Air Fryer Baked Potato Wellplated Com

I don’t dislike baked potatoes, per se (I do have a pulse). Unlike Air Fryer French Fries or Oven Roasted Potatoes, however, I sought them more for the toppings (ahem, Air Fryer Bacon) than for the potato itself. That is, until I tried baking a potato in my air fryer.

The skin becomes devastatingly dark, shiny, and crisp.The inside steams into a downy pillow, primed for fluffing.I was so pleased with the air fryer potato’s texture, I was happy with keeping the potato toppings light (though of course you can take a note from this loaded Crockpot Potato Soup and gussy ‘em up as you wish).

The air fryer itself also offers its own benefits.

The air fryer keeps the heat in your kitchen to a minimum, because it bakes the potato in a tidy space.Your regular oven stays free to use for other endeavors while the potatoes cook.The air fryer is quicker than the regular oven.Less oil is needed to create that craveable, crispy skin exterior, making the air fryer a healthy cooking option for potatoes.

How to Make Air Fryer Baked Potato Recipe

Only a little oil and a pinch of salt are needed to create a slam-dunk baked potato that’s even better than your favorite steak house.

The Ingredients

Russet Potato. Fluffy, starchy, and beloved. Potatoes get a bad wrap in the nutrition department, but that’s often due to the cooking method (ahem, fried). Potatoes are rich in vitamins and antioxidants.

Olive Oil. Rubbing olive oil onto the outside of the potato helps the skin crisp up. Salt. Adds texture and flavor to the potato skin.

The Directions

Ways to Use an Air Fryer Baked Potato

Aside from the obvious (serving it as a side dish), you can use your air fryer baked potato in a wide range of ways.

Small to Medium Potato (8 to 12 ounces): Air fry for 35 to 45 minutes.Large Potato (12 ounces or more): Air fry for 45 to 55 minutes.

I tested this recipe as Ninja air fryer baked potatoes (this is my air fryer model). Depending upon your model, you may need to adjust the cooking time. When in doubt, check early. You can always cook for longer, but an overcooked potato can’t be undone. I do not recommend using it for baby potatoes, red potatoes, or new potatoes, as they will cook too quickly.

Mashed Potatoes. Scoop out the insides. Add milk (or cream), seasonings, and herbs. For inspiration, check out my Crockpot Mashed Potatoes and Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes.Shepherd’s Pie. Use air fryer baked potatoes to top off a scrumptious shepherd’s pie.Baked Potato Boats. The potato is your vessel! Load yours up with any of your favorite ingredients for an all-in-one meal. I used sweet potatoes for my 5 Ingredient Mexican Stuffed Sweet Potatoes and Healthy Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potatoes, but you can use white potatoes for those recipes too. Potato Skins. Scoop out the insides (save them to serve under Braised Short Ribs later in the week), then you can have cheesy, crispy Potato Skins!Dip. Turn your baked potato into this crowd-pleasing Loaded Baked Potato Dip.

Storage Tips

To Store. Refrigerate baked potatoes in an airtight storage container for up to 4 days. To Reheat. Rewarm leftovers in a baking dish in the oven at 350 degrees F or in the microwave. To Freeze. Freeze air fryer potatoes in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe

Air Fryer. Perfect for making air fryer baked potatoes. Tongs. My choice for flippings the potatoes. Measuring Spoons. These double-sided spoons are so nice.

Steakhouse, schmeakhouse. We’ve got the best baked potato right here!