Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
Air Fryer Baked Potatoes are crisp on the outside yet tender and perfectly cooked on the inside, making it the best cooking method for a baked potato.
The air fryer can cut your cooking time in half and provide super crispy results like our Air Fryer Chicken Wings and Air Fryer Bacon. You’ll love the crisp salty skins on these potatoes.
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Air Fryer Baked Potato Recipe
You cannot go wrong with a baked potato as a side dish, appetizer, or even the main event. With this easy air fryer baked potato recipe, you are going to love cooking baked potatoes.
Just like you would bake the potato in the oven, you’ll get the same results with the air fryer but less cleaning and quicker cooking time. You also don’t have to wait for the air fryer to preheat like you would with an oven.
Ingredients
This is such an easy recipe using only 3 basic ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
- Potatoes – We recommend using Russet potatoes, also known as Idaho potatoes. You’ll want to make sure all your potatoes are the same size for even cooking.
- Oil – The oil is what gives the skin its crispiness, we use olive oil for this recipe. You can easily use cooking spray instead of oil.
- Salt – We like to add fine sea salt to the potatoes for flavor but you can use the salt you have on hand.
How to make Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
- Prep – Start by scrubbing potatoes under running water then pat dry thoroughly. Poke potatoes all over with a fork.
- Oil and salt – Add the potatoes to the air fryer basket and drizzle in oil and salt and rub the oil so that all sides of the potatoes are coated.
- Air Fry – Cook the potatoes in a basket-style air fryer at 400˚F for about 30 minutes. Flip the potatoes and cook for an additional 5-15 minutes until a knife easily pierces through the center.
For a Toaster-style Air Fryer: reduce the temperature to about 375˚F, flipping halfway, and keep the timing the same.
How do you know when a Baked Potato is done?
The cook time of the baked potato will slightly vary depending on the size of the potato and your air fryer machine. Small potatoes will take less time while larger and thicker potatoes will take longer. Cook until you can easily pierce into the center of the potatoes with a knife. If your potatoes need a longer cooking time, just return the basket to the air fryer and cook another 3-5 minutes at a time.
Baked Potato Toppings
We love a fully loaded baked potato as a side dish, or even for lunch. It’s especially fun to make a baked potato bar. The toppings are endless and these are some of our favorites:
- Salt – sprinkling on a little extra is always a good idea
- Butter – dot cut potato with butter and let it melt over
- Sour Cream – add a generous dollop
- Bacon bits – chop up some Air Fryer Bacon
- Shredded cheese – Mexican or cheddar
- Everything bagel seasoning
- Jalapeno – sliced or diced
- Chives or green onion to garnish
Tips for Potatoes in the Air Fryer
- Test for doneness – Your potato is cooked through if a knife inserted into the center is easily pierced. You can easily continue cooking them in the air fryer if they need more time.
- Scrub potatoes – The potato peels are edible and super tasty when you salt them. Just be sure to clean the potato under running water before cooking it.
- Poke potatoes with a fork – air fryer potatoes don’t have to be poked with a fork, but there is a small chance your potatoes will burst and make a mess in your air fryer which is why we take 10 seconds to poke the potatoes.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer. You want the air to circulate evenly around the potatoes.
- Reheat the potato by cooking it in the air fryer at 400 until heated or use a microwave.
Air fryer baked potatoes are so satisfying, especially when they are loaded up with all the fixings. I’d love to hear about your favorite toppings in the comments.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer French Fries
- Jalapeno Poppers (Baked or Air Fried)
- Air Fryer Pork Chops
- Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings
- Easy Hot Dogs
- Air Fried Salmon
Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
Ingredients
- 4 medium russet potatoes
- ½ tsp sea salt, or to taste
- 1 Tbsp olive oil, or use a cooking spray
Instructions
- Scrub potatoes under running water then thoroughly dry with a towel.
- Poke the potato all over with a fork, rub with oil and sprinkle all over with salt. Add the potatoes to the air fryer basket.
