Air Fryer Baked Potatoes Recipe.

Ingredients

• 4 medium-to-large Russet potatoes
• 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, optional
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder, optional

Optional Toppings

• Butter
• Sour cream
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Chopped green onions
• Crispy bacon
• Chives
• Fresh parsley
• Ranch dressing
• Chili
• Steamed broccoli
• Pulled chicken or beef

Instructions

1. Prepare the Potatoes

1. Start by washing the potatoes thoroughly under cool running water. Since the skins become crisp and are delicious to eat, make sure to remove any dirt or debris.
2. Pat the potatoes completely dry with paper towels. Drying is important because excess moisture can prevent the skins from becoming properly crisp.
3. Using a fork, pierce each potato several times all over. This allows steam to escape while the potatoes cook.

2. Season the Skins

1. Place the dry potatoes in a bowl. Drizzle them with olive oil and rub the oil evenly over every potato.
2. Sprinkle the potatoes with kosher salt. If desired, add a little freshly ground black pepper or garlic powder for extra flavor.
3. The oil helps the skin become golden and crisp, while the salt creates that classic baked-potato flavor.

3. Preheat the Air Fryer

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for approximately 3–5 minutes if your particular model recommends preheating.
2. Some air fryers do not require preheating, so you can also begin cooking immediately if your appliance’s instructions allow it.

4. Air Fry the Potatoes

1. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Leave a little space between them so hot air can circulate around each potato.
2. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 35–45 minutes .
3. The exact cooking time depends on the size of your potatoes and the power of your air fryer. Smaller potatoes may be ready in around 30–35 minutes, while very large potatoes can take 45–50 minutes or longer.
4. For evenly browned skins, carefully turn the potatoes halfway through cooking.

5. Check for Doneness

1. The best way to determine whether your potatoes are finished is to test the center.
2. Insert a fork or thin knife into the thickest part of a potato. It should slide in easily without resistance. The potato should feel soft when gently squeezed with tongs.
3. For a particularly fluffy interior, the internal temperature should be around 205–210°F (96–99°C) .
4. If the potatoes are still firm, continue air frying for another 5 minutes and check again.

6. Rest and Serve

1. Once cooked, carefully remove the potatoes from the air fryer. Let them rest for about 5 minutes.
2. Use a sharp knife to make a lengthwise cut across the top of each potato. Gently press the ends inward to open the potato and fluff the center with a fork.
3. Add your favorite toppings and serve immediately.

Notes

Allow leftover potatoes to cool before transferring them to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. For longer storage, cooked potatoes can be frozen, although the texture may be slightly different after thawing. Reheat refrigerated potatoes in the air fryer to help restore some of the crispness.

Nutrition

Calories: 220 · Protein: 5 g · Fat: 6 g · Carbohydrates: 39 g · Saturated Fat: 1 g · Fiber: 3 g · Sugar: 2 g · Sodium: 300 mg