Description
This Air Fryer Baked Potatoes recipe delivers perfectly crispy skin with a fluffy interior in just 45 minutes. Using an air fryer, the potatoes cook evenly with a golden crust, making them a quick and healthy side. Topped with butter, sour cream, cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, chives, and freshly ground black pepper, they’re a delicious and satisfying dish perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 4 medium russet potatoes (6-8 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt or kosher salt
Toppings
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup chives, finely chopped
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Scrub the potatoes thoroughly under cold running water to remove dirt and any blemishes or eyes. Pat them completely dry with paper towels to ensure the skin crisps well. Using a fork, pierce each potato 8-10 times all around to create small holes that prevent bursting during cooking.
- Season for Success: Rub each potato with olive oil or avocado oil, coating every surface lightly. Sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt or kosher salt, pressing it gently so it sticks to the oil. The salt seasons the skin and helps draw out moisture for extra crispiness.
- Air Fry to Perfection: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the potatoes in the basket, making sure they do not touch to allow optimal air circulation. Cook the potatoes for 20 minutes, then use tongs to carefully flip each one. Continue cooking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the skin is crispy and the potatoes yield slightly when gently squeezed.
- Check for Doneness: Potatoes are ready when the skin is deeply golden and crispy and a fork pierces easily to the center. The internal temperature should reach 210°F (99°C) for perfect fluffy texture. If needed, cook in 5-minute intervals until done.
- Create the Fluffy Interior: Immediately after cooking, carefully slice each potato lengthwise about three-quarters of the way through. Gently squeeze the ends towards the center to open the potato, creating space for toppings and exposing the fluffy interior.
- Add Toppings and Serve: Top each potato with butter, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, chopped chives, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the potatoes are completely dry before oiling to achieve crispy skin.
- Use a fork to pierce the potatoes to prevent bursting during cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow even air circulation.
- Adjust cooking time based on potato size and air fryer model.
- To make it vegetarian, omit the bacon topping.
- Leftover baked potatoes can be refrigerated and reheated in the air fryer for crispiness.
