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This air fryer baked potato has a crispy, flavorful skin and a fluffy, tender center. It’s quick, easy, and makes a delicious base for all your favorite toppings. No need to turn on the oven—this method gives you great results in less time and with less effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Skin, Fluffy Center: Just what you want in a great baked potato.
- Quick and Easy: Cooks in less than 40 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Two Cooking Methods: Choose between the traditional air fryer method or use a microwave shortcut that cuts the time in half.
- Customizable: Load it up with your favorite toppings or keep it simple with butter and salt.
I love this recipe because it brings back the simple comfort of a baked potato without the wait. The air fryer does all the work—no need to turn on the oven, and the results are just so satisfying. Whether I’m making one for myself or two to share, it’s quick, easy, and always hits the spot. I’ve made this more times than I can count, and it never disappoints.
Looking for more easy and flavorful ways to enjoy potatoes? Try our Potato Gnocchi, Twice Baked Potato Casserole, Zuppa Toscana, or Hash Browns—each one simple to make and full of comfort.
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this easy air fryer baked potato recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Russet Potato (7.5 to 8 ounces): This type of potato has a thick skin and a fluffy inside—perfect for baking. You can also use Yukon Gold, but the texture will be creamier and less fluffy.
- Olive Oil: Helps crisp up the skin and gives a golden finish.
- Kosher Salt: Draws out moisture for a crispier skin and adds flavor.
- Salted Butter: Adds rich flavor when melted into the fluffy potato center.
- Black Pepper (Optional): Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor. Use freshly ground pepper for the best taste, or skip it if you prefer a more classic, simple baked potato.
How To Make An Air Fryer Baked Potato
These photos and instructions help you visualize how to bake a potato in an air fryer. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Clean the Potato: Scrub under running water to remove dirt. Dry with a paper towel or clean kitchen towel.
- Pierce the Potato: Use a fork to poke holes all over the potato.
- Prep for Air Frying: Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. Rub the potato with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
- Air Fry: Place the potato in the basket and cook for 30 minutes. Check with a fork—if it slides in easily, it’s done. If not, cook for 5 more minutes, or until the skin is golden and crisp.
- Serve: Slice the top open and gently squeeze the sides to fluff the inside. Add a pinch of salt and butter. Sprinkle with pepper, if desired.
Microwave Shortcut (Optional)
Want to cut the cooking time in half? Start the potato in the microwave, then finish it in the air fryer for crispy skin and a fluffy inside.
- Scrub and dry the potato, then pierce it all over with a fork.
- Place the potato on a microwave-safe dish and microwave for 5 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a fork or the tip of a sharp knife—if it doesn’t go in easily, microwave for 1–2 more minutes.
- Let the potato cool slightly. Meanwhile, preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
- Rub the potato with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
- Air fry for 8 minutes, or until the skin is crisp and golden.
- Slice open, fluff the inside, and top with butter, salt, and pepper (if desired).
Expert Tips
- Crispy Skin Tip: For even crispier skin, brush with a little more olive oil halfway through air frying.
- Fluff the Inside: Let the potato rest for a few minutes after cooking. Then slice it open and use a fork to fluff the inside for a light, airy texture.
- Seasoning Variations: Try a seasoning rub with ⅛ teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika mixed with kosher salt. Or sprinkle on Italian seasoning or dried herbs before cooking.
- Cheesy Crust: For a melty, golden finish, add shredded sharp cheddar during the last 2–3 minutes of air frying.
Topping Ideas
Once your baked potato is cooked and fluffy, you can keep it simple or add any of these easy topping combinations to make it a full meal or flavorful side:
- Classic: Butter, salt, and pepper.
- Loaded: Sour cream, shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, and green onions.
- BBQ Chicken: Shredded chicken and barbecue sauce.
- Taco-Inspired: Seasoned ground beef, cheddar, and chopped tomatoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Poking holes lets steam escape, which prevents the potato from bursting and helps it cook more evenly.
No. Foil traps moisture and prevents the skin from crisping. Leave it unwrapped for best results.
Yes. Just make sure they’re about the same size and spaced apart in the basket for even cooking.
About 35 to 40 minutes at 400°F for a medium russet. Time may vary based on your air fryer and the size of the potato.
More Air Fryer Recipes For One
If you’re enjoying how quick and easy the air fryer makes dinner, here are a few more single serving recipes to try next:
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
If you’ve made this easy air fryer baked potato recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Please rate the recipe and share your thoughts in the comments below.
Snapped a photo? Tag us on Instagram; we’d be thrilled to see your creation!
Air Fryer Baked Potato
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 russet potato (7.5 – 8 oz)
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt , plus extra to sprinkle inside after cooking
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
- black pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Clean the Potato: Scrub under running water to remove dirt. Dry with a paper towel or clean kitchen towel.
- Pierce the Potato: Use a fork to poke holes all over the potato.
- Prep for Air Frying: Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. Rub the potato with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
- Air Fry: Place the potato in the basket and cook for 30 minutes. Check with a fork—if it slides in easily, it’s done. If not, cook for 5 more minutes, or until the skin is golden and crisp.
- Serve: Slice the top open and gently squeeze the sides to fluff the inside. Add a pinch of salt and butter. Sprinkle with pepper, if desired.
Notes
- Crispy Skin Tip: For even crispier skin, brush with a little more olive oil halfway through air frying.
- Fluff the Inside: Let the potato rest for a few minutes after cooking. Then slice it open and use a fork to fluff the inside for a light, airy texture.
- Seasoning Variations: Try a seasoning rub with ⅛ teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika mixed with kosher salt. Or sprinkle on Italian seasoning or dried herbs before cooking.
- Cheesy Crust: For a melty, golden finish, add shredded sharp cheddar during the last 2–3 minutes of air frying.
- Scrub and dry the potato, then pierce it all over with a fork.
- Place the potato on a microwave-safe dish and microwave for 5 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a fork or the tip of a sharp knife—if it doesn’t go in easily, microwave for 1–2 more minutes.
- Let the potato cool slightly. Meanwhile, preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
- Rub the potato with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
- Air fry for 8 minutes, or until the skin is crisp and golden.
- Slice open, fluff the inside, and top with butter, salt, and pepper (if desired).
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Unless there is a better reason, I intend to bake my potatoes this way from now on. I got home late, did a nice potato in the microwave as Joanie suggested, then popped into the air fryer in the toaster oven. Super easy, and delicious. I ate the skin, but empty shells would be perfect for cheese filled potato skins.
Are there any other available air fryers smaller than the 4-quart linked in your column? This seems too large for single-serving cooking and would take up space I don’t have in my kitchen.
Yes, there are smaller air fryers available, but the ones we link to are the ones we personally use and test our recipes with.
Good recipe.
Thank you!