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- 4 medium russet potatoes - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon sea salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or regular) - Optional toppings: sour cream, fresh chives, shredded cheese, crispy bacon bits When I make air fryer baked potatoes, I love using russet potatoes. They have a fluffy inside and a crispy skin that makes them perfect. You start with four medium russet potatoes. Make sure they are firm and have no blemishes. Next, you need some olive oil. Two tablespoons will do the trick. It helps the skin get that golden brown color and adds flavor. For seasoning, I use one teaspoon of sea salt and half a teaspoon of black pepper. These basic spices enhance the potato’s natural taste. I also add one teaspoon of garlic powder. It gives the potatoes a nice, savory kick. Lastly, I sprinkle in one teaspoon of paprika. You can choose smoked or regular, depending on your taste. Smoked paprika adds a deeper flavor. Don’t forget about the toppings! You can add sour cream, fresh chives, shredded cheese, or crispy bacon bits if you like. These add extra flavor and make the dish feel special. For the full recipe, follow the steps to create this crispy and delicious dish! - Thoroughly wash and scrub the russet potatoes. - Pat the potatoes dry with a paper towel. To start, you want your russet potatoes to be clean. Wash them well to remove dirt. Scrubbing them helps to ensure a crispier skin. After washing, use a paper towel to dry them. This step is key for that perfect crunch. - Prick each potato with a fork. - Mix the seasoning ingredients in a bowl. Next, grab a fork and prick each potato about five times. This step lets steam escape. It prevents the potatoes from bursting while cooking. Now, mix your seasoning. In a bowl, combine olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir until well-blended to create a tasty coating. - Coat the potatoes with the seasoning. - Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). - Arrange and cook the potatoes in the air fryer. Now, take each potato and rub the seasoning all over it. Make sure every inch is covered. This ensures great flavor and crispiness. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about five minutes. Once hot, place the potatoes in the basket. Leave space between each one. Cook them for 35-40 minutes, turning halfway for even cooking. They are ready when the skin is crispy and a fork goes through easily. - Let the potatoes cool for a few minutes. - Slice open and add toppings. After cooking, carefully remove the potatoes. Let them cool for about 2-3 minutes. This makes them easier to handle. Slice them open and fluff the insides with a fork. Now comes the fun part: adding toppings! Use sour cream, chives, cheese, or bacon bits to make them your own. If you want to see the full recipe, check it out. Enjoy your crispy, delicious air fryer baked potatoes! To get that perfect crispy skin on your baked potatoes, start by drying them well. After washing, use a paper towel to pat them dry. A dry surface helps the skin crisp up nicely. Preheating your air fryer is key too. Set it to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This heat creates a crunchy shell that seals in the soft potato inside. To make your baked potatoes even tastier, try adding spices. You can mix in some onion powder or cayenne pepper for a kick. Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme also work great. When it comes to toppings, the options are endless! Sour cream and chives are classic choices. You can also add shredded cheese or crispy bacon bits for a savory treat. The size of your potatoes can affect cooking time. For smaller potatoes, check them at 30 minutes. Larger ones might need up to 45 minutes. Each air fryer cooks a bit differently. If your model runs hot, reduce the time to avoid burning. Always use a fork to test if they’re done. A fork should slide in easily when they are ready. {{image_4}} Loaded baked potatoes are a fun twist on the classic. You can add many toppings to make them special. Here’s a simple recipe to create your loaded baked potatoes. Ingredients: - 4 medium russet potatoes - 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your favorite) - 1/2 cup sour cream - 1/2 cup crispy bacon bits (omit if avoiding pork) - 1/4 cup chopped green onions or chives - Optional: sautéed mushrooms, jalapeños, or broccoli To make loaded baked potatoes, start by cooking the potatoes as you normally would. Once they are done, slice them open. Fluff the insides with a fork. Then, add the cheese first, allowing it to melt. Next, top with sour cream, bacon bits, and green onions. Mix vegetarian options by using sautéed mushrooms or steamed broccoli. Herbs and cheese can elevate your baked potatoes. Adding fresh or dried herbs can give a nice touch. Try using rosemary, thyme, or parsley. They add flavor and make the dish look beautiful. Cheese Choices: - Cheddar - Gruyère - Feta - Goat cheese To infuse herbs into your seasoning, chop them finely and mix them with olive oil. Rub this mixture on the potatoes before cooking. For cheese, sprinkle it on top after baking. The cheese will melt perfectly, creating a delicious layer of flavor. Sweet potatoes are another great option for air fryer baked potatoes. They are naturally sweet and packed with nutrients. Here’s how to make sweet potato baked potatoes in the air fryer. Ingredients for Sweet Potatoes: - 4 medium sweet potatoes - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional) - Toppings: butter, maple syrup, or chopped nuts Start by cooking the sweet potatoes in the air fryer as you would russet potatoes. After baking, slice them open and fluff the insides. For seasoning, mix olive oil with cinnamon and brown sugar. Drizzle this mixture over the sweet potatoes for added sweetness. You can also add butter or maple syrup for extra flavor. For more details, check the Full Recipe. To store leftover baked potatoes, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper. This keeps them from sticking together. Store the container in the fridge. They will taste best if eaten within three to four days. When you are ready to eat, reheat them in the air fryer for about 5–10 minutes. This will keep the skin crispy. If you want to freeze baked potatoes, cool them completely first. Wrap each potato tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as you can from the bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. When you want to eat them, take the potatoes out and let them defrost in the fridge overnight. Reheat them in the air fryer until hot. Baked potatoes can last up to four days in the fridge. If you freeze them, they can last for up to three months. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If they smell off or look strange, it’s best to throw them away. Keeping track of how long they have been stored helps ensure you enjoy them at their best! To cook baked potatoes in an air fryer, set it to 400°F (200°C). Cook for 35 to 40 minutes. Make sure to turn the potatoes halfway through for even cooking. They are ready when the skin is crispy and a fork easily goes through the center. Yes, you can cook other types of potatoes in the air fryer. Try Yukon Gold or red potatoes for different flavors. Fingerling potatoes are great too, and they cook quickly. Just adjust the cooking time based on the size. One common mistake is not drying the potatoes well. Water on the skin can make them soft, not crispy. Another mistake is overcrowding the basket. Give each potato space for air to flow. This helps them cook evenly. Yes, you can use parchment paper in the air fryer. It helps catch drips and keeps the basket clean. Just make sure it does not block the air flow. Cut it to size and place it under the food. Always check the parchment for safety based on your air fryer model. You now have all the steps to make perfect air fryer baked potatoes. We've covered everything from choosing the right ingredients to cooking tips that ensure crispy skin. Don't forget to get creative with toppings and flavors. Whether you prefer classic loaded potatoes or sweet versions, there's a recipe for everyone. Remember, proper storage methods will keep your leftovers fresh. I hope you enjoy making and eating these baked potatoes as much as I do!

Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

Discover the secret to the perfect Crispy Air Fryer Baked Potatoes! This simple recipe transforms russet potatoes into a deliciously crispy treat with minimal effort. Coat them in a savory seasoning, air fry for ultimate crunch, and customize with your favorite toppings like sour cream, chives, and cheese. Click through to explore this easy step-by-step guide and impress your family or guests with this tasty side dish!

Ingredients
  

4 medium russet potatoes

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or regular)

Optional toppings: sour cream, fresh chives, shredded cheese, crispy bacon bits (omit if avoiding pork)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Potatoes: Begin by thoroughly washing and scrubbing the russet potatoes to remove any residual dirt. After rinsing, use a paper towel to pat them dry completely. This ensures a crispy skin once cooked.

    Prick the Potatoes: Use a fork to prick each potato several times, about 5-6 times. This step allows steam to escape during the cooking process, preventing the potatoes from bursting.

      Mix the Seasoning: In a small mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir the ingredients together until well-blended.

        Coat the Potatoes: Take each potato and rub the seasoning mixture over its entire surface, ensuring even coverage for maximum flavor and crispiness.

          Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat for about 5 minutes. This helps achieve the desired crispy texture.

            Arrange the Potatoes: Carefully place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket, making sure they are spaced evenly apart to allow for proper air circulation.

              Cook the Potatoes: Air fry the potatoes at 400°F for 35-40 minutes. Be sure to turn them halfway through the cooking time for even crispiness. They are done when the skins are crispy and a fork can easily pierce through the center.

                Cool and Prepare for Topping: Once the cooking is complete, gently remove the potatoes from the air fryer and let them cool for 2-3 minutes. This will make them easier to handle.

                  Finish with Toppings: Slice the baked potatoes open, fluff the soft insides with a fork, and top with your desired toppings such as a generous dollop of sour cream, finely chopped chives, shredded cheese, or crispy bacon bits (if using).

                    Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the freshly baked potatoes on a rustic wooden board or individual plates. Garnish with chopped fresh chives and a dollop of sour cream to add a pop of color and elevate the dish’s appeal.