Whether you're cozying up at a steak house or smearing sauce around at a summer BBQ, baked potatoes scratch a comfort food itch. They're a simple food, but sadly, they take up to an hour to make in the oven. If you want your baked potato sooner, there's a simple hack involving an air fryer, and it results in equally crispy tates to stuff with cheese and bacon or serve simply with salt and butter.
Home Tips
This genius baked potato method requires two methods of cooking but, trust me, it's worth it for a restaurant-quality baked potato in just 10 to 12 minutes.
With a microwave to speedily cook the inside and a powerful air fryer to crisp the skin, you'll wonder why anyone makes baked potatoes the old-fashioned way.
Single Baked Potato
A microwave and an air fryer will give you the best baked potato of your life. David Watsky/CNET
What you need
Directions
Step 1: Poke 10-12 air holes in the potato using a fork and salt liberally.
Step 2: Microwave the potato on high for 8 to 10 minutes or until it's fork-tender and cooked through.
Step 3: Slice the potato halfway through and toss with melted butter or olive oil. You can also stuff the potato with cheese or bacon bits.
Step 4: Air fry on high skin side up for 2 minutes.
Step 5: Flip and cook another two minutes until desired crispiness is achieved. (If topping with cheese, veggies or bacon, cook skin side down only.)
Baked Potato
Feel free to stuff or top the potato to your heart's content. Gettys Images
For more tips, see my list of the seven foods I'll only air fry from now and on and learn the best way to reheat every kind of leftovers.