- Cook the potatoes in a basket-style air fryer* at 400°F for 30 minutes. Flip the potatoes and cook them for an additional 5-15 minutes depending on size, or until the fork easily slides through to the center. Small potatoes will take less time and larger potatoes may take longer. Use tongs to transfer potatoes to a plate.
wow fantastic freaking recipe never knew u could air fry a potato. we threw garlic bacon and cheese and green chilli on it after the first 30 min rotate.. locking this in the recipe book thanks for the bomb air fried potato its sooo good
Hi Jayy! I’m so glad you loved it. Thanks for the feedback.
Thank you for including the directions for a toaster oven style air fryer! Out of the top four recipes when searching Google yours is the only that includes the note for cooking baked potatoes in that style air fryer. I’m adding another 5 stars for that too! 😉 Thanks so much!
You’re very welcome, Tracy! I’m glad it was helpful!
Just to clarify, with an oven style air fryer, set to 375 for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through? I kept overthinking your directions. 🙂
Hi That’s correct, Jasmin.
Still on the learning curve for my air fryer. It has six different settings. For baked potatoes, do you recommend the air fryer setting? or Baking?
Hi C! This recipe is written for the “air fry”
mode on the air fryer.
By far the BEST baked potatoes ever. Thank you! I can hardly wait to get them out of the air fryer and slather them with sour cream and chives. Yum Yum!
You’re welcome, Ryan! Enjoy.
What air fryer name brand do you recommend? I am in need for a new one.
Hi Maria! You can see my recommendations here in my Amazon shop (affiliate links).
I always look you up when I’m
looking for a recipe…you
Never disappoint.
Aww! That’s the best! Thank you Bonnie!
It was ok not that great I did follow the instructions and still my potatoes gotten a bit hard in the center.
Hi Zorro, cook times can vary significantly based on the size of your potatoes. If you cut them larger they will take longer to cook and vice versa. I recommend testing for doneness to make sure they are easily pierced with a fork when they are done.
Perfectly simply and I would’ve never salted the skin. This is the only way I’m making a baked potato from here on out.
Great to hear that, Janeen!
I have an Insta Vortex Plus 6-1 airfryer. Same maker as the Instant Pot Pressurer cooker (love them both (xxxoooxxx). Cooking directions are the same as yours. Potatoes turn out great everytime.
Wonderful to hear, Laura! Thanks for sharing.
Worked as described!
Definitely my new go to option for “baked potatoes” moving forward. Potato skin is much more palatable using this method. Fluffy inside~ what more could you want?
Temps reached 80F today, so cooking brisket in the slow cooker and potatoes in the air fryer kept me from overheating in the kitchen 😉
Thank you!
Thank you for the great feedback, Tracy. Appreciate it!
Mine are in the bella pro air fryer right now! Planning to spoon Sweet potato black bean chilli over them when they are done. Cant wait to try this.
I hope you love them!
So easy and so very good! I will never bake mine in the oven again! Thank you for sharing this! ❤
So welcome, Diane. Happy to know that you enjoyed this recipe!
Unfortunately mine weren’t even close to being done in the time noted even with extra 15 min 😭
Hi AK! Did you use a smaller countertop air fryer? If you used the air fry setting on your oven, they would take longer. The size of your potatoes would also play a role in this. Be sure to thoroughly dry with them a towel to remove any excess moisture and this will help.
I heat up a can of Hormel turkey chili without beans and spoon that over my baked potato after dotting the potato with a little butter. It is quick and very filling.
Thank you for sharing, Deborah! 🙂
Chili on a baked potato is a staple around here. But now try it on a sweet potato. Delish
I love baked potatoes! My fav toppings are lots of butter, bacon, broccoli, and lots of cheese!
Amazing! 🙂
I am making these right now. I really hope they come out good. I have the same air fryer you have so, makes it easier. Will let you know hot they turn out!
