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

A perfectly cooked, fluffy air fryer baked potato with a split top showing the soft interior.

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Make the best air fryer baked potato with perfectly crispy skin and a light, fluffy inside. This quick method saves time compared to the oven and creates a steakhouse-style side dish.

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: Pierce each potato deeply 6 to 8 times all over using a fork. This lets steam escape.
  2. Dry the potatoes thoroughly with paper towels. Moisture prevents crispy skin.
  3. Rub each potato evenly with olive oil.
  4. Sprinkle the coarse sea salt and pepper over the entire surface of each potato, pressing the seasoning gently into the skin.
  5. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  6. Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch or overlap. Work in batches if necessary.
  7. Air fry for 35 to 45 minutes. Flip the potatoes halfway through the cooking time.
  8. Check for doneness: The potato is done when the skin is crisp and a fork easily slides into the center. If needed, continue cooking in 5-minute increments.
  9. Remove from the air fryer. Slice open the top of each potato and gently squeeze the sides to fluff the inside.
  10. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings for a perfect weeknight potato side dish.

Notes

  • For extra crispy skin, lightly brush the potatoes with a little more oil halfway through cooking.
  • Russet potatoes work best for achieving that classic fluffy interior.
  • If you want steakhouse style potatoes at home, use flaky sea salt for finishing.
  • This quick air fryer side dish is perfect for busy weeknights.

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