Air Fryer Baked Potato

For anyone craving a fluffy centered potato with the crispiest skin you can imagine this Air Fryer Baked Potato recipe is a game changer It lets you skip long preheating and complicated oven timing delivering that classic steakhouse-style potato with ease on any night

My first attempt with this recipe happened during a busy weeknight Now we use it almost every week since my family loves loading up their potatoes with all kinds of toppings

Ingredients

• Medium russet potatoes: Choose firm potatoes with no soft spots or green tinge for the best results Russet variety creates that ideal fluffy inside
• Sea salt: Gives you that classic steakhouse flavor and crispy skin Look for pure sea salt or kosher salt for clean taste
• Olive oil: A thin coating ensures that the skins get golden and crisp High quality olive oil brings out rich flavor You can also use a good cooking spray for convenience

Step-by-Step Instructions

Scrub and Prep Potatoes:

Wash your potatoes well under running water to remove any dirt or residue Use a scrubbing brush if needed then dry them completely with a towel to help the skins crisp

Poke and Oil Potatoes:

Use a fork to poke each potato 4 to 5 times all around this allows the steam to escape as they cook Rub each potato on all sides with olive oil Then sprinkle sea salt evenly over the entire surface to ensure great texture and flavor

Arrange in Air Fryer Basket:

Place the potatoes in your air fryer basket so they have space around them for air flow This step is key for even crisping

Cooking in the Air Fryer:

For basket-style air fryers set to 400 F for toaster-style air fryers set to 375 F Air fry for 35 to 45 minutes Depending on potato size small ones may need 35 minutes while larger ones may take up to 50 Flip the potatoes halfway through to ensure the skin is crispy all over Test for doneness by piercing with a knife the potato should feel soft all the way through

Serve Up:

Carefully remove the hot potatoes with tongs and let them cool slightly before serving Pile on your favorite toppings and enjoy

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My favorite step is rubbing each potato in the olive oil and salt the little ones in my family always want to help shake the salt on for extra crunch It reminds us of potluck dinners when we all gathered around the table with every topping imaginable

Storage Tips

Once the potatoes are cool store them in the fridge covered They keep their fluffy centers for three to five days and can even freeze well for up to three months To reheat from the fridge or freezer toss straight in the air fryer for a few minutes to revive their crisp skin A microwave works too but you will lose the crispy exterior

Ingredient Substitutions

This recipe is flexible You can use Yukon gold potatoes for a creamier texture though the skin will not be as crisp For oil use avocado oil or any high heat spray If you are cutting back on sodium skip the salt or use a salt free seasoning blend

Serving Suggestions

Serve air fryer baked potatoes as a simple side or main course They are perfect with butter sour cream chives shredded cheese or chili For a full meal top with pulled chicken or vegetarian bean stew Kids love topping bars with various add ins for a fun dinner

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Cultural Context

Baked potatoes have a long standing spot in both British and American traditions known for being hearty easy and comforting The air fryer brings a modern efficiency to this dish without sacrificing the nostalgic taste and texture

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of potatoes work best for air frying?

Russet potatoes are ideal due to their starchy texture, which gives a fluffy interior once cooked.

→ How do I achieve crispier skins?

Rubbing potatoes with olive oil and sprinkling sea salt before air frying results in a crispy skin.

→ How can I tell when the potatoes are done?

Potatoes are done when they can be easily pierced with a knife and feel tender inside.

→ Is it necessary to flip the potatoes while cooking?

Flipping potatoes halfway through ensures even cooking and a uniformly crisp surface.

→ What toppings go well with air fryer baked potatoes?

Classic toppings include butter, sour cream, chives, shredded cheese, or bacon bits.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Cool and refrigerate potatoes in a covered container for up to 5 days. Reheat in the air fryer for best results.