The Secret to the Crispiest Air Fryer Baked Potato
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If you’re wondering, can you put a potato in the air fryer? The answer is YES! Here’s the best way to make an air fryer baked potato. The secret to achieving crispy potato skins with fluffy insides is all in the cooking process—from choosing the right type of potato to using simple ingredients. Serve them alongside your favorite main dish for the perfect meal.
Keep reading to get all the tips!
Air frying is the easiest way to get crispy potatoes with less oil than traditional methods. Whether you’re making a single baked potato or a batch for the family, this air fryer potato recipe will become your favorite way to prepare perfect potatoes every time.
If you prefer the oven, here’s how to bake the perfect potato. If you love sweet potatoes, here’s how to bake sweet potatoes.
Before I lost 125 pounds, I slathered potatoes in sour cream, bacon, and cheese. Now that I eat a plant-based diet, I realize how much cholesterol and fat are in those ingredients. A little seasoning is all you need to make the natural flavor of air-fried potatoes shine.
Before I show you how to cook a potato in the air fryer, please take a quick second to subscribe to my Intentionally Eat newsletter. It contains tips and recipes to help you live your healthiest life. You’ll also get a free acid/alkaline chart to show you which foods you should eat for optimum health.
Can You Put a Potato in the Air Fryer?
Yes! But why would you want to put a potato in the air fryer instead of the oven?
- Less time – Air frying takes less time than oven-baked potatoes.
- Crispier skin – The hot air circulation creates that nice crispy skin without drying out the inside.
- Uses less oil – A great thing for those on a low calorie diet or watching their fat intake.
The Best Potatoes for Air Frying
The type of potato you use matters! Some varieties work better for air frying than others:
- Russet Potatoes – make the best baked potatoes with high starch content and crispier skin.
- Yukon Golds – have a slightly creamier inside but still get golden brown and crispy.
- Red Potatoes & Baby Potatoes – are great for making crispy air fryer potatoes, but they have a different cook time than larger varieties.
- Sweet Potatoes – are great if you prefer a naturally sweet, nutrient-packed option.
* See the recipe card below for a detailed list of ingredients and measurements.
How to Make the Crispiest Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
RECIPE RUNDOWN
This air fryer baked potato recipe is foolproof! Follow these simple steps for the perfect air fryer experience.
- Prep the potatoes and preheat the air fryer.
- Season the potatoes.
- Spread the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air Fry for Crispy Perfection
- Serve and enjoy!
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
- Preheat the Air Fryer – Set to 400 degrees F for the best baked potatoes.
- Wash & Dry – Rinse the potato skins under cold water and scrub with a clean towel or paper towel to remove dirt.
- Poke Holes – Use a sharp knife or fork to create small holes in the potato flesh to allow steam to escape.
Step 2: Season
- Coat with Oil – Use olive oil or avocado oil to get extra crispy skin.
- Add Seasoning – Sprinkle sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or even Italian seasoning for extra flavor. If you’re looking for salt-free, check out this salt substitute.
Step 3: Spread
- Place in the Basket – Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket for even cooking.
Step 4: Air Fry
Cooking Time – 400 degrees:
- Large russet potatoes: 40-45 minutes
- Medium potatoes: 35-40 minutes
- Baby potatoes: 20-25 minutes
Pro Tip: If your potatoes need extra minutes, check for doneness by inserting a fork—it should slide in easily. For the crispiest results, always consider the size of your potatoes—larger potatoes need extra minutes, while baby potatoes cook faster.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once done, slice open and fluff the insides with a fork. Serve with your favorite toppings like:
- Vegan butter
- Vegan sour cream or vegan Greek yogurt
- Vegan cheese or cheese sauce
- Fresh parsley, chives, or onion powder
What to Serve With Air-Fried Potatoes
Potatoes cooked in the air fryer pair perfectly with various vegan dishes! Serve them alongside a hearty lentil loaf, grilled tofu, or a fresh kale and chickpea salad. For a simple meal, enjoy them with roasted veggies and a tangy tahini drizzle! Here are a few more ideas!
