The air fryer has emerged as a popular kitchen appliance, particularly for its ability to create perfectly cooked baked potatoes. The texture it provides is unparalleled: the skin becomes beautifully crispy, while the inside remains fluffy and light. Chelsea Davis, a food enthusiast and writer, shares her insights on this cooking method and why she believes air frying reigns supreme over traditional baking methods.

After experimenting with various cooking methods, including the oven and microwave, Chelsea received an overwhelming amount of feedback on her baked potato trials. Despite the suggestions and critiques, she remains firm in her assertion that using an air fryer is the best choice for this classic dish. Read on to understand her technique and tips for mastering the air-fried potato.

One of the standout features of the air fryer method is its ability to yield a consistently cooked baked potato. Many home cooks have faced the frustration of undercooked spots or overly dry flesh when using the oven or microwave. In contrast, the air fryer delivers even cooking without the common pitfalls. Chelsea notes that when she fluffed the potato with a fork, it was perfectly airy and light.

Interestingly, Chelsea had always avoided eating the skin of baked potatoes, believing it to be flavorless and unappealing. However, her perspective changed dramatically after she tried air frying her potatoes. By generously spraying the potato skin with oil before cooking it at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 minutes, she achieved a delightful crispiness that made the skin irresistible. This newfound appreciation for the skin has opened up a world of culinary possibilities for her, allowing her to explore an array of seasonings and toppings.

During her first air-fried potato attempt, Chelsea kept it simple with just salt, pepper, and garlic powder. However, she is eager to experiment further, suggesting that barbecue seasonings or a blend of paprika, seasoned salt, smoked cayenne pepper, and fresh herbs would elevate the dish even more. The combination of crispy skin and fluffy insides makes these potatoes a fantastic base for hearty toppings, such as chili, guacamole, or Buffalo chicken.

Despite not considering herself an expert in potato preparation, Chelsea has gleaned valuable insights to refine her technique. One key takeaway is the importance of spacing potatoes adequately in the air fryer basket, especially when cooking multiple potatoes at once. Adequate spacing ensures even cooking and allows for proper air circulation, which is essential for achieving that coveted crispy texture.

Initially, Chelsea expressed her disdain for the labor-intensive task of poking holes into raw potatoes before cooking them in the oven or microwave. She humorously noted that readers pointed out her overzealousness with the fork—one reader suggested that a simple knife to poke a few holes would suffice. The beauty of the air fryer, however, is that it eliminates this step altogether, making the process quicker and more efficient.

Additionally, many readers were quick to remind Chelsea about the importance of avoiding overcrowding in the air fryer. Maintaining an inch or two of space between each potato allows for optimal cooking results. She also notes that different potato varieties and sizes may require adjustments in cooking time, so it's essential to keep an eye on them as they cook.

One of the most appealing aspects of cooking potatoes in the air fryer is the ease of preparation and cleanup. Chelsea appreciates the lack of messy baking trays or the need for foil—making for a straightforward and hassle-free cooking experience. For anyone looking to streamline their potato-making process, the air fryer offers a compelling solution.

This article was originally published on July 11, 2021, and has been updated to reflect the latest insights as of April 7, 2025. For culinary enthusiasts eager to discover innovative cooking methods, Chelsea Davis’s air fryer potato technique is a game-changer.