An air fryer makes baked potatoes even more delicious than those produced in the oven. The air fryer’s concentrated heat and fan crisp the potato exterior to perfection while simultaneously providing light, fluffy insides that can be topped however you like.
The air fryer requires less time to achieve that crisp surface and fluffy interior, so dinner is ready faster. It also frees up oven space for other recipes and is an excellent choice for hot days when turning on the oven is not recommended.
Oven Or Air Fryer: Which Makes The Best Baked Potato?
To really examine the differences, I made one baked potato in the air fryer and one in the oven and noticed several advantages with the air fryer.
- Less time: The baked potato made in the air fryer took less time than when baked in the oven. A 10-ounce potato took 40 to 45 minutes to get tender and crisp, whereas a potato baked in the oven took about 1 hour.
- Crisper skin: The skin of the air fryer baked potato became considerably crispier. I also noticed that the skin stayed crisp longer than the oven-baked potato.
- Fluffier interior: The interior of the air fryer baked potato was fluffier and lighter. The interior of the oven-baked potato seems to maintain more moisture, making it feel heavier and not as fluffy.
Air Fryer Baked Potato Tips Potatoes
Russet potatoes are the best option for air frying, just as they are for baking. Their high starch and low moisture content make them ideal for dry heat cooking methods and contribute to their light and fluffy interior texture.
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Leave space between each potato in the basket so that the heat can circulate and evenly crisp the skin all around the potatoes.
In this recipe, I cook potatoes at 390°F rather than the standard 400°F. Resist the impulse to go for the higher temperature. I discovered that cooking potatoes at a higher temperature resulted in a thick, solid layer under the skin. Cooking the potatoes at 390°F produces a thin, crisp outer layer that is considerably more appealing.
The cook time will vary depending on the size of the potato. Small potatoes (4 to 6 ounces) should simmer for 25 to 30 minutes. Medium to medium-large potatoes (8 to 10 ounces) will take 40 to 45 minutes. Large potatoes (about 12 ounces) will require around an hour.
How to Reheat Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (if needed) on the air fryer setting.
- Place the leftover potato into the basket of the air fryer, making sure there is about 1 inch of space between each potato (if reheating multiple potatoes) as well as the walls of the basket.
- Return the basket to the fryer and reheat until the potato is heated through and the outside has re-crisped, 7 to 10 minutes.
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This recipe was developed in a 6-quart air fryer which is large enough to fit 4 medium to medium-large potatoes. If your air fryer is smaller, you may need to cook the potatoes in batches.
Ingredients
- 4 medium to medium-large russet potatoes (about 10 ounces each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, divided, plus more for serving
- Freshly ground black pepper, unsalted butter, shredded sharp cheddar, sour cream, and/or scallions, for serving (as desired)
Method
Prepare the air fryer and potatoes.Preheat the air fryer to 390°F if your air fryer requires preheating. If your air fryer has multiple settings, use the “air fry” setting.
Wash and scrub the potatoes and pat them dry with a towel. Poke each potato all around about 16 times with a fork. Rub each potato with 3/4 teaspoon olive oil and 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt.
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Air fry the potatoes:
Place the potatoes into the basket of the air fryer, leaving about 1 inch between each potato.
Return the basket to the fryer and cook at 390°F until the potatoes are fork tender and the skin is golden brown and crisp, 40 to 50 minutes, flipping each potato halfway through cooking.
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Serve:
Remove the potatoes from the air fryer with a pair of tongs. Using a sharp knife, slice each potato through the top lengthwise (without cutting all the way through) to reveal the steamy interior.
Use a fork to fluff the insides of the potato. Season and top as desired with more salt, freshly ground black pepper, unsalted butter, shredded sharp cheddar, sour cream, and/or scallions. Serve immediately while the insides are still hot and the skin is still crispy.
The potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
conclusion
FAQ
1. How do you prepare Air Fryer Baked Potatoes?
- To prepare Air Fryer Baked Potatoes, start by washing and scrubbing the potatoes thoroughly. Dry them and then rub with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket and cook at a high temperature, turning occasionally for even cooking, until they are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
2. Can you use different potato varieties for Air Fryer Baked Potatoes?
- Yes, you can use various potato varieties such as russet, Yukon Gold, or red potatoes for Air Fryer Baked Potatoes. Each variety will offer slightly different textures and flavors, allowing you to choose based on your preference.
3. How long does it take to cook Air Fryer Baked Potatoes?
- Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the potatoes and the air fryer’s specific model. On average, it takes around 35-45 minutes at 400°F (200°C). It’s recommended to flip the potatoes halfway through the cooking time for even crispiness.
4. What toppings can be added to Air Fryer Baked Potatoes?
- Air Fryer Baked Potatoes can be customized with a variety of toppings. Classic options include sour cream, chives, cheese, bacon bits, and butter. For a healthier twist, you can add toppings like Greek yogurt, salsa, avocado, or even a drizzle of olive oil.
5. Can you prepare multiple potatoes at once in the Air Fryer?
- Yes, you can cook multiple potatoes at once in the Air Fryer, but be mindful not to overcrowd the basket to ensure even cooking. If cooking a large batch, it’s a good idea to rotate and flip the potatoes periodically during the cooking process.
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