Air Fryer Baked Potatoes {The BEST Recipe} – WellPlated.com

Of all the ways to cook a potato, I never thought that a simple baked potato would be the method that prompted me to use the word “transcendent.” But here we are: Hot air fryer baked potato. Crispy on the outside and fabulously fluffy on the inside, the air fryer is hands down the best way to bake a potato I’ve come across.

A crispy baked potato from the hot air fryer with bacon

I don’t like baked potatoes per se (I have a pulse).

However, unlike air fryer fries or baked potatoes, I was looking for them for the toppings (ahem, air fryer bacon) rather than the potato itself.

That is, until I tried to bake a potato in my air fryer.

Skin becomes devastatingly dark, shiny and crisp.
The interior steams into a down pillow ready to be fluffed.
I was so pleased with the texture of the potato in the air fryer that I was happy to keep the potato toppings light (though of course you can take note of that loaded crockpot potato soup and baste it however you like).

A hot air fryer baked potato with butter on a plate

5 star rating

“These potatoes were fabulous! It’s not much quicker than cooking them in the oven – but they’re so much better!”

— Stacy —

The air fryer itself also comes with its own benefits (hence my extensive collection of air fryer recipes).

The air fryer keeps the heat in your kitchen to a minimum as it bakes the potato in a tidy space.
Your normal oven remains free and can be used for other endeavors.
While the prep time is about the same, the air fryer is usually quicker than the regular oven when it comes to cooking.
Less oil is needed to create that coveted, crispy outer skin, making the air fryer a healthy cooking option for potatoes.

A fork cutting into a baked potato from the air fryer

How to make an Air Fryer Baked Potato recipe

All it takes is a little oil and a pinch of salt to make a slam dunk baked potato to pair with your favorite air fryer steak.

Top!

How long to cook a baked potato in the air fryer depends on your air fryer model and the size of the potato.

Small to medium potato (8 to 12 ounces): Air fry for 35 to 45 minutes.
Big 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 on the model, you may need to adjust the cooking time. If in doubt, check early. You can always cook longer, but an overcooked potato cannot be undone.

The ingredients

rust red Potato. Fluffy, starchy and loved. Potatoes get mistreated in the nutrition department, but that’s often due to the way they’re cooked (err, fried potatoes) or carb-free diets. In fact, potatoes are packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants.

replacement tip

This method works well for red potatoes, Idaho potatoes, and Yukon golden potatoes.

I do not recommend using it on baby potatoes, red potatoes, or new potatoes as they will cook too quickly. Save these for roast potatoes and carrots.

olive oil. Rubbing olive oil on the outside of the potato will help the skin crisp up.
Salt. Adds texture and flavor to the potato skin.

Topping Suggestions!

While I chose to make the toppings light, you can add anything. Suggestions for some favorite toppings include bacon bits, scallions, garlic, shredded cheddar cheese, or even Instant Pot Chili! You can also add a healthy vegetable like roasted broccoli or sautéed mushrooms.

The directions

Two types of vegetables on a cutting board

Scrub and dry the potatoes, then brush with oil and salt. Poke holes all over with a fork. Place in the basket of the air fryer.

Air roast baked potatoes in a single layer at 400 degrees F for 25 minutes. Turn potatoes.

Air fry an additional 10 to 25 minutes until fork tender. Transfer to a plate.

Cut and open the potatoes, add toppings and dig in!

Ways to use a baked potato from the air fryer

Aside from the obvious (serving as a side dish), there are countless ways to enjoy baked potatoes from the air fryer. Here are a few of my favorite ideas:

A baked potato from the air fryer with butter and bacon

storage tips

To store. Refrigerate leftover baked potatoes in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
To warm up. Reheat leftovers in a casserole dish in the oven at 350 degrees F or in the microwave.
Freeze. Freeze air fryer potatoes in an airtight, freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Meal prep tip

Up to 1 day in advance, scrub and dry the potatoes.

What to serve with a baked potato from the air fryer

Recommended tools to make this recipe

air fryer. Perfect for preparing fried potatoes from the air fryer.
Tongs. My choice for flipping the potatoes.
measuring spoon. These double ended spoons are so pretty.

The best air fryer

No matter what air fryer recipes you want to prepare, this model will do it. It also has more space than traditional air fryers!

did you make this recipe

Let me know what you thought!

Leave a rating below in the comments and let me know how you liked the recipe.

steakhouse baked potato, tasty house.

We have the best baked potato recipe right here!

frequently asked Questions

Do I need to wrap my Air Fryer baked potato in foil?

no Unlike crockpot baked potatoes, there is no need to wrap the potatoes in foil in the air fryer.

Do I need to poke holes in my potatoes before air frying?

Yes. While the risk of a potato exploding in the air fryer is very small, it doesn’t hurt to poke holes in it before air frying. This allows the steam to escape.

Can I turn these into Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes?

Yes, I think these would be delicious air fryer twice baked potatoes. When you have finished the recipe as directed, scoop out the insides and toss with the butter, milk (or cream), salt, and pepper. Divide the beaten potatoes among the skins. Air fry for about 4 minutes, then add the cheese and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes. (Be sure to check out my Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes too.)

What types of oil can be used in an air fryer?

Many types of oils can be used in a baked potato air fryer. Olive oil is my go-to choice for this recipe (and air fryer recipes at 400 degrees or less). Otherwise, oils with a high smoke point like canola oil, avocado oil, grapeseed oil, and even cooking spray are ideal.

2 big or 4 small red potatoes as many as will fit in your air fryer in a single layer
1 1/2 tablespoon Extra virgin olive oil
½ teaspoon kosher salt
Choice of toppings: butter, low-fat plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream), chopped fresh chives, cooked and crumbled bacon*

* Use my easy Air Fryer Bacon or Oven Baked Bacon recipes.
TO STORE: Store baked potatoes in an airtight storage container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
TO WARM UP: Reheat leftovers in a casserole dish in the oven at 350 degrees F or in the microwave.
FREEZE: Freeze potatoes in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Portion: 1(Of 3)Calories: 256kcalCarbohydrates: 44GProtein: 5GFat: 7GSaturated Fatty Acids: 1GPolyunsaturated fat: 1GMonounsaturated fatty acids: 5GPotassium: 1026mgFiber: 3GSugar: 2GVitamin A: 2ieVitamin C: 14mgCalcium: 32mgIron: 2mg