Discovering the method of cooking a baked potato in an air fryer after partially microwaving it has been a game changer for my weeknight dinners. This technique is undeniably the fastest way to achieve a perfectly cooked, fluffy inside with a golden brown, crispy skin outside. By first microwaving the potato for a few minutes, you drastically reduce the cooking time. Then, finishing it in the air fryer not only speeds up the process but also ensures that crispy, tantalizing texture that’s often sought after in a baked potato. This hybrid method has transformed the mundane task of potato baking into an efficient, satisfying culinary adventure.
Baked Potato in Air Fryer After Microwave
Microwaving before air frying baked potatoes offers a game-changing shortcut to a deliciously crispy skin and fluffy interior in less time. This hybrid method combines the speed of microwaving with the finishing touch of air frying to perfect the classic baked potato. It’s an efficient, tasty solution for those craving the perfect balance of texture and taste in their weeknight meals.
Why You Will Love this Recipe?
You’re going to love this recipe because it utilizes simple ingredients and leaves room for your favorite toppings. It’s a quick recipe the whole family can enjoy. This is a time-saving, quickest way to achieve a perfectly crispy skin and fluffy interiors, outdoing the traditional oven-baked potato. Plus, it’s an easy recipe with no need to stand by the stove, much like the beloved air fryer pasta bake.
Also Read: Can You Use an Air Fryer as A Microwave?
Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
My potato-loving family has become obsessed with baked potatoes made in our Ninja air fryer. It’s incredibly easy to make: simply rub the potatoes with a little oil and salt, put them in the air fryer, walk away to do chores, and by the time the timer beeps, you have perfectly cooked potatoes. It’s like the “Set it and Forget it” motto from Bronco’s infomercial, but in my kitchen.
The joy doesn’t stop at the potato; the topping game is where it gets fun. A dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of cheese, and some chives are just the beginning. Get creative and add toppings like bacon or chili. We’ve done this multiple times a week, leading to experiments like showstopping Blooming Baked Potatoes and Air fryer Hasselback Baked Potatoes. Even Baked Sweet Potatoes have had their moment to shine in our air fryer, proving that this method is a versatile staple in our culinary repertoire.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 large russet potatoes, scrubbed clean
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- Sea salt (or Kosher salt)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How to Make Baked Potatoes in the Air Fryer?
Below are two easy methods.
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Microwaved and Air-Fried Baked Potatoes
Moving away from the traditional oven-baked approach, microwave-baked potatoes provide a fluffy inside in just a fraction of the time. Inspired by Jo-Ann’s Baked Potatoes, a video I stumbled upon showed this action in real-time, revolutionizing my weekday dinners.
- Start by scrubbing the potato under running water.
- Then, dry it off and pierce the skin several times with a fork.
- Place the potato on a microwave-safe plate and cook on high for five minutes; if cooking one potato, or 5-7 minutes for two potatoes.
- Carefully remove it from the microwave and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Rub your potatoes with oil and sprinkle them with salt. Season with pepper, if desired.
- Transfer potatoes to a preheated air fryer.
- Transfer the potatoes to the air fryer and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. This ensures the skin becomes crispy, while the potatoes remain tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
Also Read: How to Use Air Fryer as Microwave?
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Baked Potato in the Air Fryer
This method takes twice longer, however, it is great for families who choose not to use a microwave.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- While the air fryer is preheating, scrub your potatoes clean and pat them dry.
- Before cooking, generously season the potatoes with oil, salt, and a sprinkle of your choice of spices such as pepper or garlic powder. This simple prep ensures each bite is flavorful.
- Prick the potatoes several times with a fork. This will help them cook evenly.
- Start by placing your potatoes in a preheated air fryer basket. Cook them for 40 minutes, making sure to turn them halfway through. They’re ready when they are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
- Once the potatoes are cooked, remove them from the air fryer. Let them cool for a few minutes before you dive into the crispy skin. This moment of patience rewards you with the perfect texture and warmth.
- Fluff up the potato flesh a little, using a fork.
- Top with your favorite toppings (butter, sour cream, cheese, etc.). Serve and enjoy!
