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And I'm not going back.
I've long considered baked potatoes to be one of my favorite comfort foods, but unlike other comforts, like macaroni and cheese or a fried chicken dinner, it doesn't require a ton of ingredients and labor. In fact, in its most simple form, it's incredibly easy to prepare and enjoy.
But that's not to downgrade the beauty of a great baked potato, as it's so delicious. The juxtaposition of crispy skin texture with fluffy interior is so comforting, and it is endlessly versatile, with so many toppings that can get involved.
But aside from being simple and affordable, a baked potato can take a little while to make. Throwing a potato in the oven may be the most traditional way to prepare it, but it'll run you over an hour and still not always get the optimum results.
A microwave is much faster and can get you a potato in minutes, but you're not going to get that texture or golden roasted potato presentation you are craving. The best results, for me, always come from using the air fryer.
Why The Air Fryer Is Best For Baked Potatoes
Let me just start out by saying once you make your baked potato in the air fryer, I can't imagine wanting to make it any other way again. And I've tried all the ways—oven, slow cooker, pressure cooker, even microwave. They all have their merits, but an air fryer is key to an outcome that is fast, with delicious crispy skin and a perfectly fluffier interior.
When I make baked potatoes in the air fryer, I have a very simple procedure: I start by poking a few holes with my knife into the skin (this helps the steam to escape and will make the inside nice and fluffy), and rubbing some oil directly onto the potato.
Then, I sprinkle this oiled skin with salt, pepper, and a bit of garlic powder and place it in the air fryer at 400°F for 45 minutes. Yes, you can bake at a higher temperature if you want, and that may make them done a bit faster, but this is the time and temperature that have gotten me the best results. Pierce the potato with a fork until it doesn't meet any resistance. Finally, let your potato rest for a few minutes before slicing open and adding your toppings.
This is faster than cooking in the oven by a good 20 minutes, but somehow makes it have a better crispy roasted exterior and tender, fluffy interior. That's exactly how I want my baked potato to be.
I'm a simple girl and personally just like a bit of salted butter on my potato when I eat it, but whether you like yours loaded or topped with broccoli and cheese, an air fryer baked potato is what I've found to be the perfect foundation for a delicious weeknight dinner.
Read the original article on Southern Living
