These crispy air fryer baked potatoes are a treat! They have a golden, crunchy skin and a fluffy inside that makes every bite satisfying. Perfect for topping with your favorites!
You can never go wrong with baked potatoes, especially when they’re super crispy. I like to add butter, cheese, and a sprinkle of green onions. Yum! 🥔✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Russet Potatoes: They’re great for baking due to their starchy nature. If you’re looking for substitutes, try Idaho potatoes or even sweet potatoes for a sweeter flavor.
Olive Oil: This adds a nice flavor and helps the skin get crispy. You can swap with avocado oil or melted butter if you prefer. Both work wonderfully!
Sea Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing flavor! If you’re watching your salt intake, try low-sodium seasoning or a sprinkle of garlic salt instead. Freshly cracked pepper can add a nice kick.
Garlic Powder: It’s optional, but I love adding it for extra flavor. If you don’t have any, minced fresh garlic or garlic salt can also work. Just adjust the quantity accordingly.
Toppings: The classic butter and sour cream combo is wonderful, but feel free to get creative! Greek yogurt, cheese, or roasted veggies can change the game!
How Do You Get the Skin Extra Crispy?
Getting that perfect crispy skin is crucial for a fantastic baked potato. Start with thoroughly dried potatoes after washing. The key steps include:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) before adding the potatoes. This ensures immediate cooking and helps crisp up the skin.
- Don’t skip the oil! A little rub of olive oil helps achieve that crispiness.
- Poking holes in the potatoes is important! It lets steam escape, preventing sogginess.
- Air fry them in a single layer without overcrowding. If your air fryer is small, cook in batches!
- Turn the potatoes halfway through. This gives an even crispy texture all around.
With these tips, you’ll have perfectly crispy baked potatoes every time! Enjoy!
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Baked Potatoes?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 medium russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Butter (for serving)
- Sour cream, chives, or your choice of toppings (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 35-40 minutes to cook. So, in total, you’ll need around 50 minutes to enjoy your crispy air fryer baked potatoes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This will help the potatoes cook evenly and become crispy.
2. Prep the Potatoes:
Wash and scrub the russet potatoes thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. Once clean, pat them dry with a paper towel. This is important for ensuring they crisp up nicely!
3. Poke Holes:
Poke several holes in each potato with a fork. This allows steam to escape during cooking and prevents the potatoes from bursting.
4. Season the Potatoes:
Rub the potatoes with olive oil, making sure to coat them evenly. Then, sprinkle sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder (if using) over the potatoes, pressing gently to help the seasonings stick.
5. Air Fry the Potatoes:
Carefully place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. If your air fryer is small, it’s fine to cook them in batches. Air fry the potatoes for 35-40 minutes, turning them halfway through. They’re ready when they feel tender inside and the skin is nice and crispy.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
When cooked, carefully remove the potatoes from the air fryer using tongs. Cut them open lengthwise and add a pat of butter inside. Top with sour cream, chives, or any of your favorite toppings. Dig in and enjoy your crispy air fryer baked potatoes!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While russet potatoes are ideal for their starchy texture, you can use other varieties like Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly—start checking for doneness a bit earlier.
What if I Don’t Have an Air Fryer?
No worries! You can still make crispy baked potatoes in the oven. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake the potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet for about 45-55 minutes or until tender, turning them halfway through.
Can I Prep the Potatoes in Advance?
Yes, you can! Wash and prep the potatoes (poking holes and oiling) up to a day ahead. Just wrap them in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook them. Allow them to come to room temperature before air frying for best results.
How to Store Leftover Baked Potatoes
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through, or microwave them for a quicker option.
