This easy air fryer baked potato recipe is the perfect side dish for any meal. With crispy skin and a soft, fluffy interior, these air fryer potatoes cook quickly and require minimal ingredients. Simply season with olive oil and sea salt, then cook in your air fryer for a hassle-free and delicious result. Ideal for meal prepping or serving with your favorite main course, these baked potatoes are versatile and simple to make, delivering a perfectly cooked potato every time.

Ingredients

4 medium russet potatoes (7–9 oz each)
1 Tbsp olive oil (or use cooking spray)
½ tsp sea salt, or to taste

Instructions

Prep the Potatoes
Scrub the potatoes under running water to remove any dirt. Pat them completely dry with a clean towel.
Season
Use a fork to poke each potato 4–5 times all over. Rub each one with olive oil (or spray lightly with cooking spray), then sprinkle evenly with sea salt.
Air Fry
Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Basket-Style Air Fryer: Cook at 400°F for 35–45 minutes.
- Toaster-Style Air Fryer: Cook at 375°F for 35–45 minutes.
  Flip the potatoes halfway through cooking. Potatoes are ready when a knife slides in easily.
Serve
Carefully remove the potatoes using tongs and transfer to a plate. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Tips

Choose russet potatoes for the best fluffy texture and crispy skin.
Dry potatoes thoroughly before air frying for crispier results.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.

Variations and Substitutions

Oil: Swap olive oil with avocado oil or butter for different flavor profiles.
Salt: Use garlic salt, seasoned salt, or a salt-free herb blend if preferred.
Potatoes: Yukon gold or sweet potatoes can also be cooked using this method (adjust time as needed).

FAQs

Do I need to wrap the potatoes in foil?
No. Foil prevents the skin from crisping. Air frying without foil gives you that perfect crispy exterior.

How do I know when the potatoes are done?
They should be tender all the way through when pierced with a knife or fork.

Can I make these ahead?
Yes. Reheat in the air fryer for 5–7 minutes at 350°F to restore crispness.

Serving Suggestions

Top with sour cream, shredded cheese, bacon bits, and chives for a classic loaded baked potato.
Serve alongside grilled meats, salad, or roasted veggies.
Make it a meal by stuffing with chili, broccoli and cheese, or pulled chicken.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy with no need to heat up your oven.
Perfectly crispy skin and fluffy interior every time.
Ideal for meal prep or last-minute side dishes.
Requires minimal ingredients and effort.