The air fryer has revolutionized the way we cook, offering a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods while still delivering deliciously crispy results. One dish that truly shines in the air fryer is the humble baked potato. With its golden, crispy skin and fluffy interior, baking potatoes in an air fryer is quick, easy, and yields consistently perfect results every time. In this article, we’ll explore the simple steps to achieve crispy perfection when baking potatoes in your air fryer.

Selecting the Right Potatoes

Start by choosing the right potatoes for baking. Russet potatoes are the ideal choice, thanks to their high starch content, which results in a fluffy interior and crispy skin when baked. Look for medium to large-sized potatoes that are firm and free from blemishes.

This one is what we call russet potatoes. You can see it from the color. Also, look at the shape and size. This one is the perfect example of the best-baked potatoes result. Russet Potatoes from @efulton55

Preparing the Potatoes

Give the potatoes a good scrub under cold water to remove any dirt or debris from the skin. Once clean, pat them dry with a paper towel. Prick the potatoes all over with a fork to allow steam to escape during the cooking process.

Brushing potatoes like this is really recommended so that you can make sure that the potatoes are clean. The dirt and debris left on the surface of the potatoes can create problems in your stomach. Potatoes Cleaning from @food.world.official

This is an easy process but can have a big impact on your potatoes baking process. By pricking the potatoes you’ll get the best baked potatoes result. Try it! Potatoes Pricking from @skinnytaste

Seasoning Options

While baked potatoes are delicious on their own, you can enhance their flavor with a variety of seasonings. Rub the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle them generously with salt and pepper for a classic seasoning. For added flavor, try seasoning with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary.

By giving a simple seasoning like this, you can still get the best taste. No need to worry because you can improve the taste after the potatoes are well-baked by adding the topping. Seasoning Process from @asouthernsoul

Cooking in the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Once preheated, place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring there is space between each potato for air circulation. Cook the potatoes for 35-45 minutes, depending on their size, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.

Checking for Doneness

To check if the potatoes are done, insert a fork or skewer into the center. If it slides in easily with little resistance, the potatoes are cooked through. If not, continue cooking for a few more minutes until tender.

In general, the appearance of the well-done baked potatoes is like this. You can see the crisp on the potatoes skin that can be a signal that the potatoes are ready. Checking the Potatoes Doneness from @skinnytaste

Serving Suggestions

Once the potatoes are cooked to perfection, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving. Serve them hot with your favorite toppings, such as butter, sour cream, cheddar cheese, chives, bacon bits, or chili. The options are endless, so get creative and customize your baked potatoes to suit your taste preferences.

The topping of this baked potatoes looks yummy. It is added with butter, shredded cheese, meat, chives, sour cream, tangy BBQ sauce, and Mac n’ Cheese. Ready to Eat Potatoes from @c.eats.food

Baking potatoes in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and hassle-free way to achieve crispy perfection every time. With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy golden, crispy-skinned potatoes with fluffy interiors that are perfect for any meal. Whether enjoyed as a side dish or a main course, air fryer baked potatoes are sure to become a staple in your kitchen repertoire.