Imagine sinking your teeth into a potato with a perfectly crispy, golden-brown exterior and a fluffy, cloud-like interior - all without heating up your entire kitchen! Our Air Fryer Baked Potatoes are about to revolutionize your side dish game, delivering restaurant-quality results in just 40 minutes. Whether you're a busy home cook or a potato enthusiast, this foolproof recipe will transform your air fryer into a magical potato-crisping machine that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 medium russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures that the potatoes cook evenly and achieve a crispy skin.
- While the air fryer is preheating, wash the russet potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt. Scrub the skins with a vegetable brush if necessary.
- After washing, pat the potatoes dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to remove excess moisture. This step is important for achieving a crispy skin.
- Using a fork, poke several holes (about 6-8) into each potato. This allows steam to escape during cooking and prevents the potatoes from bursting in the air fryer.
- In a small bowl, mix the olive oil and salt together. Then, rub the olive oil mixture all over each potato, ensuring they are well coated. This will help the skins crisp up nicely.
- Once the air fryer is preheated, place the potatoes in the basket in a single layer. Make sure they are not overcrowded to allow for proper air circulation.
- Cook the potatoes in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for about 30-35 minutes. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size of the potatoes and the specific model of your air fryer.
- About halfway through the cooking time, shake the basket gently or turn the potatoes over to ensure even cooking and browning on all sides.
- To check if the potatoes are done, insert a fork or knife into the largest potato. If it slides in easily without resistance, the potatoes are ready. If not, continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes and check again.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the potatoes from the air fryer using tongs or a fork. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the baked potatoes with your favorite toppings such as butter, sour cream, chives, cheese, or bacon bits. Enjoy your perfectly air-fried baked potatoes!
Tips
- Choose the Right Potato: Russet potatoes are ideal due to their high starch content, which creates that perfect fluffy interior.
- Don't Skip the Oil: The olive oil is crucial for achieving that irresistibly crispy skin. Make sure to coat the potatoes evenly.
- Poking Holes is Essential: Those fork punctures prevent potential potato explosions and allow steam to escape.
- Give Them Space: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness.
- Midway Shake: Turning the potatoes halfway through cooking ensures uniform browning and texture.
- Test for Doneness: A fork should easily slide into the potato when it's perfectly cooked.
- Let Them Rest: Allow a few minutes of cooling time to let the interior settle and become extra fluffy.Pro Tip: Experiment with different seasonings like garlic powder, rosemary, or paprika to customize your potato experience!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 37g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
