Skip to content

Crispy Air Fryer Potatoes on a Budget

Searching for a straightforward side dish to accompany your meal this week? These effortless, hassle-free, Air Fryer Baked Potatoes should not be ignored. The baked potatoes are a timeless comfort dish that is economical and easy to personalize with your preferred toppings. I truly adore preparing them in the air fryer. The potato skins become delightfully crispy courtesy of the air fryer, while the inside stays perfectly soft & fluffy. Maintain simplicity with just a bit of butter, salt, and pepper, or explore a few of our favorite topping suggestions mentioned below!

Overhead view of air fryer baked potatoes dressed with toppings on a white platter.

Curious which method cooks potatoes quicker, the oven or the air fryer? Based on my experience, the air fryer is marginally faster than the oven, shaving off about 10 minutes, depending on the desired softness. Additionally, here are several benefits to making potatoes in the air fryer:

  • You avoid heating up your entire kitchen with a scorching oven by using the air fryer.
  • The potato skin is notably crispier in the air fryer compared to the oven. And who can resist a crispy potato skin!
  • If you’re juggling multiple dishes for a meal, it frees up your oven for other cooking tasks.
  • I observed that the potato flesh is remarkably fluffier and softer inside the air fryer versus an oven-baked potato.

Due to the extremely soft potato texture and the slightly shorter cook time, this has now become my favorite way to prepare easy baked potatoes!

How Long To Cook Potatoes In The Air Fryer?

The cooking durations for air fryer baked potatoes will vary based on the size of your spuds and the level of tenderness you prefer. Personally, I like my potatoes to be very tender and easily pierced with a fork or knife without any resistance. When air frying at 400°F, a ½ pound potato will need around 40-45 minutes for a soft interior. Larger spuds will require slightly more time to cook.

Should I Wrap My Potato In Foil?

You actually don’t need to wrap your spuds in foil when cooking in the air fryer. Simply air fry the potatoes uncovered, brushed with oil, and sprinkled with salt for a crispy skin.

I was tempted to stuff these potatoes similarly to my adored twice baked potatoes, but I told myself, “let me not get too carried away!” However, if you decide to take a few extra moments to make some air fryer bacon while your potatoes cool… you won’t regret it! Here are some additional excellent options:

Lateral view of air fryer baked potatoes on a white serving dish.


Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

Air Fryer Baked Potatoes are a timeless comfort food that’s economical, easy to modify, and made conveniently in the air fryer.

Author: Marsha – Budget Bytes

Top view of air fryer baked potatoes in an air fryer basket.

Prevent your screen from dimming

  • 4 russet potatoes (1/2 lb. each) ($2.96)
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil ($0.12)
  • 1 pinch of salt ($0.02)
  • Thoroughly wash and dry the potatoes, then poke each one a few times with a fork.

  • Pour olive oil over the potatoes and use your hands or a silicone brush to spread the oil evenly. Sprinkle a pinch of salt on the potatoes.

  • Insert the potatoes into the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for 40-45 minutes, turning them halfway through, until a fork or knife easily goes through the potatoes. The cooking time will vary depending on the potato size.

  • Once the potatoes are cooked, take them out of the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Carefully slice them open, fluff the insides with a fork, and add your preferred toppings!

Here’s how we figure out recipe costs.


Serving: 1potatoCalories: 199kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 5gFat: 4gSodium: 11mgFiber: 3g

Read our complete nutrition disclaimer here.

Overhead view of air fryer baked potatoes in an air fryer basket.

How to Prepare Air Fryer Baked Potatoes – Step-by-Step Guide

Four russet potatoes being pierced with a fork.

Thoroughly clean and dry four 1/2 lb. russet potatoes, then use a fork to pierce each one multiple times to facilitate steam release during cooking.

Four russet potatoes being brushed with oil and salted.

Drizzle 1 Tbsp olive oil onto the potatoes, then use either your hands or a silicone brush to spread the oil over each potato until every potato is thoroughly covered. Sprinkle the potatoes lightly with salt.

Four russet potatoes in an air fryer basket.

Insert the potatoes inside the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for 40-45 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they can be easily pierced with a fork or knife.

Cooked russet potatoes in an air fryer basket.

The fork should slide effortlessly into the core of the potato with no resistance. Total baking time will vary based on the size of your potatoes.

Four air fryer baked potatoes cut open with butter added on top.

Once air frying is completed, remove the potatoes from the air fryer basket and let them cool for a bit. Carefully slice them open, fluff the interior with a fork, and add your preferred toppings!

One air fryer baked potato on a white plate with a fork on the side.

Enjoy as a straightforward side or get creative with toppings like homemade chili, BBQ chicken, or your preferred protein. The options for baked potatoes are limitless, so have fun and get imaginative!

Leave a Reply