Air fryer baked potato

Introduction

Air fryer baked potatoes are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, with a texture very similar to oven-baked potatoes but in less time. The circulating hot air crisps the skin beautifully while the inside becomes soft and tender. This method is simple, requires minimal ingredients, and produces consistent, delicious results every time.

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Ingredients

• 4 medium russet potatoes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

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Equipment

• Air fryer
• Fork
• Paper towels

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Preparation Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

1. Wash the potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove dirt.
2. Scrub the skins clean and pat them completely dry with paper towels.
3. Use a fork to poke holes all over each potato, about 6–8 times. This allows steam to escape during cooking.

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Step 2: Season the Potatoes

1. Place the potatoes in a bowl.
2. Drizzle olive oil over the potatoes and rub it evenly over the skins.
3. Sprinkle salt and black pepper evenly on all sides.

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Air Frying Instructions

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

• Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for 3–5 minutes.

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Step 4: Cook the Potatoes

1. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
2. Air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 35–45 minutes, turning them halfway through cooking.
3. Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the potatoes.

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Step 5: Check Doneness

1. Insert a knife or skewer into the center of a potato.
2. It should slide in easily with no resistance.
3. If needed, continue cooking in 5-minute increments until fully tender.

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Serving Instructions

Step 6: Serve

1. Remove the potatoes from the air fryer and let them rest for 2–3 minutes.
2. Slice open each potato lengthwise.
3. Fluff the inside with a fork.
4. Add desired toppings such as butter, sour cream, cheese, chives, or bacon.

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Tips for Best Results

• Russet potatoes work best due to their fluffy interior.
• Drying the potatoes well ensures crispy skin.
• For extra crispy skin, sprinkle a little extra salt before cooking.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket.

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Storage and Reheating

• Store leftover baked potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the air fryer at 180°C (360°F) for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness.