How Long to Cook Baked Potatoes in an Air Fryer: A Complete Guide for Perfect Results Every Time​

2025-11-08

If you’re wondering how long to cook baked potatoes in an air fryer, the short answer is: it depends on the potato’s size, but most medium-sized russet potatoes take ​35–45 minutes at 400°F (200°C)​​ to achieve that ideal fluffy interior and crispy skin. For smaller potatoes (5–7 oz), aim for 25–35 minutes; larger ones (11–14 oz) may need 50–60 minutes. Prepping them right—soaking, drying, and oiling—makes all the difference, and we’ll break down every step to ensure your air-fried baked potatoes turn out perfect, every single time.

Why Air Fryer Baked Potatoes Are a Game-Changer

Before diving into timing, let’s clarify why air frying beats oven baking for many home cooks. Air fryers use high-speed hot air circulation to cook food quickly, mimicking the crispiness of deep-frying but with minimal oil. For baked potatoes, this means:

  • ​Faster cooking: Air fryers reach high temps (380–400°F) faster than ovens, cutting total time by 20–30 minutes.

  • ​Crispier skin: The intense airflow dries the potato’s surface, creating that sought-after crunchy exterior without par-boiling.

  • ​Energy efficiency: Smaller appliances use less energy than full ovens, especially for single servings.

  • ​Even heating: No hot spots—every part of the potato cooks uniformly.

Factors That Affect Cooking Time

To nail the “how long” question, you first need to understand what influences the timer. These variables matter more than you might think:

1. Potato Size

Weight is the biggest factor. Potatoes vary wildly in size, so measuring by ounces or grams is more reliable than eyeballing.

  • ​Small potatoes (5–7 oz / 140–200g)​: Think fingerlings or new potatoes. They cook fastest, often 25–35 minutes.

  • ​Medium potatoes (8–10 oz / 225–280g)​: Standard russets or Yukon Golds. Most recipes target this size, taking 35–45 minutes.

  • ​Large potatoes (11–14 oz / 310–395g)​: Common in supermarkets. These need 50–60 minutes, or even longer if they’re extra-large.

Pro tip: Use a kitchen scale to weigh potatoes before cooking. It takes 10 seconds and eliminates guesswork.

2. Potato Variety

Not all potatoes are created equal. Starchy varieties like ​russets​ (the classic baked potato choice) are ideal because their high starch content breaks down during cooking, creating a light, fluffy interior. Waxy potatoes (e.g., red bliss, fingerlings) have less starch and hold their shape better—great for salads but less fluffy when baked.

Yukon Golds fall in the middle: they’re creamy with a buttery flavor but may not get as fluffy as russets. Adjust cooking time slightly—Yukon Golds often cook 5 minutes faster than russets of the same size.

3. Prepping Steps

How you prep the potato before air frying directly impacts cooking time and texture:

  • ​Soaking: Rinsing potatoes in cold water removes surface starch, which can cause sticking and dull skin. Soak for 30 minutes to 2 hours (swap water once if soaking longer). Dry thoroughlyafterward—surface moisture = soggy skin.

  • ​Poking holes: A fork poked 4–5 times into the potato releases steam as it cooks. Skip this, and the potato might explode (yes, really—hot steam builds pressure until it bursts).

  • ​Oiling and seasoning: Rubbing with olive oil or avocado oil helps the skin crisp up. Sprinkle with salt (kosher or sea salt works best) to enhance flavor and draw out any remaining moisture.

Step-by-Step: How to Cook Baked Potatoes in an Air Fryer

Now that you know the variables, let’s walk through the process. We’ll use a medium russet (8–10 oz) as our baseline.

Step 1: Gather Your Tools

  • Air fryer (any brand, but basket-style works best)

  • Medium russet potatoes (8–10 oz each)

  • Kitchen scale (optional but recommended)

  • Fork

  • Paper towels

  • Olive oil (or avocado, grapeseed, etc.)

