Get ready for a tasty treat with these crispy air fryer baked potatoes! They turn out golden and crunchy on the outside, while soft and fluffy on the inside.
If you’re like me, smothering them with butter, sour cream, or your favorite toppings is a must. It’s the easiest way to impress your friends without spending hours in the kitchen!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Russet Potatoes: These are excellent for baking because they have a fluffy texture when cooked. If you can’t find russets, Idaho potatoes work well too. Just avoid waxy potatoes like red or new potatoes, as they don’t get as fluffy.
Olive Oil: A great choice for flavor and crispiness. You can substitute it with avocado oil or melted butter if you prefer. Both will add a lovely taste and aid in achieving a crispy skin.
Sea Salt: This brings out the flavor of the potatoes. If you’re watching your sodium intake, use kosher salt or a salt substitute. It’s always good to adjust the amount based on your taste!
Optional Toppings: Feel free to customize based on what you love! Instead of sour cream, you could use Greek yogurt for a lighter option. Chopped green onions or even salsa can be great additions too!
How Can I Ensure My Potatoes Are Crispy on the Outside?
Getting that desirable crispy skin involves a couple of essential steps that are easy to follow.
- After washing and drying the potatoes, remember to pierce them. This step allows steam to escape while cooking, which helps achieve that crispy texture.
- The olive oil rub is crucial! It creates that crunchy outer layer. Make sure to coat them evenly with oil.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Giving each potato space allows for better airflow and ensures even cooking.
Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of cooking, as air fryers can vary. They’re ready when the skin is crisp, and a fork easily pierces through the tender inside. Enjoy your perfectly crispy potatoes!
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Baked Potatoes?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Butter (for serving)
- Optional toppings: sour cream, chives, shredded cheese, bacon bits
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 45 minutes in total. You’ll need about 5 minutes for prep work, and then 35-40 minutes for cooking in the air fryer. It’s a simple and quick way to enjoy delicious baked potatoes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potatoes:
Begin by washing the russet potatoes thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or residue. After washing, pat them dry with a paper towel. This is important to ensure they bake properly in the air fryer.
2. Season the Potatoes:
Using a fork, pierce each potato several times. This allows steam to escape during cooking, preventing the potatoes from bursting. Next, rub the potatoes all over with olive oil to coat them evenly. Finally, sprinkle sea salt and black pepper over the potatoes for added flavor.
3. Air Fry the Potatoes:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Once it’s preheated, place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they aren’t overcrowded. Cook the potatoes for 35-40 minutes, flipping them halfway through. They are done when the skin is crispy and the inside is tender when pierced with a fork.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Carefully remove the potatoes from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. Then, cut a slit in each potato and gently squeeze the ends to open them up. Add a pat of butter inside each potato, letting it melt. Finally, serve with your favorite optional toppings like sour cream, chives, shredded cheese, or bacon bits. Enjoy your crispy air fryer baked potatoes!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While russet potatoes are ideal for their fluffy texture, you can also use Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so check for doneness by piercing them with a fork.
What If I Don’t Have an Air Fryer?
No problem! You can bake these potatoes in a conventional oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 45-55 minutes. Just make sure to flip them halfway through for even crispiness!
How to Store Leftover Baked Potatoes?
Store any leftover baked potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through.
Can I Prepare the Potatoes in Advance?
Yes, you can wash and prepare the potatoes ahead of time! After washing and piercing, cover them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, coat with olive oil and season just before air frying.