Hi Lawrence! That would be great, thank you. You can also tag me on Instagram or Facebook! #natashaskitchen
Think I overcooked mine slightly, but that skin was CRISPY! So good
I have made this recipe many times now since I had an air fryer. It’s now my favorite way and the best to make baked potatoes, saving time,energy and easy cleanup. Thanks for the recipe!😊❤
You’re most welcome! Good to know that this now your go-to recipe!
Just tried them last night. Usually I throw the skin out cause I just don’t like the taste but with the crispiness and the salt it was really good. Found my favourite was to make baked potatoes.
Thanks for sharing, Sarah. Good to know that you liked it!
Brings a whole new meaning to loaded baked potato. Super easy and truly a superior cooking method for them. So light and fluffy, nothing like boiled or nuked and much better than a still oven. It sucked up butter, cheese’s, sour cream, etc. like a sponge.
Sounds delicious! So glad you enjoyed this recipe, Bill.
Absolutely delicious and simple! I ate everything including the skin. I only made one potato, but it was still close to the recommended time.
Hi Carlos! Thank you for sharing that with us. So glad you enjoyed this recipe.
I love simple recipes and would love to know what your is favorite air fryer cook book? Something with simple recipes for plain home cooking that is tasty, not too involved, flavorful, spicy……get it?
Hi Sharon, I don’t have a favorite air fryer cookbook but I have a list of Air Fryer recipes here that you can try.
I love a fully loaded baked potato with a scoop of Pulled Pork! Yummy!
So good!!!
No need to poke potatoes. Have used both red skin and sweet potatoes. Washed and totally dry before coating with avacado oil. Air fried for 45 minutes. Awesome!
Cottage cheese with a little bit of mayonnaise and garlic powder mixed in. Great on baked Potatoes!
Sound delicious! Thank you for sharing with us.
Question: if I use the air Grier top on my Instant pot, does that change the timing? Need to be in a basket or can they go directly in the Instant pot bowl?
Love your approach to cooking. Just found you!
I’m so happy you discovered our blog. Welcome, Cindy! 🙂 I haven’t tried this recipe with an Instant pot air fryer to advise on the outcome. If you experiment, let me know how you liked the recipe.
Thank you for your instructions on doing potato in the Air Fryer.
You say the fryer doesn’t need to preheat. I have an oven style air fryer. Once it’s turned on, the screen shows preheat. The time doesn’t start until it’s finished preheating. Do I just adjust the time down a couple of minutes to allow for the preheating?
Hi Becky, you’ll have to experiment with it. I use a basket/counter-top air fryer (not my oven setting for air frying), which makes a difference. You may need additional time if using your oven.
I make baked potatoes in my (Cuisinart) oven air fryer. I use less time.. approx. 30-33 min for md. size potatoes. perfect every time.
Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Joyce!
It only goes into preheat mode if you don’t have it on air fry. When you adjusted the knob you stopped short of air fry; it does not preheat on air fry.
I used to use vegetable shortening to coat my potatoes. My mother in law taught me that. And I sprinkle them with salt. The skins are nice and crispy. I’m trying the olive oil right now. I have the air fryer with the racks. I have it at 390. My potatoes are medium to large sized. Hope they turn out. Haven’t done baked potatoes for awhile. I used to do them in the microwave but the bottom skin would get really hard.
I hope you love them, Sunny! Thank you so much for sharing that with me!
Awesome idea. The baked potatoes came out perfect. One ideas my mom use to do is wrap the potatoes in bacon.
That’s great, Eric! So glad you enjoyed this recipe.
Our new oven has a no preheat air fryer function,anyone else? All air fryer recipes are for counter top models so IDK if they will work in a full size oven.
Hi! Full ranges require longer heat times and may take longer to crisp up foods than small air fryers. You can still use an oven air fry mode but it may require you to leave them in longer to crisp up.
Hi! I absolutely love anything potato, and I can’t wait to try these! Have you tried twice baked potatoes using this method?
I haven’t tested that but feel free to experiment. We’d love to know how that goes.
Do I put at aircrisp or bake? 400 at aircrisp is a lot. Will burn the outside before inside is cook.
