Of all the ways to cook a potato, I never thought a simple baked potato would be the method that moved me to use the word “transcendent,” yet here we are: Air Fryer Baked Potato. Shatteringly crisp outside, and fabulously fluffy inside, the air fryer is hands down the best way to bake a spud I’ve encountered.

I don’t dislike baked potatoes, per se (I do have a pulse).

Unlike Air Fryer French Fries or Oven Roasted Potatoes, however, I sought them more for the toppings (ahem, Air Fryer Bacon) than for the potato itself.

That is, until I tried baking a potato in my air fryer.

The skin becomes devastatingly dark, shiny, and crisp.
The inside steams into a downy pillow, primed for fluffing.
I was so pleased with the air fryer potato’s texture, I was happy with keeping the toppings light (though of course you can take a note from this loaded Crockpot Potato Soup and gussy ‘em up as you wish).

An air fryer baked potato with butter on a plate

The air fryer itself also offers its own benefits.

The air fryer keeps the heat in your kitchen to a minimum, because it bakes the potato in a tidy space.
Your regular oven stays free to use for other endeavors while the potatoes cook.
The air fryer is quicker than the regular oven.
Less oil is needed to create that craveable, crispy exterior, making the air fryer a healthy cooking option for potatoes.

A fork cutting into an air fryer baked potato

How to Air Fry a Baked Potato

Only a little oil and a pinch of salt are needed to create a slam-dunk baked potato that’s even better than your favorite steak house.

Tip!

How long to cook a baked potato in the air fryer will vary based on your air fryer model and the size of your potato.

Small to Medium Potato (8 to 12 ounces): Air fry for 35 to 45 minutes.
Large Potato (12 ounces or more): Air fry for 45 to 55 minutes.

I tested this recipe as Ninja air fryer baked potatoes (this is my air fryer model).

Depending upon your model, you may need to adjust the cooking time. When in doubt, check early. You can always cook for longer, but an overcooked potato can’t be undone.

The Ingredients

Russet Potato. Fluffy, starchy, and beloved. Potatoes get a bad wrap in the nutrition department, but that’s often due to the cooking method (ahem, fried). Potatoes are rich in vitamins and antioxidants.

Substitution Tip

This method works well for both russet potatoes and Yukon gold potatoes.

I do not recommend using it for baby potatoes or new potatoes, as they will cook too quickly.

Olive Oil. Rubbing olive oil onto the outside of the potato helps the skin crisp.
Salt. Adds texture and flavor to the potato skin.

The Directions

Scrub and dry the potatoes, then coat them with oil and salt. Prick holes all over with a fork.

Air fry baked potatoes in a single layer for 25 minutes at 400 degrees F. Flip the potatoes.

Air fry for 10 to 25 additional minutes. Transfer to a plate.

Cut and open the potatoes, add toppings, and DIG IN!

Ways to Use an Air Fryer Baked Potato

Aside from the obvious (serving it as a side dish), you can use your air fryer baked potato in a wide range of ways.

Mashed Potatoes. Scoop out the insides. Add milk (or cream), seasonings, and herbs. For inspiration, check out my Crockpot Mashed Potatoes and Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes.
Shepherd’s Pie. Use air fryer baked potatoes to top off a scrumptious shepherd’s pie.
Baked Potato Boats. The potato is your vessel! Load yours up with any of your favorite ingredients for an all-in-one meal. I used sweet potatoes for my 5 Ingredient Mexican Stuffed Sweet Potatoes and Healthy Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potatoes, but you can use white potatoes for those recipes too.
Potato Skins. Recipe coming soon!
Dip. Turn your baked potato into this crowd-pleasing Loaded Baked Potato Dip.

An air fryer baked potato with butter and bacon

Storage Tips

To Store. Refrigerate baked potatoes in an airtight storage container for up to 4 days.
To Reheat. Rewarm leftovers in a baking dish in the oven at 350 degrees F or in the microwave.
To Freeze. Freeze potatoes in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Meal Prep Tip

Up to 1 day in advance, scrub and dry the potatoes. Rub them with the oil and salt as directed. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to finish the recipe.

What to Serve with An Air Fryer Baked Potato

Main Dishes

Baked Fried Chicken

3 hrs

Main Dishes

Grilled Pork Tenderloin

2 hrs 30 mins

Seafood

Buffalo Baked Salmon

35 mins

Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe

Air Fryer. Perfect for making air fryer baked potatoes.
Tongs. My choice for flippings the potatoes.
Measuring Spoons. These double-sided spoons are so nice.

The Best Air Fryer

No matter which air fryer recipes you want to make, this model will do the trick. It has more room than standard air fryers too!

Get on AMazon

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Steakhouse, schmeakhouse. We’ve got the best-ever baked potato right here!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need to Wrap my Air Fryer Baked Potato in Foil?

No. Unlike Crockpot Baked Potatoes, wrapping the potatoes in foil in the air fryer isn’t needed.

Do I Need to Poke Holes in My Potatoes Before Air Frying?

Yes. While the risk of a potato exploding in the air fryer is very low, it doesn’t hurt to poke holes in it prior to air frying. This will allow the steam to escape.

Can I Turn These into Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes?

Yes, I think these would be delicious air fryer twice baked potatoes. Once you’ve finished the recipe as directed, scoop out the insides and mix with butter, milk (or heavy cream), salt, and pepper. Divide the whipped potatoes between the skins. Air fry for about 4 minutes, then add cheese and cook for 1 to 2 minutes more. (Be sure to check out my Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes too.)

Air Fryer Baked Potato

Crispy outside and fluffy inside, Air Fryer Baked Potatoes are easy, quicker than the oven, and so delicious. The best way to bake a potato!

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes

Total Time 50 minutes

Servings servings

Calories 256kcal

Author Erin Clarke / Well Plated

Ingredients

2 large or 4 small russet potatoes as many as will fit in your air fryer in a single layer
1 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
½ teaspoon kosher salt
Toppings of choice: butter nonfat plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream), chopped fresh chives, cooked and crumbled bacon*

Instructions

Scrub and dry the potatoes. Rub evenly with the oil and sprinkle with salt. Pierce all over with a fork.
Turn the air fryer to 400 degrees F. Add the potatoes in a single layer (do not let them touch or the skins will not crisp). Air fry the potatoes for 25 minutes. With tongs, carefully flip the potatoes over.
Return the potatoes to the air fryer. Continue air frying for 10 to 25 minutes more, until the potatoes pierce easily with a fork (the total time will vary based upon the size of your potatoes). Remove to a plate.
Once cool enough to handle, use a sharp knife to slit the potatoes lengthwise down the center and gently squeeze the sides to open. Add toppings of choice. Serve hot.

Notes

If you have a toaster oven-style air fryer, reduce the temperature to 400 degrees F.
*Use my easy recipes for Air Fryer Bacon or Oven Baked Bacon.
TO STORE: Refrigerate baked potatoes in an airtight storage container for up to 4 days.
TO REHEAT: Rewarm leftovers in a baking dish in the oven at 350 degrees F or in the microwave.
TO FREEZE: Freeze potatoes in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.