This Baked Potato Trick Is So Good, It Might Replace Your Entrée

CNET

20 hours ago

A perfect baked potato is crispy on the outside, soft and steamy on the inside and practically made to be smothered in butter, cheese or sour cream. But getting that ideal texture usually takes close to an hour in a hot oven, and who wants to deal with that when it's already scorching outside? If you're trying to avoid turning your kitchen into a sauna, there's a much quicker way to get the job done -- and all it takes is an air fryer.
This clever method delivers the same steakhouse-style results in less than half the time. The trick is in the prep and timing, giving you that crisp skin and fluffy interior without having to wait forever or heat up the whole house. Whether you're hosting a backyard cookout or just want an easy weeknight side, this shortcut can save you time without sacrificing quality. If you love baked potatoes but hate the hassle, this is the way to go.
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.
My 12-Minute Baked Potato Recipe
A microwave and an air fryer will give you the best baked potato of your life.
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What you need
One russet potato
1 teaspoon olive oil or butter
A microwave
An air fryer
Kosher salt for serving
Directions
Step 1 : Poke 10 to 12 air holes in the potato using a fork and salt liberally.
: Poke 10 to 12 air holes in the potato using a fork and salt liberally. Step 2 : Microwave the potato on high for eight to 10 minutes or until it's fork-tender and cooked through.
: Microwave the potato on high for eight 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.
: 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 two minutes.
: Air fry on high, skin side up, for two minutes. Step 5: Flip and cook for another two minutes until desired crispiness is achieved. (If topping with cheese, veggies or bacon, cook skin side down only.)
Feel free to stuff or top the potato to your heart's content.
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For more tips, see my list of the seven foods I'll only air fry from now on, and learn the best way to reheat every kind of leftovers.