Baked potatoes are a classic side dish that just go well with so many different dishes. I love them with a steak off the grill, but they’re super versatile. So let’s talk about one of my favorite ways to cook them! I’ll show you how to cook a baked potato in the air fryer with foil for an easy preparation method.
Why Bake a Potato in the Air Fryer?
Sure, you can bake a potato in an oven too, so why choose the air fryer? The answer is time and convenience!
Baking a potato in the air fryer takes less time when compared to the oven, and since it comes to temperature much faster due to its smaller size, the preheat time is much faster too! Plus, it leaves the oven open if you need to make a large main course.
You’ll still get an amazing baked potato too – with a nice crispy skin and soft, tender interior just begging for your favorite toppings.
Katie’s Tip
If you’re looking for a super quick method to save time, then I recommend checking out how to microwave a baked potato with plastic wrap for a speedy option
Do You Have to Wrap Your Baked Potato in Foil for the Air Fryer?
You don’t have to wrap your baked potato in foil for the air fryer. However, there are a few reasons why you’d want to:
- Easier cleanup. The foil contains the oil and seasonings, leaving your air fryer completely clean
- More steamed texture. The foil holds steam inside the potato, creating the steamed interior texture you get at some restaurants
- Skin is less crispy/burned. While some people prefer it this way, the foil will prevent your potato skin from getting overly crispy during cooking
- Keep potatoes warm longer. If you’re working on another dish for the meal, foil helps the potatoes stay warm longer so you don’t need to stress about finishing everything at the same time
Wrapping your potato in foil is entirely optional – the potatoes can be cooked in the air fryer without it as well. In fact, it’ll probably take around 10 minutes less cooking time if you don’t use foil.
That said, my preference in terms of the interior and exterior texture of my potato leads me to wrap it for this cooking method
Ingredients List
- Potato (such as Russet)
- ½ Tbsp olive oil per potato
- Salt and pepper (optional; to taste)
Ingredient Tips and Notes
- You can use any type of potato you like. Russets are usually classic for a baked potato, but you can swap in red, gold, or even sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes take about 10 minutes less on average, but the size of your potatoes are the biggest determining factor
- Instead of olive oil, you can use another high smoke point oil like avocado or grapeseed, or substitute melted butter
- Toppings are entirely optional, but you can finish with butter, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, or a sprinkle of cheese, bacon, and green onions for a classic loaded option!
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How to Cook a Baked Potato in the Air Fryer With Foil
- Thoroughly wash and dry your potato
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F, following manufacturer instructions
- Rub or brush the potato skin with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper (optional)
- Wrap potato in aluminum foil, thoroughly compacting around potato
- Place wrapped potato into the preheated air fryer basket
- Cook at 400°F for 40 minutes, or until fork tender, flipping every 10 minutes
- Carefully remove from air fryer using tongs (they will be hot)
- Rest potatoes for 2-3 minutes before unwrapping
- Slice lengthwise with a knife, and serve with toppings as desired!
What to Serve With a Baked Potato
Baked potatoes are versatile and can be paired with a range of toppings and side dishes to make a full meal! Here are some of my favorite options:
Classic Toppings
Sour cream, butter, shredded cheese, and chives are classic toppings that complement the warm, fluffy interior of a baked potato.
You can also add bacon bits or green onions for a fully loaded flavor boost!
Grilled or Roasted Vegetables
Vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or mushrooms pair well and add a nutritional boost.
They can be placed on top or served on the side, adding color and texture to your potatoes.
Proteins
Baked potatoes make a great base for proteins like chili, pulled pork, shredded chicken, or black beans for a vegetarian option. These toppings make the potato more filling and can turn it into a complete meal.
One of my favorite options is to top it with some leftover Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Dip!
Salads
A side salad with leafy greens, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette offers a fresh and tangy contrast to the warm, starchy potato.
Options like Caesar or Greek salads are popular choices!
Sauces and Dressings
Dressings like ranch, blue cheese, or buffalo sauce can add a flavorful twist to your potato.
Hot sauce, salsa, or my creamy Air Fryer Queso is also great for those who enjoy a bit of spice!
Seafood Toppings
For a unique spin, consider topping baked potatoes with shrimp or crab in a creamy sauce. It’s an unexpected combination but works well for a special occasion!
Recipe FAQs
Can I Wrap Potatoes in Foil in the Air Fryer?