  • Kosher salt

  • Tongs or heat-resistant gloves

Step 2: Prep the Potatoes

  1. ​Wash and dry: Scrub potatoes under cold water with a stiff brush to remove dirt. Pat completely dry with paper towels—this is critical for crispy skin.

  2. ​Poke holes: Use a fork to pierce the potato 4–5 times, inserting the tines about ½ inch deep. Space holes evenly around the potato.

  3. ​Soak (optional but recommended)​: Submerge potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes. Drain, then pat dry again. This step reduces starch and ensures extra-crispy skin.

  4. ​Oil and season: Rub each potato with ½ tsp olive oil, then sprinkle generously with kosher salt. Massage gently to coat evenly.

Step 3: Set the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to ​400°F (200°C)​. Most models take 3–5 minutes to reach temp—preheating ensures consistent cooking from start to finish.

Step 4: Cook the Potatoes

Place potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch (if stacking, rotate halfway through). Cook for:

  • ​25–35 minutes​ for small potatoes (5–7 oz)

  • ​35–45 minutes​ for medium potatoes (8–10 oz)

  • ​50–60 minutes​ for large potatoes (11–14 oz)

Step 5: Check for Doneness

The most reliable way to test if a potato is done is with a fork or paring knife: insert it into the center—if it slides in effortlessly, the potato is tender. For extra precision, use a meat thermometer: the internal temperature should reach ​210°F (99°C)​. At this point, the starch granules have fully gelatinized, resulting in that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

What If Your Potato Isn’t Crispy? Troubleshooting Tips

Even with perfect timing, you might end up with soft skin. Here’s how to fix it:

  • ​Too much moisture: If the potato was wet when you put it in, the skin won’t crisp. Always dry thoroughly after washing and soaking.

  • ​Low temperature: If your air fryer runs cool (some budget models do), bump the temp to 410–420°F (210–220°C) for the last 10 minutes.

  • ​Overcrowding: Potatoes touching each other trap steam, softening the skin. Leave space or cook in batches.

  • ​Skip the oil?​: Oil helps conduct heat and crisp the skin. If you’re oil-free, expect less crunch—patting dry and using higher heat can compensate.

Advanced Tips for Next-Level Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

Once you master the basics, level up your game with these tricks:

Seasoning Beyond Salt

  • ​Herbs: Toss dried rosemary or thyme with oil before rubbing on the potato.

  • ​Spices: Smoked paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder add depth.

  • ​Cheese: After cooking, slice the potato open, fluff the inside, and sprinkle with shredded cheddar or parmesan. Return to the air fryer for 2–3 minutes to melt.

Stuffing Your Potatoes

Turn baked potatoes into meals by stuffing them:

  • ​Classic: Mix sour cream, chives, and bacon bits into the fluffed flesh.

  • ​Loaded: Top with black beans, corn, salsa, and avocado.

  • ​Gourmet: Add sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, and blue cheese.

Reheating Leftovers

Air-fried potatoes reheat beautifully. Place them back in the air fryer at 380°F (190°C) for 5–8 minutes—they’ll crisp right back up. Avoid microwaving, as it turns the skin soft.

Safety and Cleaning Guidelines

Air fryers are safe when used properly:

  • ​Handle with care: The basket and potatoes get extremely hot—use tongs or gloves when removing.

  • ​Don’t overfill: Follow your air fryer’s capacity guidelines (most recommend not exceeding ⅔ full).

  • ​Clean promptly: Let the basket cool, then wash with warm, soapy water. Use a non-abrasive sponge to avoid scratching the non-stick coating.

Final Thoughts: Trust the Process, Adjust as Needed

So, how long to cook baked potatoes in an air fryer? As we’ve covered, it’s mostly about size—but with the right prep and a little practice, you’ll consistently turn out fluffy, crispy potatoes in under an hour. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week, feeding a crowd, or just craving a comfort food classic, the air fryer is your new best friend for baked potatoes.

Grab some russets, fire up your air fryer, and get ready to impress. You’ve got this.

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