Air Fryer Crispy Jacket Potatoes: Achieving The Perfect Crispiness

Air fryers are a great way to make crispy jacket potatoes with fluffy insides. The process is simple and quick, and can be more energy-efficient than using an oven. First, scrub the potatoes and pat them dry. Then, prick them with a fork and rub them with oil and salt. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F/200°C for 40-50 minutes. For an extra crispy skin, give the potatoes a massage with olive oil or melted butter before cooking. You can also speed up the cooking process by microwaving the potatoes for 5-10 minutes before placing them in the air fryer.

How to get the perfect crispy skin

To get the perfect crispy skin on your jacket potatoes, there are a few key steps to follow:

Selecting the Right Potatoes

Look for medium to large-sized potatoes, such as Russet, Yukon Gold, Maris Piper, or King Edward varieties. These potatoes have a higher starch content, which is ideal for achieving a melt-in-your-mouth, fluffy texture. Make sure the potatoes have smooth and firm skin, free from any blemishes or sprouts.

Preparing Your Potatoes: Cleaning and Poking

Thoroughly wash each potato under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris from the skin. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel to ensure optimal air circulation during cooking. Use a fork or a small paring knife to make a few punctures on the surface of each potato. This step is crucial as it allows steam to escape during cooking, preventing potato "explosions" and promoting even cooking.

Preheating the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to around 400°F (200°C). Preheating ensures a consistent temperature and helps kickstart the crisping process.

Oil and Seasoning

For the perfect crispy skin, give each potato a gentle massage with olive oil, avocado oil, or melted butter. This adds flavor and helps achieve a golden crust. Then, sprinkle a generous amount of sea salt or kosher salt all over the oiled potatoes. The salt enhances the taste and draws moisture to the surface, making the skin crispier. You can also add black pepper or garlic powder for extra flavor.

Cooking

Arrange the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook for 40-50 minutes, or until a sharp knife or fork can easily be inserted into the potatoes. Check the potatoes after 20-25 minutes, and if they are browning too quickly, use tongs to turn them over. For larger potatoes, you may need to double the cooking time.

Serving

Once the potatoes are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. Carefully slice open each potato, fluff the insides with a fork, and add your desired toppings, such as butter, sour cream, cheese, bacon, or herbs.

The best types of potatoes to use

Other types of potatoes that can be used include sweet potatoes, yellow potatoes, or any other kind of potato. For example, baby potatoes, such as fingerlings, Yukon golds, baby russets, and baby red potatoes, can be used to make crispy roasted potatoes in an air fryer.

When choosing potatoes, look for those labelled as 'baking potatoes', or simply opt for a large floury variety.

How to prepare your potatoes

Preparing your potatoes is a crucial step in achieving the perfect balance of crispy skin and fluffy insides. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you prepare your potatoes for air frying:

Selecting the Right Potatoes:

Look for medium to large-sized potatoes, such as Russet, Yukon Gold, or King Edward varieties. These potatoes have a higher starch content, which is ideal for achieving a melt-in-your-mouth, fluffy texture. Make sure the potatoes have smooth and firm skin, free from any blemishes or sprouts.

Cleaning and Drying:

Once you've chosen the perfect potatoes, it's time to give them a good scrub. Wash each potato thoroughly under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris from the skin. Then, pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This ensures optimal air circulation during cooking, promoting even cooking and crispiness.

Poke and Puncture:

Take a fork or a small paring knife and make a few gentle punctures on the surface of each potato. This step is crucial as it allows steam to escape during cooking, preventing potential potato "explosions." These air vents also help promote even cooking throughout the potato.

Seasoning and Massaging:

To enhance the crispiness of your potato skins, drizzle them with olive oil, avocado oil, or melted butter. Then, give each potato a gentle massage to ensure the oil or butter is evenly distributed. This step not only adds flavor but also aids in achieving a golden crust. Don't forget to season generously with salt and pepper. The salt will draw moisture to the surface, contributing to crispier skin.

Preheating the Air Fryer:

Before placing your potatoes in the air fryer, preheat the appliance to around 400°F (200°C). Preheating ensures a consistent temperature and helps kickstart the crisping process.

Now that you've prepared your potatoes, it's time to pop them into the air fryer and let the magic happen! Remember to cook them for approximately 40-50 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. Enjoy your crispy jacket potatoes with your favorite toppings!

How long to cook jacket potatoes in an air fryer

Yes, you can make crispy jacket potatoes in an air fryer!

The cooking time will depend on the size of the potato and the model of the air fryer. Small potatoes (4 to 6 ounces) will need to cook for 25 to 30 minutes. Medium to medium-large potatoes (8 to 10 ounces) will need 40 to 50 minutes. Large potatoes (about 12 ounces) will need about an hour.

For example, one source recommends cooking 3 medium-sized potatoes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 40 minutes. They note that this will vary by potato size. Another source recommends cooking 2 large baking potatoes at 200 degrees Celsius or 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 to 50 minutes.

It is important to note that different air fryers cook at different speeds, so it is a good idea to check on the potatoes a few times when cooking them for the first time. You can check if the potatoes are ready by piercing them with a sharp knife or fork—they are ready to eat when the inside is soft and fluffy.

If you are short on time, you can speed up the cooking process by first microwaving the potatoes and then finishing them off in the air fryer to make the skins crispy.

Topping ideas

Classic Butter and Sour Cream

Elevate the natural flavours of the potato with this classic combination. After cooking, slice open the jacket potato, fluff the insides with a fork, and top with a pat of butter and a dollop of sour cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Loaded with Cheese and Bacon

For the ultimate comfort food, load your jacket potatoes with cheese and crispy bacon. After fluffing the insides, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top and let it melt. Finish with crispy bacon crumbles, chopped green onions, and a drizzle of ranch dressing.

Veggie-Packed

For a healthier alternative, fill your jacket potato with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and zucchini. Top with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a garnish of fresh herbs.

BBQ

Try a BBQ sauce, pulled pork or chicken, cheddar cheese, and green onions.

Greek Yogurt and Chives

Get creative with toppings like Greek yoghurt and chives.

Broccoli and Cheese

Broccoli and cheese is another tasty topping combination.

Tuna Mayo or Baked Beans

Finish with some grated cheese.

Chopped Crispy Bacon

Chop up pieces of crispy bacon to top your jacket potato.

Frequently asked questions