No matter how you choose to serve these tender, crispy-skinned Air-Fryer Baked Potatoes, they’re guaranteed to be a hit!
It’s impossible to pinpoint who made the very first baked potato—history didn’t leave us a recipe! Evidence of potato cultivation and use in ancient Andean cultures has been uncovered, however. Researchers believe that potatoes were first cultivated in the region of modern-day Peru and Bolivia around 7,000–10,000 years ago, long before they became a global staple.
When potatoes made their way to Europe with the Spanish conquistadors, they quickly spread across the globe, appearing in countless dishes. However, one of the simplest ways to enjoy a potato—baking—may also be one of the oldest. Andean cultures, including the Inca, likely cooked potatoes in huatias, traditional earth ovens made by stacking stones into a dome that collapses after heating. While we may not know exactly how they enjoyed their spuds, it’s fun to imagine ancient cooks savoring something similar to our modern-day baked potatoes.
Luckily, you don’t need a huatia to make a delicious baked potato. With the help of an air fryer, you can recreate the simplicity and satisfaction of this dish right in your own kitchen—crispy, fluffy, and perfect for any meal. Just serve with your choice of toppings and dig in!
Are Air-Fryer Baked Potatoes Healthy?
Baked potatoes are healthy, filling, and provide vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C and potassium. The part that can make a baked potato unhealthy is the toppings. Go easy on things like sour cream, bacon, and shredded cheese, or opt for healthier toppings such as plain Greek yogurt and chopped scallions.
Looking for vegan/vegetarian options? Cashew cream can be used instead of sour cream, and soy-based bacon or sautéed mushrooms can replace crumbly bacon. There are also plenty of quality plant-based butter, cheeses, and yogurts to try with your potatoes.
What Else Can I Do With Baked Potatoes?
If you thought baked potatoes were only for filling, think again! With a little creativity, baked potatoes can be used in a variety of delicious dishes. Turn them into potato pancakes by mashing their tender flesh, adding flour and egg, and frying them to golden perfection. You can even use the flesh as a base for a creamy potato soup, blending them with broth, cream, fresh herbs, and spices. Feeling adventurous? Try your hand at making gnocchi by mixing the potato flesh with flour and egg for pillowy pasta shapes that are perfect with all kinds of sauces.
And why not whip up some crispy potato croquettes by shaping mashed potatoes into patties, adding a whisked egg, some spices, coating them in breadcrumbs, and frying them until beautifully golden? For breakfast, slice the potatoes and add them to an omelet for a hearty and satisfying start to the day. With all these possibilities, it’s a great idea to bake extra potatoes so you can enjoy quick, flavorful meals throughout the week!
How To Make Ahead And Store
Once baked and cooled, wrap the potatoes in foil and store them in a Ziploc bag or airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Baked potatoes are delicious all on their own, but they pair nicely as a side dish for any savory meal. Try air-fryer baked potatoes with tender BBQ Pork Chops, Salmon Steaks, or a Simple Coffee-Rubbed Steak. For lighter lunch options, stick with this Easy Homemade Crock-Pot Vegetable Soup or a nutrient-dense Spinach Salad.
Ingredients
- 4 medium russet potatoes uniform in size
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Thoroughly scrub the potatoes under cold running water. Once clean, pat them completely dry with a clean kitchen towel. The skin needs to be dry to crisp up in the air fryer.
- Prick the potatoes all over using a fork to allow the steam to escape while cooking. Coat each potato with olive oil. Sprinkle the sea salt uniformly over the potatoes.
- Place the potatoes in the air-fryer basket. Make sure to leave some space between them to allow the air to circulate. Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 30 minutes.
- Flip the potatoes using tongs. Continue to cook for an additional 5 to 15 minutes. The potatoes are done when a fork can easily slide through the center of the potato. The exact time will depend on the size of your potatoes.
- Once fully cooked, remove the potatoes from the air-fryer basket with tongs and transfer them to a serving plate. Let them cool for a few minutes before slicing open. Add your favorite toppings before serving.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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