How long for two baked potatoes in air fryer

The perfect baked potato is light and fluffy on the inside with a crispy flavorful outside that you want to eat, too! It also has to be super hot all the way through to the center for melting all those favorite toppings together to create something worthy of being the main attraction.

This is one of those recipes that is so simple it really isn’t a recipe. Turns out, the best way to make baked potatoes is right in your air fryer. They come out perfect every time.

Baking a potato in the air fryer saves time! The air fryer speeds up the baked potato cooking time by about 15 to 20 minutes. This is reason enough to make it your go-to method.

Ingredients

Just a few simple ingredients that are probably already in your pantry and you are on your way.

• Potatoes - Go with Russet potatoes, which have a high starch content perfect for absorbing all those delicious toppings. Similar size potatoes will ensure that they all cook in the same amount of time.
• Olive Oil - A little drizzle on the outside of the potatoes before they head into the air fryer will get that skin extra crispy. This is optional but recommended.
• Kosher Salt — A sprinkle on the outside will add extra flavor and help dry the skin so it gets crispy. Other types of salt will work well, too.

How to Bake a Potato in an Air Fryer

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400° F (204° C) so it's ready to start cooking right away.
2. Prep the potatoes by giving them a quick scrub or using a damp kitchen towel. Poke a few holes to allow for steam to escape, drizzle on a little olive oil and sprinkle on some salt.
3. Air fry the potatoes for about 30 to 40 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the potatoes reaches 205° F.
4. Enjoy!

Top Tips

• Scrub and dry the potato well. The dryer the potato is, the crispier the skin will get because it will be frying instead of steaming. 
• The magic number is 205º F for the finished internal temperature. Use a Thermapen instant-read thermometer to verify the internal temperature of the potato. They will be light and fluffy at 205º.
• Don't overcrowd your air fryer. The potatoes need some space to allow the hot air to hit all surfaces. If you try to place too many potatoes in at the same time, they won't cook evenly.
• Use similar-sized potatoes so they all finish cooking at the same time.
• If they aren't done, just let them cook longer. Overcooked potatoes are much better than undercooked baked potatoes.  

Baked Potato Topping Ideas

It’s not a baked potato unless it’s got your favorite toppings. It's always best to serve the baked potatoes when they are super hot so all of the toppings can melt together. Here are a few ideas just in case you need some inspiration:

• Salt and Pepper - I always like adding some salt and pepper to the potato, which will bring out the flavor of everything else you put in.
• Butter - making small butter cubes or pre-slicing the butter will help it melt quickly in the hot potatoes.
• Green Onions or Chives - thinly sliced ones adds an amazing savory freshness.
• Sour Cream - that nice cool contrast with the hot potato.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese - cheesy goodness.
• Bacon - chopped up into small pieces.
• Everything Bagel Seasoning - goes great with the above toppings.
• Chili - make your baked potato into a meal by adding some hearty chili.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long to cook baked potatoes in air fryer?

Cooking a baked potato in an air fryer takes between 30 and 40 minutes, but depends on your specific air fryer, the size of the potatoes and how many you are cooking at the same time.

How to know when the potato is done?

The best way to tell when the potato is cooked is to grab an instant-read thermometer. If it is around 205° F, then it is perfectly cooked. If you don't have a thermometer, you can use a paring knife to confirm it is hot and tender on the inside, or carefully give the potato a squeeze and if it is soft, then it is probably done.

What type of potato is best for baking?

Russet potatoes are the best type of potato for making baked potatoes because of their high starch content. This makes them super absorbent for all those amazing toppings you will be adding in.

• 2 medium russet potatoes
• 2 teaspoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon Diamond kosher salt

• Preheat air fryer to 400º F.

• Clean and dry the potatoes with a towel. Poke a few holes in each potato with a fork to release steam during the cook. Drizzle a little olive oil all over the skin, then sprinkle some kosher salt all around.

• Place in the air fryer basket and cook for 30 to 40 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 205º F. It might take longer depending on the size of the potato, your specific air fryer and how many potatoes you are cooking.

• Use a fork to slice and open the potato right before adding your favorite toppings. Enjoy!

• The recipe can be scaled up or down, just be careful not to overcrowd your air fryer.
• You can do the pinch test to see if the potatoes are finished cooking, but checking the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer will yield better results.

Calories: 204kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 592mg | Potassium: 888mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 2IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 2mg

This post was originally published January 27, 2019, but has been updated and re-written to provide additional useful information.

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