Hi Joyce, it would be on the air-fry/air crisp setting. If you are using a basket-style air fryer the temp would be 400˚F for about 30 minutes. Flip the potatoes and cook for an additional 5-15 minutes until a knife easily pierces through the center.
For a Toaster-style Air Fryer: reduce the temperature to about 375˚F, flip halfway, and keep the timing the same.
I’ve read in several places that the potatoes don’t have to be pierced. I’ve never pierced mine they the come out great. Easy to serve, too. One potato and about 4 pounds of butter. YUM!
Thank you so much for sharing that with me.
That varies with the age of the potatoes and the shape the skin’s in. It may already have microtears that will allow the steam to escape (this for older potatoes).
Whenever I have baked in an oven or a microwave, and not pierced, they explode! So, I always pierce. We are in 102 degrees right now, so having this recipe is a blessing to not have to bake potatoes in the oven and heat up the house more! I set my air fryer for 20 min at 400 (GoWise) as my potatoes are more medium. Will check them and probably set the timer for another 10
These are the best baked potatoes to us. I do the same method except prep the potato’s on a plate with olive oil and salt before adding to the basket so any excess oil is left on the plate. I find it takes very little oil this way.
Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Sandy! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
I wonder if you microwaved them for a few minutes first, then finished in the air fryer for 5 to 10 minutes. I must try it.
Let us know how it works out, Terry. 🙂
That’s the way I do it. Microwave the potatoes using the preset function (my 1200W microwave cooks 2 potatoes for 7 minutes) then into the air fryer for another 5 to 10 minutes. Super fast.
This recipe worked for me.
Using the microwave seems like a good idea when in a hurry.
The skin didn’t feel as soft as I was expecting, but once I opened and buttered the potatoes they were great!
I’m so glad you enjoyed these potatoes, Courtney!
Awesome. Finally got to do this. Topped our potatoes with queso and sour cream. Even my 3 year old niece loved it!
Great to hear that, Heather. Thank you for the great feedback!
After 1 and a half hours in the air fryer they were still hard in the middle not soft at all. Followed directions to a T and did not work. This was our second attempt. Thumbs down.
Hi Sylvia, did you possibly use oversized potatoes? That can take longer to air fry depending on the size of the potatoes. Please see the section above titled: “How do you know when a Baked Potato is done?”
there must be something wrong, i have made baked potatoes at least a dozen times to a t and never a fail. even with 2 different brand of air fryers. just received a new one at easter, still never a fail. did you pre heat your air fryer? importance hope it works
Should I use the Bake or Air Fry function for these baked potatoes?
This recipe is for the Air-Fry function. We used a basket airfyer, at 400°F for 30 minutes. If it is a toaster-style air fryer, reduce the temperature to 375˚F, flip halfway, and keep the timing the same.
When I see air fryer recipes…they usually give the type? of air fryer they are using. Why don’t they give the wattage? Makes more sense to me, after all it would make determining, or estimating the time and perhaps the temperatue to use for someone elses air fryer…right?
HI David, usually, I’ve seen cooking time and temperatures differentiated between the basket style and toaster oven style because of how heat is circulated, but I haven’t seen much about the wattage. Maybe they are standardized? I really don’t know the answer to that.
Hi David, I have the Air Fryer I use linked and mentioned in the recipe – it’s the basket-style air fryer HERE. You can also find it under the “How to Make Air Fryer Baked Potatoes” section in the post & linked on our printable recipe card. I hope this helps.
ive learned from trial and error, preheating plays big part of success rate, two different brands, basket style and air fryer function
I had tried the 20 and then 10 min AF timing for my medium baked potatoes. Should have believed you lol. Tonight baking/air frying 2 large potatoes and will start with the 30 min. DONT know why the other poster had 3 failed attempts at baking potatoes in the AF. I have always found them delicious and doesn’t need to heat up the house. We had 100 to 118 degree temos last wk in Cali and I have never appreciated my IP or AF more! LOL
I make baked potatoes in my air fryer all the time and I love it. I also cut the potatoes in cubes and do it the same way you did the baked potatoes and make eggs and sausage for a meal taste great
Thank you so much for sharing that with me!
