Air-Frying Jacket Potatoes: Is It Possible?

Yes, you can cook jacket potatoes in an air fryer! This cooking method will give you a soft inside and a nice crisp skin. It's also quicker and more energy-efficient than using an oven.

How to prepare your potato for the air fryer

Preparing a jacket potato in an air fryer is simple and requires minimal effort. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare your potato for the air fryer:

Step 1: Choose the Right Potato

Select a large floury potato, such as a Maris Piper, King Edward, Russet, or Vivaldi. These varieties are ideal for baking and will yield a fluffy texture inside.

Step 2: Poke Holes and Season

Use a fork or skewer to poke some holes in the potato. This step is important as it allows steam to escape during the cooking process. Then, drizzle your chosen oil—such as avocado, olive, or sunflower oil—over the potato and use your hands to rub it into the skin, ensuring a thorough coating. Season generously with salt, as this will help the skin crisp up. You can also add black pepper and other seasonings like garlic powder or parsley for extra flavour.

Step 3: Place in the Air Fryer

Arrange the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Ensure there is space around each potato for the air to circulate. Preheat the air fryer to 200°C, but do not preheat if you want to avoid burning the skin before the inside is cooked.

Step 4: Cooking Time

For a large potato, set the timer for 45 to 55 minutes. Small potatoes will take less time, around 40 minutes. Turn the potatoes over halfway through the cooking process to ensure an even crisp on the skin. You can check if the potato is done by inserting a sharp knife or skewer; if it slides in easily, the potato is ready.

Step 5: Serve with Toppings

Once the potatoes are cooked, carefully remove them from the air fryer and place them on plates. Slice each potato lengthwise, being cautious of the hot steam. Use a fork to fluff up the insides, creating a soft and fluffy texture. Add a knob of butter to melt into the hot potato, and then top with your favourite toppings.

Oil and seasoning options

The oil you choose to use on your jacket potatoes is important, as it will help to get that crispy skin and fluffy centre. A neutral oil with a high smoke point is best, such as avocado oil, extra virgin olive oil, sunflower oil, rapeseed oil, or vegetable oil. You can also use melted beef dripping for a non-vegetarian option.

When it comes to seasoning, salt is key to achieving a crispy skin. You can also add black pepper, chilli powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, or cumin for a spicy kick. Alternatively, keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or even just a little oil and salt.

If you want to add extra flavour, you can try brushing the potatoes with garlic powder or dried parsley.

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for jacket potatoes in an air fryer depend on the size of the potato and the model of the air fryer. For a small potato, you should air fry at 200°C for 40 minutes. For a large potato, the cooking time increases to 45–55 minutes.

If you are cooking more than one potato at a time, you will need to add some extra cooking time. It is important to leave room around each potato for the air to flow.

Check the potatoes after 20 minutes. If they are browning too quickly on one side, turn them over using tongs and then check again after another 20 minutes to ensure they are cooked through.

You can speed up the cooking time by microwaving the potatoes on high for 8–10 minutes before air frying. If you do this, you will only need to air fry for 15–25 minutes.

You will know the potatoes are cooked when the skin is crisp and the inside is tender and fluffy. To check, poke a table knife or skewer into the centre of the potato – it should slide in easily.

How to achieve a crispy skin

To achieve a crispy skin on your jacket potatoes in the air fryer, start by scrubbing the potatoes. Poke some holes in the potatoes with a fork or skewer, then drizzle and rub oil onto the potatoes. You can use extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, or other neutral high smoke-point oils such as sunflower oil or rapeseed oil. Make sure the potatoes are well-coated.

Next, season the potatoes with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder and dried parsley. The salt will help the skins crisp up. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, and set the temperature to 200°C. For one large potato, cook for around 45 minutes. For two large potatoes, cook for 40 to 50 minutes. Flip the potatoes halfway through to ensure an even crisp on the skin.

To check if the potatoes are done, insert a sharp knife or skewer into the centre; it should slide in easily. The skin should be crisp, and the inside should be tender and fluffy. If the potatoes are browning too quickly, turn them over with tongs. You can also speed up the cooking process by microwaving the potatoes for 5 to 8 minutes before placing them in the air fryer.

Topping ideas

The great thing about a jacket potato is that it's so versatile. You can top it with almost anything, and it will taste delicious. Here are some topping ideas to get you started:

Classic Combinations

• Butter: A classic for a reason, butter is a simple yet effective topping that adds a rich, creamy flavour to your fluffy potato.
• Cheese: Whether you prefer cheddar, feta, or any other variety, cheese is a great way to add a sharp, salty kick to your jacket potato.
• Baked beans: A staple of the classic British jacket potato, baked beans add a sweet and savoury flavour, as well as a hearty texture.
• Tuna mayonnaise: This combination is perfect for those who like a lighter, more refreshing topping with a tangy flavour.

Vegetarian Options

• Sour cream: For a tangy, creamy topping, try sour cream. It's the perfect complement to the fluffy potato and can be paired with other toppings like chives or spring onions.
• Chilli and vegan cream: If you're looking for something with a kick, try a spicy chilli topping with a cooling, creamy vegan cream.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs like chives, dill, or spring onions can add a burst of flavour to your jacket potato.
• Olives: For a savoury, salty topping, try chopped olives. They add a unique flavour and a nice contrast of textures.

Meat Options

• Crispy bacon: For a hearty, savoury topping, try crispy bacon pieces. They add a nice crunch and a smoky flavour.
• Chicken casserole: If you're looking for a more substantial meal, serve your jacket potato with a chicken casserole. It's a comforting and flavourful combination.
• Beef stroganoff: For a hearty and indulgent meal, pair your jacket potato with a beef stroganoff. It's a rich and satisfying combination.

The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and experiment with different combinations. You can also prep a variety of toppings and let everyone customise their own potatoes.

Frequently asked questions