Posted by These Air Fryer Blooming Baked Potatoes are crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy inside, and full of flavor. They look fancy but are very easy to make at home. The potatoes are sliced in a special way so they open up like flower petals while cooking. This makes them extra crispy and perfect for holding butter, cheese, or any topping you love.
Using an air fryer makes this recipe faster than oven baking. The microwave step helps soften the potatoes first, so they cook evenly and become perfectly crispy in less time.
These potatoes are great as a side dish or even as a main meal when loaded with toppings like cheese, bacon, and sour cream.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Additional Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 7 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 medium potatoes, sliced crosswise and lengthwise
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or spray oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
Optional Toppings
- Butter
- Bacon crumbles
- Shredded cheese
- Chives or green onions
- Sour cream
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes
Start by washing the potatoes well under running water. Scrub off any dirt from the skin. Dry them completely using a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. - Cut the Potatoes Carefully
Place a potato on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, slice the potato thinly across and then lengthwise. Be very careful not to cut all the way through the bottom. The slices should stay attached at the base so the potato holds together. - Soften in the Microwave
Put the sliced potatoes in the microwave. Cook on high power for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the potatoes start to feel soft. This step helps reduce air fryer cooking time and ensures the inside becomes fluffy. - Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (195°C) so it is hot and ready when the potatoes go in. - Season the Potatoes
Take the potatoes out of the microwave carefully. Brush them with olive oil or melted butter. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, garlic powder, dried rosemary, and dried thyme evenly over the potatoes. Make sure some seasoning goes between the slices. - Air Fry the Potatoes
Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket. Cook on the air fry setting for 10 to 12 minutes. Cook until the potatoes are golden brown, crispy on the outside, and tender inside. (This recipe was tested using a Ninja Foodi XL 6-in-1.) - Serve and Enjoy
Remove the blooming potatoes from the air fryer. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top. Add your favorite toppings like butter, cheese, bacon, sour cream, or green onions. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
- How to Cut Blooming Potatoes Easily:
Place the potato between two chopsticks or wooden spoons before slicing. This helps prevent cutting all the way through. - Slice Size Matters:
Try to make the slices about 5–7 mm thick. Thin slices help the potato bloom nicely and become crispier. - Season Between the Cuts:
Gently open the slices with your fingers and brush oil and seasoning inside. This gives better flavor. - Cheese Tip:
If adding cheese, sprinkle it during the last 2 minutes of air frying so it melts without burning. - No Microwave?
You can skip the microwave step, but the air fryer time will be longer, and the texture may be slightly different.
Air Fryer Blooming Baked Potatoes
Description
Air Fryer Blooming Baked Potatoes are crispy, golden, and fluffy potatoes sliced like a flower and cooked quickly in the air fryer. Perfect as a side dish or loaded with toppings for a filling meal.
Duration
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Additional Time: 7 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 medium potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or spray oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Optional: Butter, bacon crumbles, shredded cheese, chives, green onions, sour cream
Instructions
- Wash and dry the potatoes well.
- Slice each potato crosswise and lengthwise without cutting through the bottom.
- Microwave the potatoes for 5–7 minutes until soft.
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (195°C).
- Brush potatoes with oil or butter and add all seasonings.
- Air fry for 10–12 minutes until crispy and golden.
- Add toppings, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