I was wondering if I have to use a basket to cook these. I just recently received my air fryer and I do not have one.
Hi Shelly, everything is cooked on the basket in the air fryer. Sometimes in the toaster oven style, I line with foil to keep it clean but I line the basket.
If making more than 4 potatoes can I stack them in the air fryer? I need to make 6 baked potatoes.
Hi Nanette, I haven’t tried stacking them, I worry that will impact the texture. If you happen to test that though, please let me know how it goes!
no single layer with any foods, dont over crowd. needs the air to circulate
Better if you add a wire shelf so you put three and three. They won’t touch. I do that for many items. Like shish kabob. Hamburgers and fries, chicken wings, etc. Lamb chops, pizza etc. Good luck
I have not made this yet but, plan to. I just wanted to Thank you for putting the 2 Different instructions for the 2 diffrent types of airfryers. This has been a little nuisance of mine, a lot of recepies only give instructions for basket types. Again thank you, hopfully this will become more seen throughout all airfryer recepies!! 🙂
You’re very welcome! I’m so glad that was helpful, Charity!
I used the rotisserie function on my air fryer and yum. No need to turn it over and it self bastes better.
Yum! Thank you for sharing that with us! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
This was the easiest recipe and a great tasting baked potato. Don’t skip the light sea salt if you’ve got it! Delicious!
Thanks for the tip and review, Judy. I’m happy that you enjoyed it!
Hi Natasha…
I really love all your recipes!
They are so easy to follow for someone who is just trying out to cook easy and uncomplicated meals for the family!
Need some advice on what wld be a good air-fryer brand to get.?
Hi Carol, I haven’t tried them all, but we have enjoyed this air fryer HERE.
We have that same air fryer and it is the best. It gets food a lot crispier than my sister’s Ninja Foodie (according to her). I am obsessed with this thing!!
Thank you so much for sharing that with us!
I just received my first air fryer. I cooked it as directed. When they were done, they were soft inside and crispy outside however, the crispness turn to very soft skins within 2 minutes after removing them from the air fryer. What am I doing wrong? I want them to stay crispy.
Thank you
Hi Nancie, it sounds like they needed some more time in the fryer. But also, ensure you’re not crowding them when serving or covering them while hot- that will could cause the crispness to go away.
Can you please share more air fryer recipes? Love the ones you currently have on your website!
Hi RM, we have an air fryer recipe coming next week and will continue to post our favorites. Thank you for the request.
I used butter-infused olive oil to rub & they were fantastic!!
Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Susan! I’m so happy you enjoyed that!
Can I make them in convection oven? I don’t have an air fryer
Hi Lisa, I haven’t tested that but I think it could work. If you experiment, let me know how you liked the recipe.
You’re in luck! An air fryer is the same thing as a convection oven.
Keep in mind though that an air fryer will cook faster than even a convection oven because it is smaller and concentrates the heat closer to the food.
Worked great, any chance you can use method with sweet Potatoes?
So glad to hear that! You could totally do this with sweet potatoes however the cooking time would probably differ some.
I added sauteed California blend veggies with chopped bacon, chicken and mushrooms. Made a cheese sauce and topped off with diced green onions, sour cream, butter and perfect seasoning and pinch of salt. This was a main course dish. Loved it!
OMG that sounds seriously amazing!
Love the baked potatoes this way , and love watching Natasha cook . She’s easy to watch and fun
I’m so glad you’re enjoying my recipes & videos, Barbara! Thank you for your excellent feedback!
I made this tonight adding shrimp as an extra topping…these were lovely. Very creamy on the inside, a hit with the family definitely a keeper
Great idea, Lucylu! I’m so happy you enjoyed this recipe!
My oven has air fryer feature, will this work the same.
