This post may contain affiliate links.Please read our disclosure policy.
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!
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.
- 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.
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
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!
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.
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.
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
More Air Fryer Recipes
Never Miss A Recipe! Subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for more great recipes and all of the latest updates.
Air Fryer Baked Potato
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 medium russet potatoes
- ½ cup water
- 2 Tbsp coarse salt
- oil spray, or 1 Tbsp oil
To Garnish
- Sour Cream
- Grated Cheddar
- Chives, chopped
- Bacon Pieces
- Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer to 400 degrees F. 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 saltwater until evenly coated.
- Place potatoes in the Air Fryer basket and cook for 40-45 minutes (see times for different sizes below). After 30 minutes, spray potatoes with oil spray or brush with oil. Potatoes are done 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.
- 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. Serve topped with garnishes.
Notes
- Use similar sized potatoes so they are done at the same time
- Russet potatoes work best for baked potatoes, but you can also use Yellow or Red potatoesÂ
- 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)
Can’t wait to try more of your air fryer recipes. I was given one for a present and love using it so far, just needed more good recipes.