How to Bake Potatoes Perfectly in an Air Fryer - Crispy Skins & Fluffy Insides

Baking Potatoes to Perfection in an Air Fryer

Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, baked potatoes are a hearty and delicious side dish. While traditionally baked in the oven, baking potatoes in an air fryer has become an increasingly popular preparation method. Air frying potatoes results in a tender interior and super crispy, crunchy skin using little to no oil. Read on to learn all about baking potatoes in an air fryer for a perfect, healthy side to any meal.

Benefits of Baking Potatoes in an Air Fryer

Using an air fryer to bake potatoes offers several advantages over baking them in the oven:

• Shorter cook time - Air fryers cook food much faster than a conventional oven.
• Uses less energy - Air fryers require less electricity to operate.
• Crispier skin - The hot air circulating around the potatoes creates an ultra crispy skin.
• Healthier - Little to no oil is needed when air frying.
• Versatile - Potatoes can be cooked plain or loaded with toppings.

Choosing the Right Potatoes

Virtually any type of potato can be cooked in an air fryer. However, some varieties work better than others:

• Russet potatoes - The starchier texture makes them ideal for baking into fluffy insides.
• Yukon Gold - Their buttery flavor and moderate starch content makes great baked potatoes.
• Sweet potatoes - Cook into tender, caramelized goodness.
• Baby potatoes - Cook quickly and get ultra crispy.

Avoid extremely moist potatoes like red potatoes, as they may not bake up as fluffy. Waxy potatoes like new potatoes also have a tendency to come out a bit dense when air fried.

Preparing the Potatoes for Air Frying

Prepping the potatoes is easy:

1. Wash and dry the potatoes.
2. Pierce several times with a fork or knife.
3. Rub lightly with oil or spray with oil.
4. Season as desired.

Poking holes allows steam to escape during cooking for a fluffier interior texture. Lightly oiling the skin helps facilitate extra crisping. Feel free to season simply with salt and pepper or get creative with cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, ranch seasoning, etc.

How to Bake Potatoes in an Air Fryer

Air frying potatoes is as easy as:

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
2. Place whole potatoes directly in air fryer basket.
3. Cook for 38-50 minutes, flipping halfway.
4. Test doneness by piercing potatoes with a knife.
5. For crispier skin, let potatoes sit in hot air fryer for 5 minutes before removing.

Cooking time depends on the size and quantity of potatoes. Generally, they take right around 45 minutes. Make sure to flip them halfway through for even cooking and crisping. Once done, the potatoes will feel tender when pierced with a knife or fork.

Tips for the Best Air Fried Potatoes

Follow these tips for the ultimate baked potatoes made in an air fryer:

• Rub with oil for extra crispy skin.
• Use baking-type potatoes like russets and yukon golds.
• Adjust cook times for larger potatoes.
• Let the potatoes rest before eating for fluffier insides.
• Load them up with tasty toppings!

Topping Ideas

The fun part about baked potatoes is customizing them with your favorite toppings. Anything goes!

• Cheese - cheddar, monterey jack, blue cheese crumbles
• Bacon bits or chopped bacon
• Sour cream
• Chives
• Broccoli
• Chili
• Barbecue pulled chicken or pork
• Sautéed mushrooms
• Caramelized onions
• Salsa
• Guacamole

Get creative and combine any toppings you love for a fully loaded potato.

Enjoy Perfect Baked Potatoes Fast With an Air Fryer

An air fryer baked potato truly gives you the best of both worlds - a tender fluffy interior and an ultra crispy seasoned skin. Ditch the oven and enjoy faster baking with an air fryer. Be sure to load them up with all your favorite toppings for a perfect potato every time.

FAQs

What temperature do you bake potatoes in an air fryer?

Bake potatoes at 400°F in an air fryer for best results.

How long does it take to bake potatoes in an air fryer?

Baking whole potatoes takes 38-50 minutes in an air fryer, depending on size. Flip halfway through for even cooking.

What kind of potatoes are best for air frying?

Go with starchy russet or yukon gold potatoes for light, fluffy insides. Avoid waxy types like red potatoes.

Do you need to preheat an air fryer to bake potatoes?

Yes, preheat the air fryer before adding the potatoes to ensure proper cooking.

Can you bake sweet potatoes in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Sweet potatoes become tender and caramelized when air fried.