1. Prepare the Potatoes:
- Clean and Dry: Wash the potatoes thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Prick with Fork: Use a fork to poke several holes in each potato. This helps steam escape during cooking and prevents the potatoes from bursting.
2. Season the Potatoes:
- Coat with Oil: Rub each potato with olive oil to coat evenly. This helps achieve a crispy skin.
- Season: Sprinkle salt and black pepper over the potatoes. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or dried herbs for extra flavor.
3. Air Fry the Potatoes:
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
- Place in Basket: Arrange the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching each other. You may need to cook them in batches if your air fryer is small.
- Cook: Air fry the potatoes at 400°F (200°C) for 18-22 minutes, or until they are tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. Flip the potatoes halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crispiness.
4. Check for Doneness:
- Test Tenderness: Use a fork or knife to check if the potatoes are tender inside. If the utensil slides in easily, the potatoes are done. If not, continue cooking for an additional 2-5 minutes.
5. Serve:
- Let Cool: Remove the potatoes from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Top and Enjoy: Slice open the potatoes and fluff the insides with a fork. Add your favorite toppings such as butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, chives, or bacon bits.
Tips for Perfection:
- Uniform Size: Choose potatoes that are similar in size to ensure even cooking. If some are larger, they may need a bit more time.
- Air Circulation: Ensure there is enough space between the potatoes in the air fryer basket for proper air circulation, which helps achieve a crispy texture.
- Fluffing: Fluffing the insides of the potatoes with a fork after cooking makes them even more delicious and ready for your favorite toppings.
Variations:
- Loaded Baked Potatoes: Top with cheese, crispy bacon bits, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream for a hearty meal.
- Sweet Potatoes: Try the same method with sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile. Adjust the cooking time as needed, as sweet potatoes might cook slightly faster.
- Herb Seasoning: Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as rosemary, thyme, or chili powder, for a unique twist.
Air fryer baked potatoes are a quick and delicious way to enjoy perfectly crispy skins and fluffy interiors with minimal effort. They make a great side dish or can be loaded up with toppings for a satisfying main course.