Introduction
Experience the magic of perfectly cooked baked potatoes in just a fraction of the usual time with this air fryer recipe. Topped with a delicious herbed sour cream, these potatoes are fluffy on the inside with a beautifully crispy skin. Perfect for a comforting side dish or a hearty snack!
Ingredients
Medium-sized russet potatoes: 4 pieces (about 800 grams in total)
Olive oil: 15 ml
Sea salt: 5 grams
Sour cream: 200 grams
Fresh chives, chopped: 10 grams
Fresh parsley, chopped: 10 grams
Garlic powder: 3 grams
Black pepper: 2 grams
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
1. Wash and dry the potatoes well. Use a fork to pierce each potato a few times.
2. Rub each potato with olive oil, then sprinkle with sea salt.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (392°F).
4. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching. Cook for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork.
5. While the potatoes are cooking, mix the sour cream with chopped chives, parsley, garlic powder, and black pepper in a bowl. Set aside.
6. Once the potatoes are done, remove them from the air fryer. Allow them to cool slightly, then split open and fluff with a fork.
7. Top each potato with a generous dollop of herbed sour cream and serve immediately. Enjoy the combination of crispy skin and creamy topping!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Potatoes
Wash the medium-sized russet potatoes thoroughly under running water, ensuring to remove any dirt. After washing, dry the potatoes completely with a clean kitchen towel. Using a fork, pierce each potato several times to allow steam to escape during cooking, preventing them from bursting in the air fryer.
Season the Potatoes
Rub each potato with olive oil, ensuring they are well-coated. After applying the oil, sprinkle the sea salt evenly over the surface of each potato, enhancing their flavor and helping create a perfectly crispy skin.
Preheat the Air Fryer
Turn on your air fryer and preheat it to 200°C (392°F). This step is crucial, as it ensures even cooking and a beautifully crispy texture.
Cook the Potatoes
Carefully place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching each other to promote uniform air circulation and cooking. Cook the potatoes for 35-40 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. You know they are done when they are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
Prepare the Herbed Sour Cream
While the potatoes are cooking, take a bowl and mix together the sour cream, chopped chives, parsley, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir until all ingredients are well-combined. Set this flavorful herbed sour cream aside, allowing the flavors to meld.
Finish the Potatoes
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the potatoes from the air fryer, taking care as they will be hot. Allow them to cool for a few minutes, then split each potato open. Use a fork to fluff the insides, creating a light and airy texture.
Serve and Enjoy
Top each fluffy potato with a generous dollop of the herbed sour cream mixture. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful contrast of the crispy skin and the creamy, flavorful topping, making for a satisfying side dish or snack.
Notes
Choosing Potatoes
For the best results, choose medium-sized russet potatoes that are free of blemishes and firm to the touch. The russet variety is ideal due to its high starch content, making it perfect for achieving a fluffy interior.
Flavor Variations
Feel free to customize the herbed sour cream by adding different herbs such as dill or cilantro. For a spicy kick, incorporate a dash of hot sauce or add chopped jalapeños.
Storage Tips
Leftover baked potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispy skin before serving again.
Cooking Time Adjustment
Cooking times may vary depending on the size of the potatoes and the specific air fryer model. Always check the doneness a few minutes before the end of the suggested cooking time.
Cook techniques
Washing and Drying Potatoes
Thoroughly wash the potatoes under cold running water to remove any dirt. Dry them completely with a kitchen towel to ensure the oil sticks and the skin crisps up nicely.
Piercing the Potatoes
Using a fork, pierce the potatoes several times. This allows steam to escape during cooking and prevents the potatoes from bursting.
Coating with Oil and Salt
Rub each potato with olive oil, which helps achieve a crispy texture. Sprinkling sea salt enhances the flavor and contributes to the crispy skin.
Preheating the Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to the specified temperature. This step is crucial for even cooking and to ensure the potatoes start cooking immediately once placed inside.
Cooking the Potatoes
Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook them at the recommended temperature, flipping halfway through to ensure all sides cook evenly.
Preparing Herbed Sour Cream
While the potatoes cook, combine sour cream with chopped herbs and seasonings. This adds a fresh and flavorful topping, complementing the potatoes’ texture.
Fluffing and Serving
Once cooked, allow the potatoes to cool slightly, then fluff them with a fork to create a light, airy interior. Top with herbed sour cream and serve immediately for the best taste.
FAQ
Can I use other types of potatoes?
Yes, while russet potatoes are ideal for baking, you can use other varieties such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Just ensure they’re medium-sized for even cooking.
How can I tell when the potatoes are done?
The potatoes are done when they are easily pierced with a fork and feel soft inside. They should also have a crispy exterior.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
Greek yogurt or a dairy-free yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream. This will provide a similar creamy texture.
How do I store leftover baked potatoes?
Leftover baked potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or microwave before serving.
Can I freeze baked potatoes?
Yes, you can freeze baked potatoes. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in a freezer-safe bag. Reheating is best done in the oven or air fryer to retain texture.
Conclusion
The air fryer baked potato with herbed sour cream is a delightful dish that marries convenience with flavor. With its crispy skin and fluffy interior, complemented by the tangy herbed sour cream, this recipe is sure to become a favorite for both side dishes and snacks. It allows for easy customization and is perfect for any occasion.
Loaded Baked Potato
Add crispy bacon bits, shredded cheese, and a sprinkle of green onions on top of the herbed sour cream for a loaded baked potato that is full of flavor.
Sweet Potato Variation
Try using sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes for a nutritious twist. Top with a cinnamon and honey mixture for a sweet and savory combination.
Spicy Sriracha Potatoes
Mix Sriracha sauce into the herbed sour cream for a spicy kick. Garnish with sliced jalapeños for an extra layer of heat.
Garlic Butter & Parmesan
Melt garlic butter and drizzle it over the baked potato before adding grated Parmesan cheese for a rich and savory option.
Vegetarian Chili Topping
Top your baked potato with a generous scoop of hearty vegetarian chili and a sprinkle of cheese for a filling meal that is perfect on a chilly day.
Caprese Style
Add slices of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, drizzled with balsamic glaze for a refreshing Caprese-style baked potato.
Herb and Lemon Infusion
Mix fresh herbs like dill and lemon zest into the sour cream for a bright and aromatic topping that pairs beautifully with fish dishes.