Yes, it’s completely safe to wrap potatoes in foil in the air fryer.
Just make sure you securely wrap them. I’ve left open edges before and the strong air circulation in the fryer actually pulled it open!
You don’t want loose foil floating around in there, as that can block air flow and get caught in the heating element.
How Long Do You Cook Foil Wrapped Baking Potatoes in the Air Fryer?
It takes approximately 40 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit to cook foil wrapped baking potatoes in the air fryer. The time may need adjusting slightly depending on the size of your specific potato, as they vary a lot.
Wrapping the potatoes in foil actually adds a little bit to the necessary cooking time versus not using it, but I prefer the result you obtain this way!
Do You Have to Poke Holes in Potatoes for the Air Fryer?
No, you don’t need to poke holes in potatoes for the air fryer. Poking holes in potatoes is a common practice just to allow steam to escape during the cooking process. The absolute worst case would be your potato splitting open.
The air fryer heats differently than a conventional oven or microwave, so it’s not as common that a potato would burst during cooking. That said, there’s nothing wrong with poking your potatoes, if you want to air on the side of caution. Just skewer them a bit before wrapping them up and proceed as normal!
Tips For the Best Air Fryer Baked Potato
- Cooking times may vary depending on the size of your potato. Generally assume a range of about 30 – 50 minutes for very small or very large potatoes (respectively)
- Give a gentle squeeze on the sides of the potato with tongs or oven mitts when you flip them. If it gives easily, the potato should be done!
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for 3-4 days. For best results when reheating later, store them without any toppings
- To reheat a baked potato in the air fryer, cook for 3-5 minutes at 350°F (depending on the size of the potato) until warmed through. For a faster method, you can also reheat a baked potato in the microwave!
Final Thoughts
This air fryer baked potato recipe delivers a great steamed potato, just like you’d get at a steakhouse. While it takes just slightly less time over a traditional oven, it won’t heat your house up as much!
Top them up just the way you’d like, whether it’s butter, sour cream, or fully loaded with bacon and green onions, they’re sure to impress. You can also add other seasonings, like garlic powder, paprika, and more to change things up!
Baked potatoes make a great side dish, or top them up with a heartier food like chili for an easy lunch!
Loaded Foil Wrapped Air Fryer Baked Potato
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 Potato (Russet preferred)
- Olive oil (Optional)
- Salt & pepper (Optional)
- 1 Slice of bacon cooked and crumbled
- ⅓ cup Shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp Sour cream
- 1 tsp Butter or margarine
- 1 tbsp Green onions – sliced
Instructions
- Wash and dry your potato thoroughly, and preheat your air fryer to 400°F1 Potato
- Rub potato skin with olive oil and season with salt and pepper, if desired. Then, wrap the potato in aluminum foil making sure to secure it around all sidesOlive oil, Salt & pepper
- Place wrapped potato into preheated air fryer basket and air fry at 400°F for 40 minutes, flipping every 10 minutes or until soft when gently squeezed using tongs (it will be hot)
- Remove potato from air fryer and allow to rest for 2-3 minutes before unwrapping
- Cut potato down the center and serve with your favorite toppings1 Slice of bacon cooked and crumbled, ⅓ cup Shredded cheddar cheese, 1 tbsp Sour cream, 1 tsp Butter or margarine, 1 tbsp Green onions – sliced
Notes
- While russet potatoes are most common, feel free to substitute another type of potato or sweet potato. Reduce cooking time to 30 minutes to start.
- Very small potatoes may only need 30, whereas very large potatoes may need up to 50 minutes to cook through
- You may substitute another high smoke point oil in place of the olive oil, such as grapeseed, avocado, or sunflower oil
- Don’t bother with the oil and seasoning outside unless you eat potato skins. It won’t change the texture or the interior flavor at all
- If you like your cheese fully melted, you can add it to the potato and return to the air fryer for about 1 minute
- Alternative topping ideas: Steamed broccoli or other vegetables, chili, buffalo chicken dip, spinach and artichoke dip
- This recipe easily doubles or more if you’re cooking more than a single baked potato in the air fryer. Just leave air space between each potato in your air fryer. Cooking time does not increase with multiple potatoes
- Exact nutritional values will vary depending on specific ingredients used, so please consider this as only a guideline or estimate
Nutrition
