periodically to make sure they're not burning or getting overcooked.

Typically it takes 40 to 45 mins to cook a larger potato and 35 to 40 mins for medium sized potatoes in the air fryer. If you are looking for a quicker cook time, pre cook in the microwave for 5 to 6 mins before transferring to the air fryer to crisp up the skin.

You can also use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the potatoes, which should be around 210°F (99°C) when fully cooked.

How to make air fried baked potatoes

This is an overview of the recipe with step by step photos. Scroll down to the end of this post for a printable recipe card with the amount of ingredients and full recipe instructions.

Air fryer method

Wash potatoes thoroughly. Pat dry with paper towels. poke holes in multiple sports on the potatoes with a fork. 

Rub some all over the potatoes then sprinkle some salt. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket or tray and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 35 to 40 mins or until the potatoes are fork tender. Remember to flip potatoes half way through cooking time.

Precooking in the microwave method

After poking holes in the raw spuds, microwave for 5 to 6 mins. Drizzle some oil on the potatoes spread with a brush as it will be hot then sprinkle on some salt.

Transfer to the air fryer basket or tray to crisp up the skin. Set temperature to 400°F (200°C) and air fry for 10 to 12 mins or until the skin crisps up to your liking. Remember to flip half way through cooking time.

What to serve with it

Air fryer baked potatoes can be served as a side dish with a variety of meals. Here are a few ideas.

• Meats: Serve the air fryer baked potatoes alongside air fryer frozen chicken wings, boneless chicken thighs, air fryer Cajun chicken legs, marinated chicken drumsticks or steak for a delicious and filling meal.
• Roasted vegetables: Roasted vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, Brussels sprouts or carrots make a great side dish to pair with air fryer baked potatoes.
• Salad: A fresh green salad is always a good complement to any meal, and it's a great way to add some extra vegetables to your plate.
• Fish and seafood: air fryer fish like salmon, haddock, tilapia and other sea food like Cajun shrimp or jerk shrimp can be a healthy and flavorful main dish, with air fryer baked potatoes serving as a tasty side.

Tips for the best air fried baked potatoes

• Wash and scrub potatoes clean then pat dry with paper towels. If you love eating the skin, consider buying organic spuds.
• Pierce the potatoes: Before cooking, make sure to prick the potatoes with a fork all over to allow steam to escape while cooking.
• Rubbing the potatoes with a little oil or melted butter before cooking will help them crisp up and develop a golden brown crust.
• Season the potatoes with salt before cooking to enhance their flavor of the skin if you intend to eat the skin as well.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer: Make sure to place the potatoes in a single layer and leave some space between them to allow air to circulate properly.
• To ensure even cooking, flip the potatoes over halfway through the cooking time.
• Once the potatoes are cooked, let them cool for a few minutes before slicing them open. This will allow the steam to escape and prevent the potatoes from becoming too moist.

FAQs

Here you’ll find answers to common questions about this recipe. If your question isn’t answered, please leave us a comment below and we’ll gladly answer them.