First, take your russet potatoes and scrub them well under cold running water. This not only cleanses the skin but also ensures that you remove any dirt or impurities. Once cleaned, let them air dry completely. This is important to achieve a crispy skin.
Using a fork, pierce the potatoes several times all over. This step is crucial as it allows steam to escape during cooking, preventing any potential bursting while they bake.
Next, in a shallow dish, combine the extra virgin olive oil, kosher salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix them together until well blended, creating a flavorful coating for your potatoes.
Roll each potato in the oil and spice mixture, making sure to coat the skin evenly. This not only seasons the potatoes but also helps them crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
Now, place the seasoned potatoes into the air fryer basket or on the tray. Be mindful not to overcrowd them; this ensures proper air circulation for even cooking.
Set your air fryer to 400°F and let them cook for 20 minutes. The aroma that fills your kitchen is already a sign of the deliciousness to come.
After the initial cooking time, carefully remove the basket or tray. Flip the potatoes over gently to ensure even cooking.
Continue to air fry for an additional 10 to 25 minutes. This time varies depending on the size of your potatoes; smaller ones may only require 30 minutes total, while larger ones may take 45 to 50 minutes.
To check if they are done, pierce the potatoes with a knife. If it goes through easily, they are ready!
Once cooked to perfection, remove the potatoes from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Serve them as desired, perhaps with butter, sour cream, or your favorite toppings.