“Discover the Perfect Air Fryer Baked Potato Recipe

Potatoes are a versatile and beloved staple in many households. From mashed to roasted to French fries, they offer endless possibilities. One classic and cozy way to enjoy them is baked, loaded with delicious toppings like butter, sour cream, chives, or bacon bits. While baking in the oven is the traditional method, did you know you can also make a scrumptious baked potato in the air fryer?

The air fryer offers several advantages, including the ability to achieve a crispy texture and its compact countertop-friendly size. To guide you through the process, we’ve enlisted the expertise of Chef Chris Nirschel, a classically trained chef featured on “Chopped” and “Food Network Star.”

Here’s how to make a delightful air fryer baked potato:

What You’ll Need:

• Air fryer
• Russet potatoes (preferred for their starchy texture)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon sea salt
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon dried rosemary

Preparing Your Potatoes:

1. Clean and Dry: Begin by thoroughly washing the potatoes under running water and patting them dry with a kitchen towel. Ensure there is no excess moisture on the skin.
2. Prick with a Fork: Gently prick each potato several times with a fork. This allows steam to escape during cooking and prevents the potatoes from bursting.
3. Coat with Olive Oil: Drizzle olive oil over the potatoes in a large mixing bowl. Use your hands to ensure even coating, covering every surface.
4. Season: In a separate bowl, mix sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried rosemary. Sprinkle this seasoning mix over the oiled potatoes, ensuring even coverage.

Cooking in the Air Fryer:

1. Preheat: Set your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature ensures even cooking and crispy skin.
2. Arrange in Basket: Arrange the potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded and have space around them for even cooking.
3. Cook and Flip: Cook the potatoes for 40-45 minutes, flipping them once halfway through for even cooking.
4. Check for Doneness: After cooking, check for doneness by piercing the skin with a fork; it should be crispy, and the fork should easily pierce through the flesh.

Finally, enjoy your crisp air fryer baked potatoes! Allow them to cool briefly, then cut a slit down the center and fluff up the insides with a fork. Top with sour cream, chives, or your favorite toppings.

What Not to Do: Chef Nirschel offers essential tips to avoid common pitfalls when making air fryer baked potatoes:

• Don’t skip pricking the potatoes; it prevents them from exploding.
• Ensure potatoes are thoroughly dried after washing to achieve desired crispness.
• Avoid overcrowding the basket for even cooking.
• Don’t skip or skimp on seasoning for flavor.
• Stick to the recommended temperature range to prevent overly crispy skins.
• Remember to flip the potatoes for uniform cooking.

With these tips in mind, you can savor the perfect air fryer baked potato for a delightful meal or a quick snack.”