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A close-up of a golden-brown baked potato with crispy skin, fresh out of the air fryer and ready to be sliced.

Air Fryer Baked Potato: The Ultimate Guide to Crispy Skin & Fluffy Perfection

The fastest way to achieve a perfectly cooked baked potato! This Air Fryer Baked Potato recipe delivers an unbelievably fluffy interior and deliciously crispy, seasoned skin every single time. The ultimate side dish or base for a hearty meal.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 potatoes
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220

Ingredients
  

  • 4 medium Russet potatoes Scrubbed clean and patted completely dry
  • 1 tbsp olive oil Or avocado oil
  • 1 tsp coarse sea salt Or kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper Freshly ground
  • Butter, sour cream, chives, cheese, bacon For serving

Equipment

  • 1 Air Fryer
  • 1 Mixing Bowl

Method
 

  1. Scrub potatoes clean and pat them completely dry with a paper towel. Pierce each potato 4-5 times on all sides with a fork.
  2. Place potatoes in a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and toss to coat. Sprinkle generously with coarse salt and black pepper.
  3. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
  4. Cook for 35-45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the skin is crisp and a fork easily pierces the center.
  5. Carefully remove from the air fryer. Slice open, fluff the inside with a fork, and top with your favorite ingredients.

Notes

Do Not Use Foil: Wrapping the potatoes in foil will trap steam and result in soft, soggy skins.
Dry Skin is Key: For the crispiest results, ensure the potato skin is completely dry before adding oil.
Don't Crowd: Cook in batches if necessary to ensure hot air can circulate around each potato.