Air Fryer Baked Potato Recipe {Perfectly crispy!}

Air Fryer Baked Potatoes are so fluffy on the inside and have crispy, perfectly seasoned skin. So much better than in the oven or microwave!

An air fried baked potato garnished with sour cream, bacon, and cheese on a white plate

This is my tried and true method for how to make the BEST baked potatoes in the Air Fryer! We love baked potatoes with a steak dinner or with our pork chops, but they also make a complete meal topped with sour cream, grated cheese, and crumbled bacon.

It’s a favorite in our house and even my husband who is picky with potatoes loves these because they’re the PERFECT baked potatoes! The skin is crispy, golden, with a slight crunch, and perfectly seasoned with salt, the insides are so fluffy and perfectly cooked through.

My secret to the BEST baked potatoes is to coat them with saltwater instead of salt and to cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 205 degrees F. By coating them with saltwater the salt sticks better to the skin and it crisps up nicely without being leathery. I also spray them with oil after 30 minutes in the Air Fryer because coating them with oil before baking prevents the skin from crisping up.

Why you should make this recipe

Fluffy inside, crispy perfectly-seasoned skin
No leathery skin
Faster than in the oven
Air Fryer preheats a lot faster
Evenly cooked

Ingredient Notes

Here is an overview of the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe.

Potatoes – You need four similar-sized Russet potatoes. They make the best baked potatoes. I like to use medium-sized potatoes.
Salt – Coarse salt works best, for example, kosher salt.
Oil – You want to use pure oil spray that is suitable for high heat. I recommend Avocado oil spray. Don’t use non-stick spray!

How to make this recipe

Detailed measurements and instructions can be found at the bottom of the page on the printable recipe card.

Steps for making baked potatoes in the Air Fryer

Prep potatoes: Scrub potatoes and lightly pierce with a fork several times. In a bowl combine water and salt, stir until the salt has dissolved. Toss potatoes in the bowl until evenly coated with saltwater.
Put in basket: Place potatoes in the basket and cook for 40-45 minutes (see times for different sizes below).
Spray with oil: After 30 minutes, spray potatoes with oil spray or brush with oil. Potatoes are perfectly fluffy and cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 205 degrees F. If you don’t have a thermometer pierce with a fork, they should feel soft on the inside.
Finish and serve: Take potatoes out of the Air Fryer and immediately cut skin with a knife in a criss-cross shape or straight so the steam can escape.

Baked potatoes cut open and fluffed with a fork on a white plate

Expert Tips

Use similar sized potatoes so they are done at the same time
Russet potatoes work best for baked potatoes
You can also make baked sweet potatoes in the Air Fryer. The preparation and timing are slightly different so check out my Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes recipe.
I recommend pricking the potatoes with a fork to minimize the risk of them exploding.
Don’t wrap the potatoes in foil! The skin would not crisp up if they are covered in foil.
If your Air Fryer doesn’t have a 400 degree F setting, use the temperature that is closest to 400 degrees F, a bit higher is fine. Cooking time might change slightly.
Cut the potatoes open immediately after they are done, so the steam can escape, this way they get extra fluffy
Aim for an internal temperature of 205 degrees Fahrenheit (96 degrees Celsius)

Recipe FAQs

What are the best potatoes for baking?

You could use any potato for this recipe, but the BEST potatoes for baked potatoes are Russet potatoes (they also work best for scalloped potatoes and fluffy mashed potatoes). Their skin is thick and crisps up nicely and the starchy interior gets fluffy and flavorful during baking. They are also perfectly sized!

Do you need to prick potatoes?

Not really, but I still recommend it! The risk of them exploding is pretty low, but it only takes a second to do it and I rather take that little extra step.

When are baked potatoes done?

They are cooked through and evenly fluffy at an internal temperature of 205 degrees F (I recommend using an Instant-Read Thermometer). If you don’t have a thermometer pierce with a fork, they should feel soft on the inside.

A close up of a loaded baked potato on a white plate

Toppings for Loaded Baked Potatoes

Classic: Sour Cream, Grated Cheddar, chopped Chives, Bacon Pieces, Pepper
Chili: Top with a big scoop of homemade chili, sour cream, and grated cheese
Vegan: Use vegan “sour cream” and vegan butter. Top with beans, guacamole, salsa, or veggies.
Greek: Top with Tzatziki sauce, Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Gyros, crumbled Feta cheese, and chopped tomatoes

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