Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

Ingredients for Air Fryer Baked Potatoes:

• Russet potatoes (medium to large size), washed and dried
• Olive oil or melted butter
• Salt (optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped chives, crispy bacon bits)

Instructions:

1. Step 1 – Prep the Potatoes:
   • Scrub the potatoes under running water to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
   • Using a fork, pierce the potatoes several times on all sides. This helps steam escape during cooking.
2. Step 2 – Coat with Oil:
   • Lightly coat each potato with olive oil or melted butter. This step helps in achieving a crispy skin once air-fried.
   • Optionally, sprinkle salt evenly over the oiled potatoes for added flavor.
3. Step 3 – Preheat the Air Fryer:
   • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Step 4 – Air Fry the Potatoes:
   • Place the prepped potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them for air circulation.
   • Cook the potatoes at 400°F (200°C) for 35-40 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes. Flip them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crisping.
5. Step 5 – Check for Doneness:
   • To check if the potatoes are cooked through, insert a fork or knife into the center. It should slide in easily, indicating tender insides.
   • If the skin is not crispy enough to your liking, you can air fry for an additional 5-10 minutes.
6. Step 6 – Serve and Enjoy:
   • Once done, carefully remove the hot potatoes from the air fryer.
   • Slice each potato lengthwise and fluff the insides with a fork to create a fluffy texture.
   • Serve the Air Fryer Baked Potatoes hot with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped chives, or crispy bacon bits.