Air Fryer Jacket Potato: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Cooking jacket potatoes in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a tasty, low-effort meal. It's one of the best things an air fryer does compared to an oven, and it's super versatile depending on your toppings of choice.

Characteristics and Values Table for Jacket Potato in an Air Fryer

How long to cook jacket potatoes in an air fryer

The cooking time for jacket potatoes in an air fryer varies depending on the size of the potato and the air fryer model. However, on average, a jacket potato will take around 40 to 50 minutes to cook in an air fryer.

It is recommended to preheat the air fryer for a couple of minutes at 200 degrees Celsius. While the air fryer is preheating, poke holes in the potato with a fork or skewer. This allows steam to escape and prevents the potato from bursting. Then, rub olive oil onto the potato and sprinkle salt over it. Some recipes suggest adding additional seasonings like pepper, garlic powder, or parsley.

Place the potato in the air fryer basket and cook for 40 to 50 minutes, depending on the size of the potato. For a small potato, 35 to 40 minutes should be sufficient, while a large potato may take up to 50 minutes or slightly longer. It is a good idea to check on the potato at the halfway mark and turn it over to ensure even cooking and crisping of the skin. To check if the potato is done, insert a knife or skewer into the center; it should slide in easily when the potato is ready.

You can speed up the cooking process by microwaving the potato first. Microwave a small potato on high power for four minutes on each side, and a large potato for five minutes on each side. Then, cook the potato in the air fryer for an additional 10 minutes to crisp up the skin.

How to prepare potatoes before air frying

Preparing potatoes for air frying is a simple process. First, select the type of potato you want to cook. For a jacket potato, you will need a baking potato. Then, scrub the potatoes to remove any residual dirt and pat them dry with a paper towel. Next, use a fork or skewer to poke some holes in the potato. This will allow steam to escape during cooking and prevent the potato from bursting open. After that, rub olive oil onto the potato and sprinkle salt over it. You can also add other seasonings, such as garlic powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket, leaving some space around each potato for the air to flow. Finally, set the air fryer to the desired temperature and time, typically between 400°F and 400°C for 40 to 55 minutes, depending on the size of the potato and the model of the air fryer.

If you are preparing sweet potatoes, you may want to soak them in cold water for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking to remove excess starch and achieve a crispier texture. However, this step is not necessary, and you can simply cut the sweet potatoes into your desired shape and season them before air frying.

Additionally, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer for a few minutes before placing the potatoes inside to ensure even cooking.

Potato varieties that work best for air frying

When it comes to choosing the right type of potato for air frying, there are a few varieties that stand out. Here are some of the best options:

Yukon Golds or Yellow Potatoes: These potatoes are a favourite for air frying because they crisp up perfectly and turn a deep golden colour due to their lower starch and higher sugar content. Their insides will be creamy and full of flavour.

Red Potatoes: When air-fried, red potatoes will turn an even darker golden brown because of their high sugar and low starch content. They will be crispy when they come out but will soften quickly. Their insides will be creamy and soft, making them a great option for those who prefer a softer potato.

Baby Potatoes or New Potatoes: These are regular potatoes that have been harvested early. They have a high sugar content and hold their shape well, making them ideal for air frying. However, they can be harder to find in grocery stores as they are somewhat seasonal.

When choosing a potato for air frying, it is important to consider the starch and sugar content. Potatoes with lower starch and higher sugar content, such as Yukon Golds or yellow potatoes, tend to crisp up better and have a more intense flavour. On the other hand, potatoes with higher starch content, such as russets, may be better suited for making French fries in the air fryer.

Additionally, the size of the potato is an important factor. For even cooking, it is best to choose potatoes that are all similar in size, or cut them into evenly sized pieces. This will ensure that they cook at the same rate and achieve the desired level of doneness at the same time.

Finally, when preparing potatoes for air frying, it is recommended to poke some holes in them with a fork or skewer, rub them with olive oil, and season with salt and other desired seasonings. This will help to create a crispy exterior and flavourful interior.

How to get a crispy skin

To get a crispy skin on your jacket potato, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, it is important to prepare the potato by poking holes in it with a fork or skewer. This allows steam to escape during the cooking process and helps to prevent the potato from bursting open. After poking the holes, the next step is to rub olive oil onto the potato. You can also use a spray bottle filled with olive oil to lightly coat the potato and the air fryer basket. The oil will help to crisp up the skin and enhance the flavour.

Once the potato is coated in oil, the next step is to season it with salt. You can sprinkle sea salt or garlic salt over the potato, ensuring it adheres to the skin. The salt will not only add flavour but also contribute to the crispiness of the skin. At this stage, you can also add other seasonings such as pepper, garlic powder, or parsley to enhance the taste.

Now, it's time to cook the potato in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 200 degrees Celsius, and then place the potato in the basket. The cooking time will depend on the size of the potato and the model of your air fryer, but on average, it will take around 40 to 50 minutes for the potato to cook through. For smaller potatoes, 40 minutes should be sufficient, while larger potatoes may require up to 50 minutes or slightly more. It is important to check on the potato at the halfway mark to ensure even cooking and to turn it over for an even crisp on the skin.

To test if the potato is ready, insert a knife or skewer into the centre; if it slides in easily, the potato is done. Now you have a perfectly cooked jacket potato with a crispy skin and fluffy insides! You can serve it with your favourite toppings, such as butter, salt, pepper, cheese, or sour cream, and enjoy the delicious combination of crispy skin and soft, fluffy potato.

Toppings and serving suggestions

The best part about baked potatoes is the toppings! You can get creative and top your air-fried jacket potatoes with almost anything. Here are some ideas:

• Butter, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper
• Sour cream or Greek yoghurt
• Chives
• BBQ sauce, pulled pork or chicken, cheddar cheese, and green onions
• Butter, ghee, or coconut oil
• Broccoli and cheese
• Turkey chilli, Philly cheesesteak, or chicken enchilada
• Mixed bean salad
• Chickpea tuna salad
• Cheddar and jalapeño: mix cheese, tomato, and jalapeño slices, split the potato, and spoon the mixture on top
• Vegan chilli, with some chopped veg and vegan sour cream
• Keep it simple with some butter and cheese, or let kids have fun dressing it up

You can also serve your jacket potato as a side dish with any simply cooked protein or a hearty salad.

Frequently asked questions