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The Ultimate Crispy Skin Air Fryer Baked Potato Recipe (Fluffy Inside, Ready Fast)

Close-up of a crispy-skinned air fryer baked potato, split open to show the fluffy white interior.

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You can achieve steakhouse-style baked potatoes with perfectly crispy skin and a fluffy interior using your air fryer. This quick and easy method saves time compared to oven baking, making it a perfect weeknight side dish or base for loaded meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large Russet potatoes, scrubbed clean
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the potatoes: Scrub the potatoes well under running water. Pat them completely dry with paper towels. This step is key for crispy skin.
  2. Pierce the potatoes: Use a fork to pierce each potato deeply 6 to 8 times all over. This allows steam to escape.
  3. Season the potatoes: Rub each potato evenly with olive oil. Sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt and black pepper, rubbing the seasoning into the skin.
  4. Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer temperature to 400°F (200°C). Allow it to preheat for 5 minutes.
  5. Cook the potatoes: Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
  6. Air fry: Cook for 30 to 40 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time (around 20 minutes), use tongs to flip each potato.
  7. Check for doneness: The potatoes are done when the skin is visibly crisp and a fork inserts easily into the center. If they are not tender, continue cooking in 5-minute increments.
  8. Serve immediately: Carefully remove the potatoes from the air fryer. Slice them open lengthwise and gently fluff the inside with a fork before adding your favorite toppings.

Notes

  • For extra crispy skin, lightly brush the potatoes with a small amount of extra oil halfway through cooking.
  • Russet potatoes work best for achieving that classic fluffy interior texture.
  • If your air fryer basket is small, cooking in batches ensures even air circulation and better crisping.
  • These potatoes are ready fast, making them a great healthy potato recipe for busy weeknights.

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