CRISPY Air Fryer Baked Potato Recipe

I adore using just a few simple ingredients to create a culinary gem. One large russet potato, olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder and paprika combine in my Best Air Fryer Baked Potatoes recipe to deliver a contrast of crisp exterior and soft interior that intrigues every bite.

I love experimenting with quick, crunchy meals and this crispy Air Fryer Baked Potato really caught my attention. I’ve always been a fan of air fried baked potato recipes and this one really stands out.

I start with one large russet potato, washed, dried and pricked all over, then I drizzle on a tbsp of olive oil, and season it with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. I sometimes like to add 1/2 tsp garlic powder for a subtle kick and 1/2 tsp paprika to bring out an extra layer of flavor.

What amazes me most is how it bakes potatoes in an air fryer to deliver that amazing crispiness on the outside while keeping the inside fluffy and creamy. It’s hands down one of the best air fryer baked potatoes I’ve ever tasted and I cant wait for you to try it out for yourself.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really like this recipe because first, it’s super easy to prep and cook—even if you mess up a little along the way. I like how the potato comes out crispy on the outside and soft inside, which makes every bite feel just right. Another thing is the simple seasoning; the pinch of garlic powder and paprika really gives it a kick that makes it extra tasty. Plus, it’s cool how minimal the ingredients are, so I don’t feel overwhelmed with too many things to prepare. Lastly, seeing how it all comes together in the air fryer makes me feel like a kitchen pro even if I’m not 100% perfect at following recipes all the time.

Ingredients

• Large russet potato: loaded with carbohydrates and fiber, it provides sustained energy for active days.
• Olive oil: delivers healthy fats that support heart health and gives a smooth crispy finish.
• Salt: essential for flavor, it enhances taste without overpowering the dish.
• Black pepper: adds a warm, spicy kick that makes flavors pop perfectly.
• Garlic powder: optional but mixes in a bold savory note that livens the dish up.
• Paprika: offers an extra layer of smoky flavor and a light, vibrant color.
• Overall, these ingredients ensure your potato is crispy, tasty and balanced in every bite.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 large russet potato (washed, dried, and pricked all over)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional but adds a nice kick)
• 1/2 tsp paprika (optional for extra flavor)

How to Make this

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F so it gets hot while you prep your potato

2. Make sure your large russet potato is clean, dry, and pricked all over with a fork

3. Rub the potato generously with olive oil all over its skin

4. Sprinkle the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika evenly across the potato

5. Place the seasoned potato in the air fryer basket, ensuring it’s not touching the sides

6. Air fry it for about 40-45 minutes, turning it halfway through the cook time

7. Check if it’s done by inserting a fork; the inside should be soft and fluffy while the outside still stays crispy

8. Remove the potato carefully from the air fryer and let it cool a little before serving Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Air fryer with its basket
2. Fork for pricking the potato and checking if it’s done
3. Tongs or a spatula to flip and remove the potato safely
4. Measuring spoons to get the spices right
5. (Optional) A basting brush if you prefer not to use your hands for the olive oil rubbing

FAQ

CRISPY Air Fryer Baked Potato Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you run out of a large russet potato, you can use a Yukon Gold potato or even a sweet potato if you like a sweeter twist.
• Instead of olive oil, you could try using avocado oil or a light brushing of melted butter for extra flavor.
• If you dont have salt, a pinch of sea salt or kosher salt works just as fine.
• For black pepper, you could use freshly cracked pepper which really brings out the aroma.
• If you need a substitute for garlic powder then a bit of minced fresh garlic can also do the trick, though you might want to use less because it’s stronger.

Pro Tips

1. Try letting the potato air dry for a few minutes after washing it really well; that helps the oil and seasonings stick better and gives the skin a crispier finish.
2. Make sure to preheat your air fryer, cuz if it’s not hot enough when you put the potato in, it might end up being undercooked inside while just kinda getting crispy outside.
3. If you like a little extra flavor, feel free to add a pinch more garlic or even some dried herbs; sometimes a tiny tweak can make a big difference in taste.
4. When checking for doneness, poke the potato from different spots with a fork so you can be sure its fluffy inside all the way through.