Craving a baked potato with perfectly crisp skin and fluffy, steamy insides? These Air Fryer Baked Potatoes will change the way you make this classic comfort food. They come out restaurant-quality every time, with minimal effort and zero need to turn on your oven.

Whether you’re piling them high with chili and cheese or keeping it simple with butter and sea salt, the air fryer delivers crisp perfection with a quicker cook time. It’s a hands-off method that turns out golden, crackly-skinned spuds your whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Baked Potato
- Crispier skin than oven-baked potatoes, without drying out the inside.
- Ready in under 45 minutes from start to finish.
- No need to heat up the whole kitchen.
- Perfect as a quick weeknight side or a hearty meal base.
What Kind of Potatoes Are Best for Air Frying?
Russet potatoes are your best bet when it comes to baked potatoes in the air fryer. Their high starch content means fluffy centers, and their thick skins get beautifully crisp. Choose potatoes that are medium to large and roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
Ingredients for the Air Fryer Baked Potato
Each ingredient plays a role in creating that classic baked potato texture—crispy skin, tender insides, and just enough flavor to make them irresistible.
- Russet Potatoes: Their starchy interior and thick skin make them ideal for air frying.
- Olive Oil: Helps the skins crisp up and adds subtle flavor.
- Sea Salt: Essential for seasoning and that satisfying crunch.
- Black Pepper: Optional, but adds a hint of spice to the fluffy interior.
- Fresh Parsley or Chives (Optional): A bright finish if you’re serving them plain.
How To Make the Air Fryer Baked Potato
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
Scrub your russet potatoes under cold water and pat them completely dry. Prick each one a few times with a fork to allow steam to escape.
Step 2: Season and Oil
Rub each potato with olive oil until coated, then sprinkle with sea salt. This step is key to getting that crispy, salty skin.
Step 3: Air Fry Until Fluffy
Place the potatoes in your air fryer basket with space between them. Cook at 400°F for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when a knife slides in easily.
Step 4: Serve Hot
Let them rest for 2-3 minutes, then cut a slit down the middle and fluff with a fork. Add butter, sour cream, cheese, or any of your favorite toppings.

How to Serve and Store Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
This recipe makes 2-4 servings, depending on how big your potatoes are and how hungry your crew is! Serve them fresh and hot for the crispiest skin, but leftovers are great too.
Storing: Once cooled, store baked potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Re-crisp them in the air fryer at 375°F for 5-7 minutes or microwave for a softer skin.
What to Serve With Air Fryer Baked Potatoes?
Grilled Steak
A juicy ribeye or sirloin steak makes the perfect partner.
Chili
Top your potato with leftover chili for a hearty, complete meal.
Creamy Coleslaw
A crisp, tangy slaw balances out the warm, fluffy potato.
Roasted Broccoli
Add some greens with garlicky roasted broccoli or even air-fried green beans.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Comfort on comfort! Try it with this cheesy favorite.
Cheesy Rotel Ranch Queso
Pour it right over the potato for a Tex-Mex twist.
Taco Ranch Bites
Use mini bites as a side or even as a topping for loaded potatoes. Get the recipe here.
Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Soup and baked potatoes? Always a good combo. Try this one.
Want More Potato Side Dish Ideas?
If you love these Air Fryer Baked Potatoes, you might also enjoy:
- Scalloped Potatoes for creamy layers of cheesy comfort.
- Roasted Parmesan Potatoes and Broccoli for a one-pan veggie-forward side.
- Dad’s Creamy Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes if you’re all about rich, melty cheese.
- Roasted Potatoes with Baked Feta and Garlic for a flavor-packed Mediterranean option.
- Oven Fried Potatoes and Onions when you want a crispy skillet-style side.
Save This Pin For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
Let me know how yours turned out in the comments! Did you stick with classic butter and sour cream or try something creative?
I always love seeing your delicious variations. And hey—if you have questions, drop them below. We’re all here to cook and learn together!
Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Chef Lorenzo Recipes and discover your new go-to for feeling great!
Air Fryer Baked Potato
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
Description
Get ready to revolutionize your side dish game with this ultra-easy Air Fryer Baked Potato! Perfectly crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, this method creates restaurant-quality potatoes right at home—without turning on the oven. Whether you’re planning a quick dinner, hearty lunch, or easy weeknight side, this air fryer recipe is the go-to for anyone craving a satisfying, healthy snack or comfort food. Great for those hunting quick breakfast options, easy dinner ideas, or just delicious food ideas to keep your meals interesting.
Ingredients
2 large Russet potatoes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped parsley or chives (optional)
Instructions
1. Scrub the russet potatoes under cold water and pat them completely dry.
2. Prick each potato a few times with a fork to allow steam to escape.
3. Rub each potato with olive oil until fully coated.
4. Sprinkle sea salt evenly over the potatoes.
5. Place potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring space between them.
6. Air fry at 400°F for 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway through.
7. Check for doneness by inserting a knife—if it slides in easily, they’re ready.
8. Let the potatoes rest for 2–3 minutes.
9. Cut a slit down the middle and fluff the inside with a fork.
10. Add your favorite toppings like butter, cheese, or sour cream and serve hot.
Notes
Make sure the potatoes are completely dry before oiling them to get extra crispy skin.
Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket—air circulation is key for even crisping.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 potato
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: baked potato, air fryer recipe, crispy skin potato, healthy snack, dinner side
