If you’re looking for a fun and tasty way to enjoy baked potatoes, this air fryer blooming baked potatoes recipe is a must-try. Similar to the popular blooming onion, these potatoes are cut in a way that “opens up” as they cook, turning into crispy, golden petals on the outside with a soft, fluffy center inside. It’s an eye-catching side dish that pairs well with steak, chicken, burgers, or even as a vegetarian main course when loaded with toppings.
The best part? You don’t need a deep fryer or loads of oil—your air fryer does all the work. Using just a light drizzle of olive oil and your favorite spices, the potatoes crisp beautifully without being greasy. This makes them a healthier alternative to fried potatoes, while still giving you that delicious crunch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make with only a few ingredients
- Healthier than deep-fried versions
- Perfect side dish or appetizer
- Kid-friendly and fun to eat
- Customizable with different seasonings or toppings
How to Cut Blooming Potatoes
- Wash the potatoes and pat them dry.
- Place each potato flat-side down on a cutting board.
- Use a sharp knife to cut from the top downwards into slices (like cutting a pie), but stop before reaching the bottom so the slices stay connected.
- Make 6–8 cuts around the potato. When cooked, these slices spread apart, creating the blooming effect.
Ingredients
- Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes (medium to large, best for baking)
- Olive oil (or spray oil for lighter version)
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Salt & pepper
- Optional: grated cheese, sour cream, chopped chives, or bacon bits for topping
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep Potatoes – Wash and scrub your potatoes well. Pat them dry.
- Slice – Cut into the potatoes as explained above to make the blooming shape.
- Season – Brush or spray with olive oil. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper evenly over the potatoes.
- Air Fry – Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket cut-side up. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes until golden and crispy on the outside and soft inside.
- Serve – Carefully remove and add your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, chives, or bacon bits.
Serving Ideas
- With steak for a restaurant-style dinner
- As a fun side for burgers or sandwiches
- Topped with chili and cheese for a loaded meal
- With garlic butter and parmesan for an Italian twist
Tips & Tricks
- Make sure not to cut all the way through the potato, or it will fall apart.
- For extra crispiness, soak sliced potatoes in cold water for 20 minutes before air frying.
- Adjust cooking time depending on potato size and air fryer model.
- Add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper if you like a spicy kick.
Notes
- Best served hot and fresh, but leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer for 5 minutes at 350°F.
- You can prep the potatoes ahead by slicing and seasoning them, then air frying right before serving.
Air Fryer Blooming Baked Potatoes
These air fryer blooming baked potatoes are crispy on the outside, soft inside, and shaped like a blooming flower. A fun and healthy twist on classic baked potatoes, perfect for family dinners, BBQs, or parties.
Duration
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 35–40 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 medium russet potatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or spray)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: cheese, sour cream, chives, bacon bits
Instructions
- Wash and dry potatoes. Slice into a blooming shape without cutting all the way through.
- Brush with olive oil and season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Place cut-side up in air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes until crispy outside and soft inside.
- Serve hot with toppings of choice.
