Air Fryer Jacket Potatoes: A Quick, Easy Treat?

Yes, you can make jacket potatoes in an air fryer! This method yields a soft inside and a nice crisp skin. It is also quicker and more energy-efficient than using an oven.

How to prepare your potato for the air fryer

Preparing your potatoes for the air fryer is simple and requires very little time. First, select your potatoes. You can use any type of potato, but if you can get your hands on a baking potato, such as a Maris Piper, King Edward or Russet, this is ideal. Give the potatoes a good scrub—you'll want to eat the crispy skin later!

Next, you'll want to dry the potatoes with some kitchen paper. Prick the potatoes several times with a fork, then coat them in oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add garlic powder and dried parsley to taste. Make sure you get a good coating of oil on the potatoes, as this will help the seasoning to stick.

Now, place the potatoes in the air fryer basket. It's important not to overcrowd the basket, as the potatoes need space around them for the air to flow and to ensure the skin crisps up. Set the air fryer to 200°C and cook for 40-50 minutes, depending on the size of your potatoes. Check the potatoes after 20 minutes, and if they're browning too quickly on one side, turn them over with tongs.

Your potatoes are ready when a sharp knife goes through them easily. The skin should be crisp and the inside tender and fluffy.

Oil and seasoning options

The oil and seasoning you use on your jacket potatoes will have a big impact on the final flavour and texture. Here are some tips and options to help you get the perfect crispy skin and fluffy centre:

Oil Options

• Avocado oil is a popular choice for jacket potatoes in the air fryer, as it has a high smoke point and can help to create a crispy skin.
• Other neutral oils with a high smoke point, such as olive oil, sunflower oil, coconut oil, or canola oil, can also be used.
• If you don't have any oil, you could use melted beef dripping for a non-vegetarian option, or a cooking spray.

Seasoning Options

• Salt is a simple but essential seasoning for jacket potatoes, helping to create a crispy skin and enhancing the flavour.
• For a spicy kick, you could add chilli powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, or cumin.
• Other seasonings to try include garlic powder, dried parsley, black pepper, and kosher salt.

When seasoning your potatoes, use your hands to rub the oil and seasonings onto the skins, ensuring an even coat. This will help the seasonings to stick and give you a more consistent flavour and texture.

Air fryer temperature and cooking time

The cooking time for jacket potatoes in an air fryer depends on the size of the potato and the model of the air fryer. The cooking time also depends on the number of potatoes being cooked at the same time. If you are cooking more than one, make sure there is enough space between the potatoes so that they can crisp up.

The ideal temperature for cooking jacket potatoes in an air fryer is 200 °C (400 °F). At this temperature, the cooking time is typically between 40 and 50 minutes. However, it is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the potato and the model of the air fryer. For example, small red potatoes will not need as much time as larger potatoes. Therefore, it is recommended to check on the potatoes periodically and adjust the cooking time as needed.

To speed up the cooking time, you can microwave the potatoes for 8-10 minutes before air frying. This will reduce the overall cooking time by about 15 minutes.

When cooking jacket potatoes in an air fryer, it is important to poke some holes in the potatoes with a fork or skewer before cooking. This allows steam to escape and prevents the potatoes from bursting open during cooking.

It is also recommended to rub the potatoes with oil and sprinkle them with salt before cooking. This will help to crisp up the skin and enhance the flavour.

How to achieve the perfect crisp

To achieve the perfect crisp on your jacket potatoes in an air fryer, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, it is important to use the right type of potato. Look for potatoes labelled specifically for baking, or opt for large, floury varieties such as Maris Piper, King Edward, or Russet.

Before cooking, give your potatoes a good scrub. You'll want to eat the crispy skin, so it's important to remove any dirt. Next, dry the potatoes with kitchen paper, and prick them several times with a fork. This will help the heat penetrate the potato and ensure even cooking.

Now it's time to prepare the seasoning. Drizzle oil over the potatoes and rub it into the skins. You can use a variety of oils, such as olive, avocado, sunflower, or even melted beef dripping for an extra crispy treat. The oil will help the salt and pepper adhere to the skin and promote crisping. Season generously with salt and pepper, making sure to coat the potatoes evenly. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder or dried parsley for extra flavour.

Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F). Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. This will allow the hot air to circulate and ensure even cooking and crisping. Depending on the size of your potatoes, cook them for 40-50 minutes, or until a sharp knife can be easily inserted. For larger potatoes, you may need to increase the cooking time.

For an even crisp, check the potatoes after 20 minutes and turn them over with tongs if they are browning too quickly on one side. Once they are fork-tender and the skin is crispy, remove them from the air fryer and carefully slice them open lengthwise. Use a fork to fluff up the insides, add your favourite toppings, and enjoy!

Topping ideas

Classic Combinations

For a classic baked potato, top with butter, cheese, baked beans, or tuna mayonnaise. For an extra crispy skin, brush the potato with melted beef dripping before cooking.

Spicy Options

For a spicy kick, rub the potato with chilli powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, or cumin. Top with spicy chilli, sriracha beans, or spicy butterbeans.

Deluxe

Get creative and prep a whole array of ingredients so everyone can make it their own. Try a combination of slow cooker vegan chilli, chopped vegetables, and vegan sour cream, or serve with a mixed bean salad in the summer months.

Kid-Friendly

Jacket potatoes are great for kids because they are so easy to customise. Keep it simple with some butter and cheese, or let them have fun dressing it up.

Frequently asked questions