Air Fry Baked Potatoes – Oh Sweet Basil

This is the ultimate air fry baked potatoes recipe that’s crispy on the outside and perfectly fluffy on the inside! All in under an hour! With minimal effort and just a few simple ingredients, you’ll get that classic baked potato taste without heating up the oven.

Whether you’re loading it up with butter, cheese, or your favorite toppings, this quick and easy method will become your go-to for weeknight dinners and weekend comfort food. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever baked potatoes any other way!

It’s the texture for me. There’s just something so satisfying about a classic, old-fashioned baked potato! The crisp, crackly salted skin and that soft, fluffy center melting with butter. Truly, there’s nothing better than gathering around the table for a simple dinner at home with piping hot baked potatoes on the side.

I used to think you had to wrap them in foil to get them just right (didn’t we all?), but a few years living in Idaho taught me otherwise. I became a full-on baked potato expert, and now, the air fryer is my secret weapon.

Over the past year, our recipe for How to Make Baked Potatoes in the Oven with Crispy Skin has quickly climbed the charts as one of the most viewed recipes on our site. And I get it! That crispy skin is pure gold. But I’ll be honest: while I still love the oven method, the air fryer has officially won me over. It’s now my favorite way to cook baked potatoes.

What You’ll Need to Make Air Fry Baked Potatoes

You only need three simple ingredients to make perfect air fryer baked potatoes! Plus any toppings you love. This recipe is all about crisp skin, fluffy insides, and minimal effort.

Russet Potatoes: Starchy with thick skin, ideal for baking.

Oil (Olive Oil or Avocado Oil): Helps the skin get golden and crisp.

Kosher Salt: A simple seasoning that boosts flavor.

Toppings (Optional): Try butter, sour cream, cheddar, bacon, chives, or chili.

These basic ingredients are all you need to make baked potatoes that are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and endlessly customizable with your favorite toppings. Check the recipe card below for more details and tips.

How to Dress Up a Baked Potato

When it comes to baked potato toppings, the options are endless, but a few classics always hit the spot. A generous sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese melts beautifully into the fluffy center, while a hearty scoop of chili turns your potato into a full meal.

Add a dollop of sour cream for a cool, creamy contrast, and finish with a handful of chopped chives or green onions for a fresh bite. Don’t forget a pinch of salt and pepper to bring everything together, and if you’re feeling indulgent, crispy bacon bits are the perfect savory crunch. Whether you’re keeping it simple or going all out, these toppings take your baked potato to the next level.

How To Make Air-Fried Baked Potatoes

Whether you’re serving air fryer baked potatoes as the perfect side dish for your favorite steak or enjoying one as a hearty meal on its own, this step-by-step guide will help you master the ultimate baked potato. With irresistibly crispy skin and fluffy insides, it’s a foolproof method that’s fast, easy, and life-changing!

Scrub: Wash and dry russet potatoes thoroughly.

Poke: Use a fork to prick each potato 6–8 times.

Season: Rub with oil and generously sprinkle with kosher salt.

Preheat: If needed, preheat your air fryer to 400°F.

Cook: Air fry at 400°F for 35–45 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Check: Potatoes are done when fork-tender.

Serve: Slice open and top with cheese, black pepper, sour cream, bacon bits, or your favorite toppings.

With this foolproof method, you’ll get restaurant-quality baked potatoes in less time and with less fuss. It’s an easy upgrade to any meal, or a meal all on its own!  For the full, detailed instructions, see the recipe card down below.

What to Eat With Air Fry Baked Potatoes

These air fryer baked potatoes are incredibly versatile and make the perfect base or side for a variety of meals. Pair with your favorite protein for a hearty, satisfying dinner — they’re especially delicious alongside pulled pork,  juicy smoked chicken, or a simple serving of roasted broccoli. Whether you’re keeping things classic or loading them up, these baked potatoes fit right in.

How to Store and Reheat Air Fry Baked Potatoes 

Once cooled, wrap baked potatoes in aluminum foil and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, remove the foil and pop them in the microwave for a quick option, just keep in mind the skin won’t stay as crispy. For better texture, reheat in the air fryer or oven to help bring back some of that crispiness.

Air Fryer Baked Potato FAQs

Do I have to pierce potatoes before air frying?

Yes! Using a fork or knife to pierce the potatoes is what allows steam to escape as they cook. If you skip this step, the potatoes could burst open in the air fryer. And I know from experience. 😉

Should I wrap potatoes in foil before cooking?

Everyone in Idaho is screaming, “NO!” right now. Wrapping potatoes in tin foil before air frying or baking makes the skin soggy. Instead, leave them alone and only season the potato skins with olive oil and sea salt. This is what makes them super crispy!

How long should I cook baked potatoes in the air fryer?

The exact timing on how long to cook baked potatoes in the air fryer will depend on your specific air fryer and the size of the potatoes. Typically a large potato takes around 45 minutes at 400 degrees.

Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside! These air fryer baked potatoes are a simple, satisfying addition to any meal. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, they come together effortlessly and pair perfectly with all your favorite toppings. Once you try this method, it just might become your go-to method to bake a potato.

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