Crispy air fryer baked potatoes are the perfect side dish! They have a crunchy skin and a fluffy inside that just calls for butter and toppings. Yum!
There’s something magical about how these potatoes go from plain to awesome in the air fryer. Plus, they’re super easy to make—you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Russet Potatoes: These are great for baking because they have a starchy texture that gets fluffy inside. If you can’t find russet potatoes, you can use other types like Yukon Gold, though they will be a bit creamier.
Olive Oil: This adds flavor and helps the skin get nice and crispy. You can substitute with vegetable oil or avocado oil if you prefer. Just keep in mind that different oils may alter the taste slightly.
Sea Salt: I love using sea salt for its texture and taste. If you don’t have it, regular table salt will work fine, but use a little less, as it’s finer and saltier.
Optional Toppings: Butter is classic, but get creative! Sour cream, chives, shredded cheese, or bacon bits are popular. You can also try sour cream alternatives for a lighter dish, like Greek yogurt!
How Do I Get the Skin Super Crispy?
Getting that perfect crispy skin is all about a few key steps. First, ensure your potatoes are clean and dry before you apply oil. The oil is crucial for crisping up the skin in the air fryer.
- After washing, thoroughly dry the potatoes. Any moisture will steam them rather than crisp them.
- Piercing the potatoes with a fork is important to let the steam escape, preventing them from bursting.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Giving the potatoes enough space helps the air circulate for even cooking.
- Flip the potatoes halfway through cooking for an evenly crispy skin.
With these tips, your potatoes will turn out perfectly crisp every time!
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potatoes:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Butter, for serving
Optional Toppings:
- Sour cream
- Chives
- Shredded cheese
- Bacon bits
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep and 35-45 minutes for cooking in the air fryer, so you’ll need roughly 45-55 minutes in total. The result? Deliciously crispy baked potatoes that are easy to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial for achieving that perfectly crispy skin on your potatoes.
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
Take the russet potatoes and scrub them under cold water to remove any dirt. Once clean, dry them off with a towel to ensure the oil sticks well.
3. Poke and Season:
Using a fork, pierce each potato several times. This allows steam to escape while cooking. Then, rub the potatoes all over with olive oil, sprinkle them generously with sea salt and black pepper to give them some flavor.
4. Air Fry the Potatoes:
Carefully place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not crowded. Cook them for 35-45 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when the skin is crispy and a fork goes through easily.
5. Final Touches:
Once your potatoes are cooked, take them out of the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. Slice each potato down the middle and fluff the insides with a fork. Add a pat of butter and your choice of optional toppings like sour cream, chives, shredded cheese, or bacon bits. Enjoy your delicious crispy air fryer baked potatoes!
## FAQ Section for Crispy Air Fryer Baked Potato
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While russet potatoes are ideal for their fluffy texture, you can also use Yukon Gold or even sweet potatoes. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly based on the type and size of the potato.
What if I Want to Make These Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the potatoes ahead by cooking them fully in the air fryer and then refrigerating them. To reheat, simply place them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again!
How to Store Leftover Baked Potatoes?
Store any leftover baked potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the air fryer or microwave. For best results, use the air fryer to maintain the crispy skin!
Can I Skip the Olive Oil?
While olive oil helps achieve that crispy skin, you can skip it if desired. Instead, you could use a light spray of cooking oil or simply rub the potatoes with water and salt for a healthier option, but the texture may not be as crispy.
