Perfectly Cooked Air Fryer Baked Potatoes with Step-by-Step Instructions

There’s something so satisfying about a baked potato that’s perfectly crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. It’s one of those simple comfort foods that never goes out of style. Once I started making baked potatoes in the air fryer, I couldn’t believe how easy it was to get that perfect texture every time. No waiting for the oven to preheat or heating up the whole kitchen, just pop them in and let the air fryer do its thing.

I love how customizable baked potatoes are. Some nights I keep them simple with a bit of butter, salt, and pepper. Other times, I turn them into a full meal by piling on toppings like shredded cheese, crispy bacon, sour cream, and chives. You can make them as plain or as loaded as you like, and they always turn out delicious. Plus, the air fryer gives the skin that perfect crunch that’s so hard to achieve in the microwave.

If you’ve never tried making baked potatoes in the air fryer before, you’re in for a treat. They come out beautifully golden and evenly cooked every single time. It’s such a simple recipe, but the results always feel a bit special. Once you’ve made them this way, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to enjoy that classic baked potato flavor any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 2 large russet potatoes – I like using russets because they turn out fluffy inside with that perfect crispy skin.
• Olive oil or spray oil – A light coat helps the skin get beautifully golden and crunchy in the air fryer.
• Salt, to taste – A sprinkle of salt adds just the right touch of flavor to each bite.

Recipe Instructions

You can find a printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. Rinse the potatoes under running water, scrubbing well, and dry them with a paper towel.

2. Use a fork to poke several holes in each potato so steam can escape while cooking.

3. Coat the potatoes lightly with olive oil or spray oil, then sprinkle with salt.

4. Preheat the air fryer to 385°F for 3–5 minutes.

5. Arrange the potatoes in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them.

6. Air fry the potatoes at 385°F for about 60 minutes, adjusting the time based on their size.

7. Turn the potatoes over halfway through cooking to help them cook evenly.

8. When the potatoes are soft and a fork slides in easily, take them out of the air fryer.

9. Allow them to cool slightly before cutting them open.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

• Make sure to scrub the potatoes really well before cooking so the skins come out nice and clean (and edible!).

• Don’t skip poking holes in the potatoes, it lets the steam escape and keeps them from bursting.

• Rubbing them with a little oil before cooking helps the skin get that amazing crisp texture.

• Try to choose potatoes that are about the same size so they cook evenly.

• Halfway through cooking, give them a quick flip to make sure both sides get that golden finish.

• If you like extra crispy skin, leave them in the air fryer for an extra 5 minutes at the end.

• Once they’re done, let them cool for a few minutes before cutting them open, it helps them stay fluffy inside.

Serving

• I love serving these with a simple pat of butter that melts right into the fluffy center.

• Add your favorite toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, bacon bits, and chopped chives for the classic loaded version.

• For something heartier, pile on chili or pulled pork and turn it into a full meal.

• Serve them alongside grilled chicken, steak, or fish for an easy and filling side.

• If you’re feeding a crowd, set up a baked potato bar with different toppings so everyone can customize their own.

Storing

• Let the potatoes cool completely before storing so they don’t get soggy.

• Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer for about 5–7 minutes to bring back that crispy skin.

• You can also reheat them in the microwave if you’re short on time, though the skin won’t be as crisp.

• Avoid freezing them, as the texture tends to get a bit grainy once thawed.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of potato?
Yes! You can use Yukon Gold or red potatoes, but russets give the fluffiest inside and crispiest skin.

Do I need to wrap the potatoes in foil?
Nope! Skip the foil for air fryer baked potatoes. The air needs to circulate around them to get that crispy skin.

How long should I cook smaller potatoes?
If your potatoes are smaller, start checking around the 40–45 minute mark. They’ll cook faster than large russets.

Can I cook more than two potatoes at once?
You can, as long as they fit in a single layer with space between them for the air to circulate.

How do I know when they’re done?
A fork should slide easily into the center, and the skin should feel crisp. If they’re still firm, give them another 5–10 minutes.