- Air-Fried potatoes pair well with this garden salad.
- They make a great side for this Mediterranean Hummus Wrap or this tomato soup.
Tips for Making the Air-Fried Potatoes
- Avoid overcrowding the potatoes in the air fryer basket. It can cause excess moisture and prevent crispy potatoes.
- Meal prep them for the week and store them in an airtight container until ready to reheat and eat.
- Don’t skip the preheating. It gives the potatoes a nice crispy skin.
How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat
- How to store – If you have any leftover air-fried potatoes, let them cool to room temperature before storing them to prevent sogginess. Refrigerate – Place them in an airtight container or resealable bag. They’ll stay fresh for 3-4 days in the fridge.
- How to freeze – Let them cool completely, then spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze for a couple of hours before transferring them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to three months. The texture might change slightly, so I recommend enjoying them fresh.
- How to reheat – Air Fryer (Best Method) – If frozen, thaw to room temperature. Reheat in the air fryer at 350 degrees F for 5-10 minutes for the best texture.
Pro Tip: Spritzing potatoes with a little oil before reheating helps restore their crispy texture! 🥔✨
For more information about food safety and storage, go to www.foodsafety.gov.
Other Simple Recipes
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Recipe
How to Cook a Potato in the Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 2 medium potatoes russet, Yukon gold, red, or sweet potatoes
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
Optional
- onion powder
- Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F for 5 minutes. Rinse the potatoes under cold water and remove dirt. Poke holes in the potato using a sharp knife or fork to allow steam to escape.
- Season – Use olive oil or avocado oil to get extra crispy skin. Sprinkle sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning.
- Air Fry – Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for approximately 35 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a fork, it should slide in easily.
- Top and Serve – Once done, slice open and fluff the insides with a fork. Serve with your favorite toppings and enjoy.
Notes
Tips for Making the Best Air Fried Potatoes
- Avoid overcrowding the potatoes in the air fryer basket. It can cause excess moisture and prevent crispy potatoes.
- Meal prep them for the week and store them in an airtight container until ready to reheat and eat.
- Don’t skip the preheating. It gives the potatoes a nice crispy skin.
How to Store Air Fried Potatoes
- Cool Completely – Let the potatoes cool to room temperature before storing to prevent sogginess.
- Refrigerate – Place them in an airtight container or resealable bag. They’ll stay fresh for 3-4 days in the fridge.
- Freeze for Long-Term Storage – Spread the potatoes on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours before transferring them to a freezer bag. They’ll last up to 3 months. I DO NOT recommend freezing them because it will change the texture.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350 degrees F for 5-10 minutes for the best texture.
How to Serve Air Fried Potatoes
Once done, slice open and fluff the insides with a fork. Serve with your favorite toppings like:- Vegan butter
- Vegan sour cream or vegan Greek yogurt
- Vegan cheese or dairy-free cheese sauce
- Fresh parsley, chives, or onion powder
Nutrition
Hungry for more?
Before I say goodbye, I encourage you to take a moment to find out how I went from obese to 125-pounds lighter and how you can reach your health goals, too!
More Easy Recipes:
How Long to Roast Mini Potatoes
How to Make Crispy Fried Zucchini in the Air Fryer
10 Surprising Things to Dehydrate in an Air Fryer
About The Author
Although Cindy has lost 125 pounds, her path to success was not easy. Go here to read her incredible story, “From Morbidly Obese to Losing 125 Pounds and Becoming a Health Coach.” To send Cindy a quick message, visit her contact page here.
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Disclaimer: Please note that I am not a medical professional. The information provided on this blog is based on my personal experiences and research as a vegan recipe enthusiast. While I strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it is important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or a registered dietitian before making any significant changes to your diet, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or concerns. The recipes and tips shared on this blog are meant for general informational purposes and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Always prioritize your health and well-being by seeking personalized guidance from a qualified healthcare provider.
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