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2 medium-to-large russet potatoes
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1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
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1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
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Optional toppings: butter, sour cream, chives, cheese, bacon, broccoli
Your Kitchen MVP:
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An air fryer (any brand or size—just adjust cooking time as needed)
Step-by-Step: Perfect Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
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Scrub potatoes well under running water to remove any dirt.
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Pat completely dry with a towel (dry skin = extra crispiness!).
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Poke all over with a fork—about 8–10 times per potato. This lets steam escape so they don’t burst.
Step 2: Oil & Season
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Drizzle or brush potatoes lightly with oil.
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Rub the oil evenly over the skin, then sprinkle generously with salt.
Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection
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Place potatoes in the air fryer basket — no need to preheat!
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Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 30–35 minutes, depending on size.
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No flipping needed — the circulating air cooks them evenly.
Step 4: Check for Doneness
Your potato is ready when:
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The skin is golden and crispy
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It yields easily when gently squeezed
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A fork or knife slides into the center with no resistance
🍽️ Serving Ideas: Make It a Meal!
Classic Loaded Potato:
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Butter, sour cream, cheddar, bacon, and chives
Broccoli Cheddar Potato:
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Steamed broccoli, shredded cheddar, and a sprinkle of garlic powder
Buffalo Chicken Potato:
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Shredded buffalo chicken, blue cheese crumbles, and ranch
Chili Cheese Potato:
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Hearty chili, cheese, and diced onions
Greek-Style Potato:
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Tzatziki, chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives
💡 Pro Tips for the Best Air Fryer Baked Potato
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Choose similar-sized potatoes so they finish at the same time.
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Don’t skip the oil — it’s the secret to crispy, restaurant-style skin.
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No oil? You can use a light spray of cooking spray instead.
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Like extra-crispy skin? Cook for an extra 3–5 minutes.
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Making multiple potatoes? They can touch in the basket—just don’t stack them.
🕒 30-Minute Meal Plan
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Minutes 0–5: Scrub, dry, and season potatoes
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Minutes 5–35: Potatoes cook hands-free in the air fryer
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Minutes 30–35: Prep your toppings
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Minutes 35–40: Fluff, load, and serve!
🥡 Storage & Reheating
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Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days.
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Reheat in the air fryer at 370°F for 5–7 minutes to restore the crispy skin.
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Freeze baked potatoes whole or scooped out for twice-baked potatoes.
Final Thought
Once you’ve tried a baked potato from the air fryer, it’s hard to go back to the oven method. You get that perfect contrast of crispy skin and pillowy-soft insides—in almost half the time!
We’d love to hear from you! What’s your favorite way to top a baked potato? Have you tried making them in the air fryer yet? Share your tips and tasty ideas in the comments! 👇