Hi Marlene, I’m not really sure as every device is different but I think it’s worth giving it a try!
#2 and #3 have same instructions 🤷♂️
Hi Olga, thank you for noticing that. We’ll edit that as soon as possible!
Oh wow…thank you for sharing this wonderful recipe. I made them for dinner tonight. My kitchen did not heat up because of your recipe. They were moist and the outside was delicious too. I made mine in the ninja cooker with your recommended temps & timetable. Thank you Natasha! Another winner!
You are very welcome, Cherie! Glat that it was a success, thanks for sharing that with us.
Hi, Natasha! Two quick questions…I heard that the perfect “temperature” for a baked potato is 195-210 degrees. Have you ever heard of that? Also, when the potatoes are done, to fluff the inside, I heard you are supposed to throw them down on the counter several times, with a bit of force! Have you ever heard of these or are they just “old-wives-tales”? LOL
Hi Deb, Usually poking the potato with a knife works fine, but it’s not a bad idea to check the internal temperature of the potato. It’s the same thing with a pie, if you want to be sure, you can check the internal temperature with a thermometer. I haven’t heard about throwing the potato on the counter, but that would be a funny thing to include in a video one day!
I will never put my potatoes in my oven again. The skin was so delicious I ate the whole potato. My potatoes were good size and it did take the 40 minutes plus the 15 for the other side. I have a great Air Fryer “ Ninja” so Used the 400 degrees setting and they turned out perfect.
I’m so glad you gave this a try, Carol! Thank you for your wonderful review!
LOVE my Ninja Air Fryer … rec’d it for Christmas this year and it is the one appliance I NEVER thought I needed – boy was I wrong. It’s FABULOUS!
Isn’t it the best! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Question for you Natasha: is there a particular type or brand of air fryer that you would recommend? I love your recipes and videos and I trust your judgement 🙂
Hi Kris, you can find our favorite kitchen tools in our Amazon Affiliate Shop HERE.
I have a GoWise given to me as a gift. This recipe was perfect, and today was 95, tomorrow 105 degrees so no having to heat the oven for an hour is a PLUS!
So glad you enjoyed this recipe, Karen. Thank you for sharing.
What is your favorite basket type air fryer, well also toaster type? I’ve been researching but would appreciate a recommendation. Thank You
Hi Beth, you can find our favorite kitchen tools in our Amazon Affiliate Shop HERE.
Hello Natasha,
I love the recipe for the baked potatoes. my family love
it. Excellent!!
Thank you
I’m so happy you all enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us, Irene!
Loved the potatoes this way. I always squeeze my potatoes gently to see if they are done and if they are, I squeeze them all over to fluff the insides. Who is Valentina Ablaev with the picture and paragraph about her cooking blog?
Hi Sheri, thanks for the tip! She is a friend who occasionally guest posts on my site. It helps her with growing her site and she has great recipes.
I just got my air fryer and was trying out all sorts of recipes. I tried this one of yours and it has been the best one yet. Thanks for this delicious recipe.
I’m so glad to hear that you love the recipe.
Great idea! I always looking for more air fryer recipes!
I hope you love this recipe, Melissa!
These air fryer baked potatoes were so delicious for lunch and were so easy too! My kids just loved how fluffy and yummy these were! I’m definitely making my baked potatoes this way from now on!
Aren’t they the best? I’m so happy you enjoyed this recipe!
I fix my baked potatoes this way all the time now. Game changer!!
That’s so great! It sounds like you have a new favorite, Tammy!
Sounds yummy😋! What kind of air fryer do you have? What size?
Hi Maxime, you can find our favorite kitchen tools in our Amazon Affiliate Shop HERE.
I have made this recipe many times now since I had an air fryer. It’s now my favorite way and the best to make baked potatoes, saving time,energy and easy cleanup. Thanks for the recipe!😊❤
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Karen! Thank you for the wonderful review!
By the way I just found out we have the same brand air fryer cosori. I love this appliance!
That’s awesome! Isn’t it the best!?