This crispy air fryer baked potato is a game-changer! It has a crunchy outside and fluffy inside, perfect for topping with your favorite goodies. Who doesn’t love a good potato treat?
I always toss on some cheese and sour cream, and I’m in heaven! Plus, cooking it in the air fryer means it’s ready way faster than the oven. What a win! 🚀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Russet Potatoes: These are the best choice for baked potatoes due to their starchy content and fluffy texture. If you don’t have russets, you could use Yukon Golds, but they’ll be a little creamier and less fluffy.
Olive Oil: This helps achieve that crispy outer skin. You can swap it with any cooking oil you prefer, like avocado or canola oil. Just keep in mind, oils have different flavor profiles, so choose one you enjoy.
Coarse Sea Salt: This adds great flavor and crunch to the potato skin. If you don’t have it, regular table salt will work too, but use less, as it’s finer and saltier. I usually go for sea salt for that crunchy finish!
Butter: The classic topping! If you want a healthier option, you can use olive oil or a dairy-free butter substitute. Both add delicious richness.
Optional Toppings: Feel free to get creative! Instead of sour cream, Greek yogurt works well. Chopped green onions can replace chives for an oniony kick. If you’re looking for vegetarian options, skip the bacon bits!
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Crispy Potato Skin?
The key to getting that crispy skin is all in the preparation. First, make sure to give your potatoes a good wash, as dirt can affect both the taste and texture. Poking the potatoes with a fork is essential; it allows steam to escape while cooking.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for evenly cooked, crispy potatoes.
- After scrubbing and drying your potatoes, rub them well with olive oil. This helps the skin crisp up nicely.
- Don’t skip the salt! It’s important for flavor and achieving that wonderful crunch.
- Cook at the right temperature and time—flipping them halfway ensures even cooking.
If you find your potatoes aren’t crispy enough, a few extra minutes in the air fryer can help, but keep an eye on them!
Crispy Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 medium russet potatoes
- Olive oil (about 2 tablespoons)
- Coarse sea salt (to taste)
- Butter (for serving)
- Optional toppings: sour cream, chives, shredded cheese, bacon bits
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and 35-40 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at around 50 minutes of your time for some perfectly crispy air fryer baked potatoes. That’s pretty quick for a tasty side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This helps the potatoes cook evenly and get nice and crispy.
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
Give your russet potatoes a good scrub under running water to clean them. Once they’re clean, pat them dry with a towel. This will help the oil stick and ensure they crisp up nicely!
3. Poke and Season:
Using a fork, poke several holes in each potato. This allows steam to escape while they cook. Next, rub each potato with olive oil, making sure they’re well-coated. Sprinkle coarse sea salt generously over each potato for extra flavor.
4. Cook the Potatoes:
Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. If your air fryer is small, you might need to cook them in batches. Air fry the potatoes for about 35-40 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time for even crispiness. They’re ready when the skin is crispy and a fork easily pierces through to the middle.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the potatoes are cooked, use tongs to carefully remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. Slice each potato open and add a pat of butter into the center, letting it melt beautifully. Top with any optional toppings you love, like sour cream, chives, shredded cheese, or bacon bits. Dig in and enjoy your crispy air fryer baked potatoes!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use other types of potatoes, such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so check for doneness with a fork. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed and poke holes to allow steam to escape.
What if I Don’t Have an Air Fryer?
No worries! You can bake these potatoes in a conventional oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 45-60 minutes. Just follow the same preparation steps, and wrap the potatoes in aluminum foil if you prefer softer skins instead of crispy ones.
How to Store Leftover Baked Potatoes?
Store leftover baked potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the air fryer for about 10 minutes at 350°F (175°C) or microwave them for a quick warm-up. Add fresh toppings to revive the flavors!
Can I Make These Potatoes in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the potatoes ahead of time up to the point of cooking. Just rub them with olive oil and salt, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, pop them in the air fryer straight from the fridge, and they’ll cook as usual.
