Easy Air Fryer Baked Potatoes Recipe

This air fryer baked potato recipe yields a crispy exterior and a soft interior with a balanced infusion of olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Enjoy a basic version or indulge further by topping with butter, cheddar, and bacon for an irresistible taste explosion that is truly satisfying.

I love getting creative in the kitchen and this easy air fryer baked potatoes recipe is one of my favorites. I use four medium russet potatoes that are washed and dried, then lightly coated in about 1 to 2 tbsp of olive oil mixed with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.

This simple seasoning really helps enhance the natural flavor of the potato while keeping the skin crispy and the insides fluffy. Its a brilliant way to enjoy a nutritious snack that is also versatile enough to be fully loaded with 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese and 3 slices crumbled bacon if you’re feeling extra indulgent.

Its a balanced mix of carbohydrates, proteins and fats making it a satisfying meal option. I usually get pretty good nutritional value out of a simple baked potato and its a fun twist on the new air fryer recipes that have been all over social media.

Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Why I Like this Recipe

1. I love how the potatoes turn out with a crispy outside and soft, fluffy inside every time I make them.
2. I really enjoy the way the melted butter, cheese, and bacon mix together to create an amazing flavor that makes my tastebuds happy.
3. I like that it’s super easy to prepare in the air fryer which saves me time on busy days.
4. I appreciate how versatile the recipe is so I can keep it simple or go all out with extra toppings when I feel like it.

Learn how to make a baked potato in your air fryer that comes out with super crispy skin and a light, fluffy interior. You can go crazy and load it with butter, cheese and bacon, or just keep it simple. It isnt hard to follow, and the little tips and tricks help make sure you get the perfect potato every time. Enjoy a meal that feels homemade but is really easy to whip up!

Ingredients

• Russet potatoes: packed with carbs and fiber, they give you plenty of energy every time.
• Olive oil: offers healthy fats and helps the skin crisp up while addin extra flavor.
• Salt: boosts the overall taste, though its important not to overdo it for good health.
• Garlic powder: a simple spice that gives a punch of flavor and a bit of extra aroma.
• Unsalted butter: adds a rich creaminess that makes the loaded topping irresistibly tasty.
• Cheddar cheese: delivers a sharp taste along with protein to make the dish more hearty.
• Bacon: provides a savory, smoky zest with a small protein kick despite its fat content.

Ingredient Quantities

• 4 medium russet potatoes (washed and dried)
• 1 to 2 tbsp olive oil (to coat the potatoes)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for fully loaded topping)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• 3 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)

How to Make this

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.

2. Wash the potatoes well, then pat them dry thoroughly.

3. Rub each potato with olive oil, making sure they’re evenly coated.

4. Sprinkle salt, garlic powder, and black pepper over the potatoes and rub it in so the flavors stick.

5. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer without crowding them.

6. Cook the potatoes for about 35 to 40 minutes, turning them halfway through so they get uniformly crisp.

7. Check if they’re done by inserting a fork into the thickest part; they should be soft inside if needed add a few more minutes.

8. Once cooked, carefully remove the potatoes and cut a slit in the top of each one.

9. For a fully loaded version, add a pat of unsalted butter to each, then sprinkle on shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon so the heat melts the toppings.

10. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious air fryer baked potatoes!

Equipment Needed

1. Air fryer (with basket)
2. Sink and colander for washing the potatoes
3. Paper towels to dry the potatoes
4. Measuring spoons for salt, garlic powder, and pepper
5. A spatula or tongs for turning the potatoes halfway
6. A fork to check the doneness
7. A sharp knife to cut a slit and serve the potato
8. A serving plate

FAQ

Easy Air Fryer Baked Potatoes Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you dont have olive oil, try avocado oil or even canola oil instead
• Instead of unsalted butter for that fully loaded topping, real butter with salt or even coconut oil works just as good
• If you don’t have cheddar cheese, consider using pepper jack or Monterey jack cheese
• Don’t have garlic powder? You can use some freshly minced garlic as a substitute
• If bacon ain’t your thing or you don’t have any, turkey bacon or even crispy chorizo can be good alternatives

Pro Tips

1. Make sure your potatoes are completely dry before coating them in oil. Even a little bit of moisture can keep the skin from getting that crispy finish you want.
2. Instead of overcrowding the basket, spread the potatoes out nicely so the air can circulate. It helps them crisp up better on all sides.
3. Try flipping the potatoes exactly halfway through cooking so they brown evenly and don’t end up soggy on one side.
4. If you’re adding the butter, cheese, and bacon, do it right after they come out of the fryer so the heat melts everything nicely, giving you that extra loaded flavor boost.