Which Potatoes are Best for Baking?
When choosing the perfect potato for baking, look for varieties that are high in starch, such as Yukon Golds, Russets, and Pontiacs. These types tend to have thin skin that crisps beautifully in the oven or air fryer, and their flesh becomes fluffy and creamy when baked. Ensure your potatoes are free from blemishes and bruises to avoid any mushy textures in your finished dish.
Do I Have to Pierce the Potatoes Before Air Frying Them?
Absolutely, piercing the potatoes with a fork before air frying them is essential. This simple step helps them cook more evenly and prevents them from exploding by allowing steam to release. The result? A crispier finished product. For the best results, don’t skip this quick but crucial preparation step.
Toppings for Baked Potatoes
The final flourish of any baked potato lies in its toppings. Classics like butter, freshly ground pepper, and sour cream add creaminess and tanginess. For a more heartwarming dish, consider adding chili. If you’re looking for a lighter option, yogurt or cottage cheese mixed with herbs offers a fresh take. Cheese, a classic choice, melts beautifully on hot baked potatoes, while bacon adds a decadent treat. For something unique, try air-fried or saute onions, combining them with mushrooms & onions for a rich topping that complements the potato’s simplicity.
Also Read: How to Cook Frozen Vegetables in an Air Fryer?
Best Potatoes and Oil for Baked Potatoes in Air Fryer
UK: In the UK, the perfect baked potatoes, especially special jacket potatoes, come from using large potatoes. For the best results in this recipe, opt for starchy potatoes like King Edward or Maris Piper. These varieties ensure the perfect texture and flavor every time.
I used to make Triple Cooked Chips in Air Fryer
US: For the US, russet potatoes are the top choice due to their high starch content. Medium potatoes also work well, especially for young children.
Red potatoes are a good alternative
Baby potatoes and small potatoes, being waxy, hold their shape well but are best used in dishes like potato salad or Instant Pot Pesto Potato Salad, not for air-fried baked potatoes.
This recipe also works marvelously with sweet potatoes, though the timings may be different.
When preparing potatoes, brush them with oil that has a high smoke point to make the skin extra tasty and crispy.
Avocado oil, refined canola oil, vegetable oil, and sunflower oil are all excellent choices due to their neutral flavors and high smoke points.
Lastly, using a cooking spray helps the oil to spread evenly, and a sprinkle of a pinch of salt adds the final touch to the perfect baked potato.
Conclusion
In the bustling rhythm of modern life, the pursuit of culinary efficiency without sacrificing quality is paramount. The ingenious combination of microwaving and air frying to prepare baked potatoes epitomizes this quest perfectly. This method not only slashes cooking times but also elevates the humble potato to a culinary delight, boasting a crispy skin and a fluffy interior. Whether you’re a fan of traditional toppings or inclined towards more adventurous garnishes, this approach offers a versatile canvas. Embrace this quick, yet gourmet method to transform weeknight dinners or any meal into an effortless, yet sumptuously satisfying experience.
Also Read: How to Bake in an Air Fryer?
FAQs about Baked Potato
Are baked potatoes better in air fryer or microwave?
Air Fryer Baked Potatoes offer a crisp outside and tender, perfectly cooked inside, making it the best cooking method for a baked potato.
Can you air fry an already cooked baked potato?
Yes, you can air fry an already cooked baked potato. Simply wrap it in aluminum foil ensuring the entire surface is covered, place it in the air fryer basket, and reheat for 12 to 15 minutes until it's crispy and warmed through.
Why is air fryer healthier than microwave?
An air fryer is healthier than a microwave oven because it promotes healthier cooking by reducing oil usage. This method can reduce fat content by using significantly less oil or no oil, making it a healthier cooking option by reducing the overall fat content in dishes.
How long does it take for a potato to get soft in the air fryer?
It takes 40 to 50 minutes to get a potato soft in the air fryer. First, preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C), then rub the potatoes with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and parsley. Place them in the air fryer basket and cook in the preheated air fryer until soft, depending on potato size.