How Long to Cook Baked Potatoes in an Air Fryer | Crispy, Fluffy & Foolproof

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If you’ve ever craved the perfect baked potato, crispy skin on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, your air fryer is about to become your new best friend. Many home cooks wonder how long to cook baked potatoes in an air fryer to get that restaurant-quality texture without heating up the whole kitchen.

The good news? You don’t need to be a pro chef to master this. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how long to air-fry baked potatoes, why the air fryer method works so well, and a few expert tips to make them even better.

Why the Air Fryer Method Works

Traditional oven-baked potatoes can take up to an hour or more, and microwaved ones are often uneven or rubbery. The air fryer bridges that gap beautifully.

Here’s why it works:

• Hot circulating air crisps up the potato skin evenly without drying out the inside.
• Compact design makes cooking faster and more energy-efficient than using a full oven.
• No preheating for ages — the air fryer gets hot in minutes, saving you both time and energy.

The result: golden, crunchy skin and a steaming soft center in nearly half the time of an oven.

What You’ll Need

Before we jump into timing, let’s make sure you have the right setup.

Ingredients:

• 2–4 medium russet potatoes (ideal for baking)
• 1–2 teaspoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
• Salt (coarse or flaky preferred)

Tools:

• Air fryer (any size, but cooking times vary slightly by brand)
• Fork or paring knife (for poking holes)
• Tongs (for easy flipping halfway through)

Optional Add-ins:

• Garlic salt or onion powder for extra flavor
• Butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, or chives for topping

How Long to Cook Baked Potatoes in an Air Fryer

Follow these steps to get perfectly baked potatoes every time.

1. Wash and Dry Thoroughly

Scrub the potatoes well under cool water to remove dirt. Dry them completely with paper towels. Dry skin = crispier results later.

2. Poke Several Holes

Use a fork to poke 5–6 holes around each potato. This lets steam escape so the potatoes cook evenly and don’t burst.

3. Coat with Oil and Seasoning

Rub potatoes lightly with oil, then sprinkle salt all over. The oil helps the skin crisp up beautifully.

4. Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking from the get-go.

5. Air Fry the Potatoes

Place the potatoes in the basket in a single layer. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 35–45 minutes, depending on potato size:

Potato Size	Cooking Time	Notes
Small (5 oz)	30–35 minutes	Check early for doneness
Medium (7–8 oz)	35–40 minutes	Ideal for most recipes
Large (10–12 oz)	45–50 minutes	Flip halfway through

Flip the potatoes halfway through cooking for even crisping.

6. Test for Doneness

Insert a fork or skewer into the thickest part of a potato. It should slide in easily without resistance. If not, cook for another 3–5 minutes and recheck.

7. Serve Hot

Slice open the top, fluff the inside with a fork, and load up your favorite toppings.

Pro Tips & Best Practices

• Choose russets. Their high starch content gives you fluffy interiors.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket. Air needs to circulate for even browning.
• Adjust timing for your model. Some air fryers (like Ninja or Philips) run hotter or have smaller baskets, which can slightly reduce cook time.
• Reheat leftovers easily. Pop cold baked potatoes back into the air fryer at 375°F for 5–7 minutes to restore the crisp skin.
• Make it a meal. Top with chili, broccoli and cheese, or shredded BBQ chicken for an easy dinner.

FAQs About Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

1. Do I need to wrap potatoes in foil before air frying?

No, skip the foil. Foil traps steam, making the skin soft instead of crispy. The air fryer needs direct airflow for that signature crunch.

2. Can I bake sweet potatoes in the air fryer too?

Yes! Sweet potatoes take a little longer (40–50 minutes at 390°F). Their skin won’t get quite as crisp, but the insides become deliciously caramelized.

3. Should I preheat my air fryer before cooking?

Preheating helps with even cooking and crispier skin, especially for larger potatoes. It’s optional but recommended.

4. How do I know when the potatoes are done?

They’re ready when a fork easily pierces through the center and the skin feels firm but crackly.

5. Can I cook multiple potatoes at once?

Yes, as long as they’re not touching or stacked. Air circulation is key for even baking.

6. What’s the best topping for air fryer baked potatoes?

Classic butter and sour cream never fail, but you can get creative with Greek yogurt, roasted veggies, or melted cheddar.

When NOT to Use This Method

The air fryer method may not be ideal if:

• You’re cooking for a large crowd (the air fryer basket limits batch size).
• You prefer ultra-soft, steamed potato skins (stick to traditional oven-baking or microwaving).
• You’re using waxy potatoes like red or Yukon Golds — they won’t have the same fluffy texture as russets.

Alternative Cooking Methods

Let’s compare the air fryer method to traditional options:

Method	Time	Texture	Energy Use
Air Fryer	35–45 min	Crispy skin, fluffy inside	Efficient
Oven	55–70 min	Similar result, longer wait	High
Microwave	6–8 min	Soft, not crisp	Ultra-low
Instant Pot	25–30 min (pressure cook)	Soft, moist	Medium

If you want fast results and crispiness, the air fryer wins almost every time.

Conclusion

So, how long to cook baked potatoes in your air fryer? For best results, cook medium russet potatoes at 400°F for 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method delivers golden, crispy skin and a cloud-like center — all without preheating your oven.

Air frying is not only quicker and more energy-efficient, but it also keeps your kitchen cooler and your potatoes better textured. Once you’ve tried baked potatoes this way, you may never go back to the oven again.

Enjoy your perfectly air-fried potatoes — simple, satisfying, and beginner-friendly!

Quick Recap:

• Temperature: 400°F (200°C)
• Cook Time: 35–45 minutes (size-dependent)
• Best Potato: Russet
• Goal: Crispy outside, fluffy inside

Now that you know exactly how long to cook baked potatoes in an air fryer, you’re just one batch away from your new favorite weeknight side dish.