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The Ultimate Crispy Skin, Fluffy Inside Air Fryer Baked Potato Recipe (Ready in Under 40 Minutes)

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

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Learn the fastest, easiest method for making perfect air fryer baked potatoes. Get a wonderfully crispy skin and a light, fluffy interior every time, freeing up your oven for other dishes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium Russet potatoes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon coarse salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Scrub the potatoes well under running water to remove any dirt. Dry them completely with a paper towel; moisture prevents crisping.
  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 salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  4. Rub the oil mixture evenly over the entire surface of each potato. You want a thin, even coat for the best crispy skin.
  5. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Preheating helps start the crisping process immediately.
  6. Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary.
  7. Air fry for 30 to 35 minutes, flipping the potatoes halfway through the cooking time.
  8. Check for doneness by squeezing the potato gently or inserting a fork into the center. It should feel soft. If it resists, cook for another 3 to 5 minutes.
  9. Remove the potatoes from the air fryer. Immediately slice them open lengthwise and gently squeeze the sides to fluff up the interior.
  10. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings.

Notes

  • Russet potatoes are the best choice for this recipe because their high starch content results in the fluffiest interior.
  • For extra crispy skin, you can lightly brush the potatoes with oil again halfway through cooking.
  • This method is a fantastic dinner hack for busy weeknights when you need a quick potato side dish.
  • Consider this your go-to oven free baked potatoes method for holiday meals when oven space is limited.

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