Airtable — Claude Code MCP server: features and setup
Give an AI agent tools to inspect Airtable bases and work with their tables and records. Use it to search data, edit schemas, or add record comments from your coding client.
claude mcp add airtable-mcp-server -e AIRTABLE_API_KEY=<AIRTABLE_API_KEY> -- npx -y airtable-mcp-serverWhat Airtable does
The server lets an agent list accessible bases, inspect tables and fields, search records, and read, create, update, or delete them. Schema tools can create tables and fields or change a table’s name and description. Record comments are supported, including threaded replies.
You need an Airtable personal access token in the AIRTABLE_API_KEY environment variable, plus access to the bases you plan to use. Reading schemas and records requires the matching read scopes; write operations require their write counterparts. Without a token, the server cannot access Airtable. Add it to Claude Code with claude mcp add airtable-mcp-server -e AIRTABLE_API_KEY=<AIRTABLE_API_KEY> -- npx -y airtable-mcp-server.
What it helps with
- search table records by text
- inspect fields and views in a table
- create or update Airtable records
- add a table or field to a base
- leave a comment on a record
Example prompts for the agent
- Find records in the Clients table that mention “pilot”.
- Show the fields and views in the Orders table.
- Create a new task record with status “Open” and assign it to the support team.
How to install Airtable
Platform CLI
claude mcp add airtable-mcp-server -e AIRTABLE_API_KEY=<AIRTABLE_API_KEY> -- npx -y airtable-mcp-serverReplace <…> with your own values
Platform CLI
codex mcp add airtable --env AIRTABLE_API_KEY=<AIRTABLE_API_KEY> -- npx -y airtable-mcp-serverReplace <…> with your own values
Config file
{
"mcpServers": {
"airtable": {
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"airtable-mcp-server"
],
"env": {
"AIRTABLE_API_KEY": "<AIRTABLE_API_KEY>"
}
}
}
}Replace <…> with your own values
Config file
{
"servers": {
"airtable": {
"type": "stdio",
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"airtable-mcp-server"
],
"env": {
"AIRTABLE_API_KEY": "<AIRTABLE_API_KEY>"
}
}
}
}Replace <…> with your own values
Platform CLI
gemini mcp add -e AIRTABLE_API_KEY=<AIRTABLE_API_KEY> airtable npx -y airtable-mcp-serverReplace <…> with your own values
Step by step, with commands for each platform: How to add an MCP server to Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, VS Code, Gemini CLI and more
Questions about Airtable
How do I install Airtable in Claude Code?
Run claude mcp add airtable-mcp-server -e AIRTABLE_API_KEY=<AIRTABLE_API_KEY> -- npx -y airtable-mcp-server, replacing <AIRTABLE_API_KEY> with your personal token. The token is passed through the AIRTABLE_API_KEY environment variable.
What does the Airtable MCP server do?
It gives an agent tools to inspect Airtable bases and manage tables, fields, records, and comments. Available actions include searching, reading, and changing data.
What credentials does Airtable require?
Set an Airtable personal access token as AIRTABLE_API_KEY and make sure it can access the bases in use. Write permissions are needed for schema or record changes.
