Get ready for a tasty treat with these crispy air fryer baked potatoes! They’re fluffy on the inside and have a wonderfully crunchy skin. Yum!
Best part? You can enjoy them with your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, or chives. I love making these on busy nights—they’re quick and always hit the spot!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Russet Potatoes: These are the classic choice for baked potatoes due to their fluffy texture. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you could try sweet potatoes. They will give a sweeter flavor and add more nutrients.
Olive Oil: This adds flavor and helps the skin become crispy. If you don’t have olive oil, you can use canola oil or avocado oil as a substitute. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly.
Sea Salt: The salt enhances the potato’s flavor. If you’re watching your sodium intake, consider using a salt substitute or simply reducing the amount.
Toppings: Butter is classic, but consider alternatives like Greek yogurt for a healthier twist or vegan butter for a plant-based option. Chives, cheese, and bacon bits can easily be swapped with other toppings like salsa or jalapeños based on your taste.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Crispy Skin on My Potatoes?
The secret to crispy skin lies in a few key steps! Start with thorough washing to remove any dirt. Poking holes is crucial; it prevents the potatoes from bursting during cooking by letting steam escape.
- After rubbing the potatoes with olive oil, ensure they’re fully coated—this is what helps achieve that nice crisp!
- Cooking at 400°F (200°C) is perfect. Make sure not to cram your air fryer—potatoes need space for heat circulation to get that delightful crunch.
- Turn the potatoes halfway through cooking for uniform crispiness.
Crispy Air Fryer Baked Potato
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 medium russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Butter (for topping)
- Optional toppings: sour cream, chives, cheese, bacon bits
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 10 minutes to prep and about 35-40 minutes for cooking the potatoes in the air fryer. So, in total, you should set aside around 50 minutes to enjoy perfectly crispy baked potatoes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
First things first, turn on your air fryer and set it to preheat at 400°F (200°C). This will help your potatoes cook evenly and get that crispy skin we all love.
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
Wash the russet potatoes under cold running water, making sure to scrub them well to remove any dirt. Once they’re clean, pat them dry with a towel so they’re ready for seasoning.
3. Poke and Coat:
Take a fork and poke several holes in each potato. This allows steam to escape during cooking and prevents them from bursting. Now, rub each potato with olive oil until they are evenly coated; this is the secret to a crispy skin! After that, sprinkle sea salt and black pepper generously over each potato for flavor.
4. Air Fry the Potatoes:
Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid crowding them, as this helps them cook evenly. Set your timer for 35-40 minutes, and don’t forget to turn the potatoes halfway through for that extra crispiness. They’re ready when you can easily pierce them with a fork and the skin is nice and crispy.
5. Finish and Serve:
Carefully remove the hot potatoes from the air fryer and let them cool for a couple of minutes before handling. Slice each potato open and place a pat of butter inside to melt. Finally, load them up with your favorite toppings like sour cream, chives, cheese, or bacon bits. Now, dig in and enjoy your delicious, crispy baked potatoes!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While russet potatoes are ideal for their fluffy interior, you can use Yukon Golds or red potatoes as well. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly based on the size and type of potato, so check for tenderness as you go!
What If I Don’t Have Olive Oil?
No worries! You can substitute olive oil with melted coconut oil, vegetable oil, or even butter for a rich flavor. Just ensure whatever oil you use has a high smoke point suitable for air frying!
How Do I Store Leftover Baked Potatoes?
Store any leftover baked potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, you can pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Enjoy them just like the first time!
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prep the potatoes in advance—just rub them with oil and seasonings, then wrap them in foil and refrigerate for up to a day. When you’re ready to cook, just pop them straight into the air fryer without needing to thaw!
