Air Fryer Baked Potatoes: Crispy Outside, Fluffy Inside

1. Preheat the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating helps to start the cooking process right away and ensures even cooking.

2. Prepare the Potatoes:

Scrub the potatoes under cold water to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a kitchen towel.
Using a fork, pierce each potato a few times all over. This allows steam to escape during cooking.
Rub each potato with olive oil, making sure they are evenly coated.
Sprinkle sea salt and black pepper over the potatoes, rubbing it into the skin for added flavor.

3. Air Fry the Potatoes:

Place the prepared potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded. This allows the hot air to circulate and cook the potatoes evenly.
Cook the potatoes at 400°F (200°C) for 35-40 minutes. Halfway through cooking, flip the potatoes to ensure even crisping on all sides.
To check if the potatoes are done, insert a fork or knife into the center; it should go in easily without resistance, and the inside should be tender.

4. Serve:

Once the potatoes are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes.
Slice the potatoes open lengthwise and fluff the insides with a fork.
Add a pat of butter, and sprinkle with chopped green onions or chives if desired.
Serve with your favorite toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, or bacon bits.

Choosing the Right Potato: Russet potatoes are ideal for baking because of their high starch content, which gives you that light and fluffy interior.
Even Cooking: Ensure that the potatoes are similar in size so that they cook evenly. If you have different-sized potatoes, the smaller ones will cook faster, so you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Extra Crispy Skin: For even crispier skin, you can spray the potatoes with a little more oil halfway through cooking.
Toppings: Experiment with different toppings like garlic butter, chili, or even a drizzle of ranch dressing for added flavor