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A close-up of golden brown Melting Potatoes served on a speckled ceramic plate with a sprig of fresh rosemary.

Perfectly Crispy Baked Potatoes Made Easy with an Air Fryer

Achieve incredibly crispy skin and a fluffy interior with these air fryer baked potatoes. A simple method that delivers perfect results every time.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 medium-large Russet Potatoes (about 8-10 oz each), scrubbed clean
  • 1-2 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 tsp Coarse Sea Salt or Kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper freshly ground
Optional Toppings
  • to taste Butter
  • to taste Sour Cream
  • to taste Chives fresh, chopped
  • to taste Shredded Cheese

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Fork
  • Pastry brush (optional)
  • Tongs

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Wash and scrub the Russet potatoes thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt. Pat them completely dry with a paper towel. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness!
  2. Using a fork, pierce each potato deeply about 8-10 times all over. This allows steam to escape during cooking, preventing the potato from exploding and ensuring a fluffy interior.
  3. Rub each potato with olive oil, ensuring it's evenly coated. A pastry brush can help with this. Then, season generously with coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper on all sides.
Air Frying
  1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. This helps ensure even cooking and a crispier exterior from the start.
  2. Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary (usually 2 medium-large potatoes fit comfortably in a standard air fryer).
  3. Air fry for 30 minutes, flipping the potatoes halfway through with tongs to ensure even browning and crisping.
  4. After 30 minutes, continue cooking for another 10-20 minutes, flipping every 5-7 minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender when pierced through the center and the skin is deeply golden brown and very crispy. Cooking time will vary based on potato size and air fryer model.
  5. For an extra crispy skin, increase the air fryer temperature to 425°F (220°C) for the last 5-7 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Serving
  1. Carefully remove the potatoes from the air fryer. Slice them down the middle, gently squeezing the ends to fluff up the interior.
  2. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings like butter, sour cream, chives, or shredded cheese.

Notes

Choosing the right potato: Russet potatoes are ideal for baking as their starchy texture results in a fluffy interior. For even cooking, try to select potatoes of similar size. Doneness Test: The best way to check if a potato is done is to insert a fork or small knife into the thickest part; it should slide in easily with no resistance. Storage: Leftover baked potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes to re-crisp.