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⚡ Direct Answer: The Steakhouse Air Fryer Baked Potato Formula
The 400°F / 40-Minute Formula: Poke medium Russet potatoes all over with a fork. Rub with olive oil and coarse kosher salt. Air fry uncovered at 400°F (205°C) for 38 to 42 minutes, flipping once at minute 20. The skin turns papery and shattering crisp while the inside becomes cloud-like and fluffy.
Oven-baked potatoes take over an hour and often emerge with leathery skins, while microwave potatoes turn gummy. The air fryer delivers the holy grail: a skin so crisp you can tap it with a spoon, encasing a steaming, fluffy interior. It is an indispensable staple in our 15 Best Air Fryer Recipes list.
Comfort Food Classic
Steakhouse Air Fryer Baked Potato
Prep Time: 5 mins | Cook Time: 40 mins | Total Time: 45 mins | Servings: 2
Ingredients
- 2 medium Russet potatoes (approx. 7–8 oz each, scrubbed and dried)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt or flaky sea salt
- Toppings: Butter, Greek yogurt or sour cream, chives, cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Pierce each potato 6–8 times all over with a fork to allow steam to escape.
- Rub skins thoroughly with olive oil and roll in coarse kosher salt.
- Place potatoes directly in the air fryer basket (do NOT wrap in foil).
- Air fry at 400°F (205°C) for 38 to 42 minutes, turning them over halfway through. They are ready when a knife glides effortlessly into the center.
- Slice open lengthwise, fluff interior with a fork, add your favorite toppings, and enjoy!
Nutrition (Per Potato, without butter): ~170 Calories | 4g Protein | 37g Carbs | 1g Fat | Calculate topping calories with our Daily Calorie Calculator.