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The Ultimate Crispy Skinned Air Fryer Baked Potato with Fluffy Center

Close-up of a perfectly cooked air fryer baked potato, split open to show the fluffy white interior and crispy skin.

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Cook russet potatoes in your air fryer for a fast side dish with perfectly crispy skin and a light, fluffy interior. This method is quicker than using an oven.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large Russet potatoes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Scrub the potatoes well under running water. Dry them completely with a paper towel. Moisture prevents crispiness.
  2. Use a fork to pierce each potato deeply 6 to 8 times all over. This allows steam to escape.
  3. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, coarse sea salt, and pepper.
  4. Rub the oil mixture evenly over the entire surface of each potato. Make sure the skin is well coated.
  5. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  6. Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the basket; work in batches if necessary.
  7. Air fry for 35 to 45 minutes, flipping the potatoes halfway through the cooking time. Cooking time depends on potato size.
  8. Check for doneness by inserting a fork or knife into the center; it should slide in easily. The skin should look dry and crisp.
  9. Carefully remove the potatoes from the air fryer. Slice them open lengthwise and gently squeeze the sides to fluff the interior before adding your desired toppings.

Notes

  • For extra crispy skin, you can lightly rub the potatoes with a thin layer of baking powder mixed with the salt before adding the oil.
  • Use russet potatoes for the best fluffy texture.
  • If your potatoes are very large (over 12 oz), you may need to add 5 to 10 minutes to the cook time.

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