Introduction
If you’ve ever craved that perfect baked potato — crispy, salty skin and a soft, cloud-like interior — but didn’t want to wait an hour for the oven, this recipe is your new best friend! The air fryer delivers that ideal texture in half the time, with less oil and more flavor. Whether it’s a quick weeknight side or the base for a loaded potato dinner, this air fryer version is unbeatable for speed and taste.
Ingredients**
For 2–4 servings:
2–4 medium russet potatoes (8–10 oz each)
1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
1 teaspoon sea salt (coarse or flaky)
½ teaspoon black pepper (optional)
½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
For serving (optional toppings):
Butter or sour cream
Shredded cheese
Crispy bacon bits
Chopped green onions or chives
Greek yogurt (for a lighter twist)
Chili or steamed broccoli for a loaded version
Equipment Needed
Air fryer (any size, but basket style works best)
Fork
Small bowl and brush or paper towel
Instructions**
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
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Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for 3-5 minutes.
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
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Scrub the potatoes clean under running water and pat them completely dry with a kitchen towel.
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Using a fork, poke each potato about 8-10 times to allow steam to escape during cooking.
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Rub each potato lightly with oil, then season generously with salt and pepper.
3. Cook to Perfection:
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Place the prepared potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they aren’t touching for optimal air circulation.
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Air fry for 20-25 minutes, flipping the potatoes halfway through the cooking time.
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The potatoes are done when the skin is crispy and a knife or fork pierces the center with no resistance.
4. Serve:
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Let the potatoes cool for a few minutes before handling.
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Slice open, fluff the insides with a fork, and load up with your favorite toppings.
Serving Suggestions
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As a Side: Perfect with grilled steak, chicken, fish, or a simple green salad.
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Fully Loaded: Make it a meal by topping with chili, broccoli and cheese, or sautéed mushrooms and onions.
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Simple & Classic: A pat of butter, a sprinkle of chives, and a crack of black pepper is all you need.
