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–+ servings
a baked potato with butter and chives on a plate.
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5 from 2 votes

Air Fryer Baked Potato

This air fryer baked potato has crispy skin and a soft, fluffy center. Ready in about 40 minutes, it’s easy to make and perfect for topping with butter, cheese, sour cream, or your favorite toppings.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Main Dish, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Diet: , Low Lactose, Vegetarian
Keyword: air fryer baked potato, baked potato, potato, russet potato
Servings: 1 serving
Author: Joanie Zisk

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)
US - Metric

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.
 
 
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.
  1. Scrub and dry the potato, then pierce it all over with a fork.
  2. 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.
  3. Let the potato cool slightly. Meanwhile, preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
  4. Rub the potato with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
  5. Air fry for 8 minutes, or until the skin is crisp and golden.
  6. Slice open, fluff the inside, and top with butter, salt, and pepper (if desired).

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 360kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 231mg | Potassium: 892mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 352IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 31mg | Iron: 2mg

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