Air Fryer Baked Potato

An air fryer baked potato is baked potato perfection - soft inside, crisp outside. A perfect versatile side dish or vessel for delicious fillings. Bonus? It takes less time to preheat and cook AND uses less energy - it's a win-win-win!

Why an Air Fryer Baked Potato is SO Good

Baked potatoes are pretty amazing in and of themselves, but since I bought my air fryer, I've grown partial to making my baked potatoes there. Why?

• They taste so good! They get perfectly crisp on the outside but soft and tender inside.
• They save energy! It takes less time to preheat and cooks slightly faster than the oven, so it utilizes less energy compared to an oven.

Why They're So Easy

• They require the minimum of ingredients (which I bet are all in your kitchen already).
• You don't have to poke holes in the potato with a fork before cooking. Seriously! No exploding potatoes here!
• There is only a couple minutes of prep work, then hands off!

How to Make Them

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
2. Wash and dry potatoes, then lightly rub with a neutral oil and sprinkle with coarse salt.
3. Place in the fryer basket, careful not to overcrowd them. (If your basket has a smaller capacity, you may only be able to do 2 or 3 potatoes at a time.)
4. Air fry for 30-45 minutes depending on their size.
5. Potatoes are done when they can easily be pierced. Carefully remove, allow to cool slightly, cut a slit on the top, then use a fork to fluff the potato flesh. Top with any baked potato garnishes desired (butter, chives, greek yogurt or sour cream, etc.).

More Tips to Better Make This Recipe

1. Don't overcrowd the basket. If the potatoes are crammed together and touching, the skin won't get as crisp and they'll take longer to cook.
2. Start on the low end of cooking times and check periodically if you're using different types of potatoes (i.e. yukon gold or red skin), as different variations may cook slightly differently.
3. Made too many? The crispy skin will go away as leftovers are refrigerated. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes until heated through and this is the best method to re-crisp the skin, too!

Does it matter what type of potato you use for baked potatoes?

You can truly use whatever type you prefer (or have on hand). But in this recipe I went with the classic choice - russet potatoes.

How long do I cook them?

It will depend on the size of your potatoes. Generally, I found the following to be a good guide for cooking times:

• Small Potatoes: 30 minutes
• Medium Potatoes: 40 minutes
• Large Potatoes: 45 minutes plus (it will depend on how large your potato really is!)

If you feel like your potato isn't quite done, just add 2-5 more minutes.

How do I know when a baked potato is done?

The skin will be crispy and when you poke the potato with a fork or a knife, it will be tender enough that you can easily poke your knife in and slide it back out.

Which air fryer should I use?

My general philosophy is whichever one you have! That said, if you're in the market for one, my personal preference is for a larger air fryer (i.e. a 6-quart air fryer). These not only hold more, but typically have a larger base of the "frying" basket, which is great for recipes that require food to be placed in a single layer.

I have the Instant Pot Vortex 6 quart Air Fryer and I love it. It's insanely easy and intuitive to use and I've been so impressed with everything I've made!

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Equipment Needed

Here are the tools I use:

• Instant Pot Vortex 6 Quart Air Fryer
• Tongs to more easily flip and remove hot potatoes

Is this recipe healthy?

These can absolutely fit into a balanced, healthy diet. Potatoes are naturally low in fat and cholesterol and contain fiber, potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6 - all which support potatoes as part of any healthy, and even a heart healthy diet.

Know, too, that “healthy” is subjective. The foods that help one maintain their health may or may not work for you - and that’s okay! Honor the body you have. As a registered dietitian nutritionist, I suggest eating a variety of nourishing foods that help you feel good and achieve or maintain your health, balanced with the foods you love. Remember - an election isn’t won with every vote, but the majority. Your health is the same way - the overall dietary pattern is what matters most.

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• Greek-Inspired Lemon Skillet Potatoes

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