Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
- Wash and Dry: Scrub the potatoes under cold water to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a clean towel.
- Poke Holes: Use a fork to poke several holes all over each potato. This allows steam to escape during cooking.
Step 2: Season the Potatoes
- Coat with Olive Oil: In a mixing bowl, coat the potatoes evenly with olive oil. This will help the skin crisp up nicely.
- Season: Sprinkle the potatoes with sea salt and black pepper, making sure to cover all sides evenly.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking.
Step 4: Cook the Potatoes
- Place in Air Fryer: Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Ensure they are not touching to allow air to circulate around each potato.
- Cook: Cook the potatoes at 400°F (200°C) for 35-45 minutes, depending on their size. Flip the potatoes halfway through the cooking time using tongs to ensure even crisping.
- Check for Doneness: To check if the potatoes are done, insert a fork or knife into the center of the largest potato. If it slides in easily, the potatoes are ready. If not, cook for an additional 5-10 minutes and check again.
Step 5: Serve
- Remove and Cool: Carefully remove the potatoes from the air fryer using tongs. Let them cool for a few minutes.
- Slice and Add Toppings: Slice each potato open lengthwise and fluff the insides with a fork. Add your favorite toppings such as butter, sour cream, chives, shredded cheese, or bacon bits.
Tips and Tricks
- Uniform Size: Choose potatoes that are similar in size to ensure even cooking.
- Extra Crispy Skin: For an extra crispy skin, you can brush the potatoes with a little more olive oil halfway through the cooking process.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or rosemary for added flavor.
Variations
- Loaded Baked Potatoes: Top the baked potatoes with a combination of sour cream, shredded cheese, crispy bacon bits, and chopped green onions for a loaded baked potato experience.
- Herb and Garlic Baked Potatoes: Mix minced garlic and chopped fresh herbs (such as rosemary or thyme) with the olive oil before coating the potatoes for a fragrant twist.
Conclusion
Air fryer baked potatoes are an easy and delicious way to enjoy a classic dish with a modern twist. The air fryer ensures perfectly crispy skins and fluffy interiors every time. Whether you enjoy them plain or loaded with toppings, these baked potatoes are sure to be a hit. Try this recipe and discover how simple and tasty air fryer baked potatoes can be!