1. Prepare the Potatoes
- Wash and Scrub: Thoroughly wash and scrub the russet potatoes to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Pierce the Potatoes: Using a fork, poke several holes around each potato. This helps steam escape and prevents them from bursting during cooking.
2. Season the Potatoes
- Coat with Olive Oil: Rub the potatoes with olive oil to coat them evenly. This will help them crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
- Season: Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and black pepper evenly over the potatoes. Rub the seasonings in to ensure they are well distributed.
3. Cook the Potatoes
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
- Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket. Ensure they are not overcrowded; if necessary, cook them in batches.
- Air Fry: Cook the potatoes at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes. Flip them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crispness.
- Check for Doneness: After 20 minutes, check if the potatoes are tender by inserting a fork or knife into the center. If it slides in easily, the potatoes are done. If not, continue cooking for an additional 5-10 minutes, checking periodically.
4. Serve and Enjoy
- Remove from Air Fryer: Carefully remove the baked potatoes from the air fryer using tongs.
- Add Toppings: Slice open each potato and fluff the insides with a fork. Add your favorite toppings like sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, bacon bits, green onions, or a pat of butter.
- Garnish (Optional): Sprinkle with freshly chopped herbs such as chives or parsley for added flavor and freshness.
- Enjoy: Serve the potatoes hot and enjoy their crispy skin and fluffy interior!
Tips for Perfection
- Potato Size: Try to use potatoes of similar size to ensure even cooking. If using larger potatoes, adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Seasoning Variations: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings or spice blends to customize the flavor to your liking.
- Crispier Skin: For extra crispy skin, you can increase the cooking time by a few minutes, but be sure to monitor them closely to prevent burning.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Baked Potatoes are a quick and easy way to enjoy perfectly crispy and tender potatoes with minimal fuss. The air fryer delivers a texture similar to traditional baked potatoes, but with a shorter cooking time. These versatile potatoes can be topped with a variety of ingredients, making them a perfect side dish or a satisfying main course. Enjoy the delicious simplicity of this air fryer recipe and make your next meal a bit more special!