Description
Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, these Air Fryer Baked Potatoes are a quick and easy way to enjoy a classic comfort food. Perfectly cooked using your air fryer, these potatoes come out with a deliciously crispy skin and a soft interior, ready to be topped with butter, chives, and your favorite toppings like sour cream, bacon, and cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 3-4 large Russet potatoes (rinsed and dried, depending on the size of your air fryer)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Kosher salt (to taste)
- 4 tabs of butter (about ½ tbsp each)
- Fresh chives (chopped, for garnish)
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream
- Chopped bacon
- Shredded cheese (cheddar recommended)
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Wash the potatoes under cold running water and scrub gently to remove any dirt. Dry thoroughly with a paper towel to ensure the skins get crispy during cooking.
- Coat with Oil and Salt: Place the russet potatoes in a large bowl, pour the vegetable oil over them, and rub each potato thoroughly to coat evenly. Sprinkle kosher salt over the skins evenly to enhance flavor and crispness.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for about 3 minutes. This ensures the potatoes cook evenly and the skin crisps up nicely.
- Air Fry the Potatoes: Arrange the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook at 400°F for 35-45 minutes, flipping the potatoes halfway through to promote even cooking. Test doneness by piercing with a fork — it should slide in easily without resistance.
- Cool and Slice: Remove the cooked potatoes from the air fryer and let them cool for about 2-3 minutes to make handling safer. Slice each potato lengthwise down the middle carefully as they will still be hot. Use a fork to fluff the inside of each potato, creating a soft, fluffy texture.
- Add Butter: Place a tab of butter inside the fluffy potato interior to melt and add richness to the flavor.
- Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped chives over the buttered potatoes for a fresh and colorful touch.
- Serve with Toppings: For extra flavor and indulgence, add your favorite toppings such as sour cream, chopped bacon, or shredded cheddar cheese before serving.
Notes
- Russet potatoes are recommended due to their high starch content which yields fluffier interiors.
- Cooking times may vary depending on the size of the potatoes and the model of your air fryer.
- Turning the potatoes halfway through cooking ensures even crispiness on all sides.
- If you prefer softer skin, reduce the salt slightly or brush potatoes with oil only.
- You can customize toppings to your liking for a loaded baked potato experience.
