The Fastest Air Fryer Baked Potato — Crispy Skin, Fluffy Inside in Under 45 Minutes

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🛒 What You’ll Need: Pantry Staples, Maximum Joy

Grab these cozy ingredients—you probably already have most:

2 medium Russet or Idaho potatoes (~½ lb / 225g each)

→ Look for long, oval shapes—they cook evenly!

1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil (helps crisp the skin)

½ tsp kosher salt (or to taste)

Optional Toppings (Make It Yours!):

Butter or ghee 🧈

Sour cream or Greek yogurt 🥄

Shredded cheddar cheese 🧀

Crispy bacon bits 🥓

Sliced green onions or chives 🌿

Freshly cracked black pepper ⚫

That’s it.

No foil.

No water.

Just real food, air-fried into brilliance.

💡 Pro tip: Scrub potatoes well—dirt burns in the air fryer!

🔥 How to Make It: Step-by-Step, Bite-by-Bite

Let’s cook this like we’re making edible confetti—one golden forkful at a time.

Step 1: Prep the Potatoes

Scrub potatoes thoroughly under running water.

Dry completely with a towel—wet skins = steamed, not crispy!

Poke 4–5 holes per potato with a fork—this lets steam escape and prevents bursting.

Step 2: Oil & Season

Rub each potato with olive oil.

Sprinkle all over with kosher salt.

👉 This enhances flavor and promotes browning.

Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection

Place potatoes directly in the air fryer basket (no need to spray!).

Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 35–45 minutes, turning halfway through.

👉 They’re done when:

Skin is deep golden and crisp

A fork slides in easily

Internal temp reaches ~205°F (96°C)

⏱️ Smaller potatoes (~6 oz): 35 mins

Larger ones (~10 oz): Up to 50 mins

Step 4: Rest & Serve

Remove and let rest 5 minutes—this helps fluffiness develop.

Slice open with a knife and fluff the inside with a fork.

Load up with your favorite toppings—or serve plain for purists.

Bonus: Leftovers reheat beautifully in the air fryer (5 mins at 375°F)—never rubbery!

💡 Pro Tips for Next-Level Success

Tip

Why It Works

✅ Don’t wrap in foil

Foil traps moisture = soft skin

✅ Space them out

Overcrowding slows cooking

✅ Use russets

High starch = fluffy texture

✅ Try sweet potatoes

Same method, same magic!

✅ Double batch? Yes! Just add 5–10 mins if stacking

🍽️ When to Serve These Golden Gems