The Best Air Fryer Baked Potatoes | How to Cook

Air fryer baked potatoes are a game-changer for weeknight meals and weekend treats.

They cook up with irresistibly crispy skins and a creamy, fluffy center. Thanks to the air fryer, you’ll save about 30 minutes and use less energy, all without sacrificing texture or flavor.

Whether you're keeping it simple or going all-in with a loaded baked potato recipe, these air fryer potatoes make it easy. If you’ve been wondering how to cook potatoes in air fryer style, this is the perfect place to start.

Why Make Baked Potatoes in an Air Fryer?

Baked potatoes in the air fryer cook faster since there’s no need to preheat the oven, saving you around 15 minutes right away. They come out with crispy skin, a soft, fluffy center, and use less energy than a traditional oven.

It’s a quicker, easier, and more efficient way to make perfect baked potatoes. Plus, it frees up the oven—perfect when you're cooking something low and slow but still want baked potatoes on the side.

Lastly, no aluminum foil needed. It's less waste, and you save a few bucks too. That stuff’s not cheap!

Ingredients You'll Need for Air Fryer Baked Potatoes:

• Medium russet potatoes. Smaller potatoes will cook faster, while larger ones should be slit down the center to ensure they cook through evenly.
• High heat-safe oil. I prefer to use coconut oil, avocado oil, or olive oil.
• Salt and pepper
• Optional: Any seasonings you want to add, like fry seasoning or ranch seasoning.

How to Cook Potatoes in Air Fryer: Step-by-Step Guide

Air fryer baked potatoes couldn't be any easier.

• Scrub the potatoes and pat dry.
• Poke the potatoes all over with the tines of a fork, then set on a plate. Tip: For large potatoes, cut a slit down the center on one side to help them cook through more evenly.
• Using a basting brush, rub the oil over the potatoes. Sprinkle liberally with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings if using. Coat both sides.
• Preheat the air fryer to 400 F. Once ready, transfer the prepared potatoes to the air fryer basket. Air fry for 40 to 60 minutes, turning halfway through, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the skin is crisp. Small potatoes will only take 30 to 40 minutes.
• Slice in half after resting 5 minutes, fluff the insides, and top with butter, sour cream, chives, bacon bits, broccoli, Greek yogurt ranch, or any of your favorite toppings.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Potatoes Every Time

1. Choose the right potato. Russets are best for baked potatoes—fluffy inside, crispy outside. Yukon Gold or red potatoes are ideal for roasted or smashed potatoes. In addition, aim for medium-sized potatoes.
2. Don't skip the oil. A light coating of oil helps the skin crisp up and gives that golden, irresistible finish.
3. Season generously. Salt and pepper the skin well before air frying. It adds so much flavor! You can also add herbs, garlic, and other spices if you're craving something in particular.
4. Don’t crowd the basket. Give the potatoes enough space to let the hot air circulate, ensuring even cooking and crisping.
5. Pierce or slit larger potatoes. Cut a small slit in large potatoes to help them cook evenly and prevent bursting.
6. Flip halfway. This ensures the potatoes get crispy on both sides. It also gives the air fryer a short break from running.
7. Let them rest before cutting open. Resting for just 5 minutes allows steam to settle and makes fluffing the inside easier.

FAQs About Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

Do I Need to Pierce the Potatoes?

Yes, piercing the potatoes before air frying allows steam to escape during cooking, which prevents them from bursting. It also helps larger potatoes cook more evenly by letting heat reach the center more efficiently.

A simple slit or a few pricks with a fork can make all the difference for perfectly cooked, fluffy insides.

Can I Wrap Them in Foil?

You don’t need to wrap air fryer baked potatoes in foil. The basket is designed to circulate hot air around the food, which helps the skin crisp up naturally. Foil can trap steam, making the skin soft instead of crispy, and it can also interfere with airflow.

Plus, there are safety precautions to consider when using foil in an air fryer—like making sure it never touches the heating element.

Can I Reheat a Baked Potato in the Air Fryer?

Yes! Reheating a baked potato in the air fryer is quick and brings back that crispy skin, unlike a microwave.

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
2. Place the baked potato in the basket (no foil).
3. Heat for 10 to 15 minutes, depending on size, until warmed through.
4. Optional: Slice it open and add butter or cheese for the last 1 to 2 minutes if you want it melty.

Can I Use a Toaster-Style Air Fryer?

Yes. If you're using an oven-style air fryer (not a basket-style), set it to 375°F and cook for 40 to 45 minutes, turning the potatoes halfway through.

How to Make Loaded Baked Potatoes

If you’re planning to turn these into fully loaded baked potatoes, don’t miss my post on how to make loaded baked potatoes in the air fryer. It’s packed with topping ideas and tips for getting everything melty and delicious. (pictured)

And if you want to add crispy bacon (because let’s be honest, it makes everything better), check out my guide on how to cook bacon in the air fryer. No splatter, no mess, just perfect strips every time. And it only takes ten minutes!

Want to try something different than butter and sour cream? Drizzle with Greek yogurt ranch.

How to Store Air Fryer Baked Potatoes:

You can store leftovers covered in the fridge for 3 to 5 days, or freeze the potatoes individually wrapped for up to 3 months.

Potato Time Chart:

Cook time will vary based on the size of your potatoes:

• small potato (6 oz) → 35 minutes
• medium potato (8 oz) → 40 minutes
• large potato (10+ oz) → 45 to 60 minutes

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