Air Fryer Jacket Potatoes: Perfectly Cooked In No Time

Cooking jacket potatoes in an air fryer is a quick and energy-efficient way to get crispy skin and a fluffy middle. The cooking time varies depending on the size of the potato and the model of the air fryer, but generally, they take around 40-50 minutes to cook at 200°C.

How to get the perfect crispiness

To get the perfect crispiness when making jacket potatoes in an air fryer, there are several steps you can take:

Choose the right potato

Some varieties of potatoes are known for their fluffy interior, which is ideal for baked potatoes. If you are in the US, russet potatoes are a good choice. Maris Piper or King Edward potatoes are also recommended.

Prepare the potatoes

Scrub the potatoes well and pat them dry. Prick them a few times with a fork to allow steam to escape during cooking. This will prevent the potatoes from bursting open in the air fryer.

Use oil

Coat the potatoes in a thin layer of oil. This will help to crisp up the skin and ensure that any seasonings stick to the potatoes. Avocado oil, olive oil, or sunflower oil are all good options. You can use a cooking spray or brush the oil directly onto the potatoes.

Season generously

Season the potatoes with salt and pepper, focusing on the skin. The salt will help the skins to crisp up. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder or dried parsley.

Don't overcrowd the air fryer

Make sure to leave enough space between the potatoes in the air fryer basket. This will allow the hot air to circulate and ensure that the skins crisp up properly.

Check and flip the potatoes

Depending on the size and model of your air fryer, the potatoes may brown too quickly on one side. Check the potatoes after 20 minutes and use tongs to flip them over if necessary.

Adjust the cooking time

The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the potatoes and the model of your air fryer. Smaller potatoes will take less time to cook, while larger potatoes may take longer. You can always put the potatoes back in for a few extra minutes if they need more time.

By following these steps, you should be able to achieve the perfect crispiness when making jacket potatoes in an air fryer.

The best types of potatoes to use

When making jacket potatoes in an air fryer, you can use any type of potato. However, some types of potatoes are better suited for this cooking method than others. Here are some of the best types of potatoes to use:

Russet Potatoes

Russet potatoes, also known as Idaho potatoes, are a popular choice for baking. They have a thick, brown skin and a fluffy, starchy texture when cooked. Their high starch content makes them ideal for achieving a crispy skin and fluffy centre when cooked in the air fryer.

Yellow Potatoes

Yellow potatoes, such as Yukon Gold, have a thin, buttery skin and a creamy, moist texture. They are a good option if you prefer a softer skin and a more dense and waxy texture. Yellow potatoes also hold their shape well during cooking.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes have a sweet taste and a moist, fluffy texture. They are a great option for adding a touch of sweetness to your jacket potato. When cooked in the air fryer, they develop a slightly crispy skin while remaining soft and tender on the inside.

Red Potatoes

Red potatoes are smaller in size and have a thin, red skin. They cook faster than larger potatoes and have a creamy texture. Red potatoes are a good choice if you are short on time or prefer a softer skin.

Gold Potatoes

Gold potatoes, such as Yukon Gold or Yellow Finn, have a thin, golden skin and a buttery texture. They are similar to yellow potatoes and are known for their sweet flavour and moist texture. Gold potatoes work well in the air fryer and can be cooked whole or cut into wedges.

When choosing potatoes for your jacket potatoes, consider the desired texture, cooking time, and flavour profile. Remember that different types of potatoes may require slight adjustments in cooking time and temperature to achieve the best results.

How to prepare the potatoes

Preparing potatoes for the air fryer is simple. First, select your potatoes. Maris Piper, King Edward, or Russet potatoes are recommended for their fluffy interior. Next, scrub the potatoes well and pat them dry. Then, prick them a few times with a fork to allow steam to escape during cooking.

After this, it's time to add some flavour. Drizzle olive oil, avocado oil, or another neutral high smoke-point oil over the potatoes and rub it into their skins. You can also use a cooking spray for this step. Next, season the potatoes with salt and pepper. Sea salt is recommended, as it tends to stick better to the oiled potatoes. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder or dried parsley.

Once your potatoes are seasoned, place them in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. If your air fryer requires preheating, set it to 200°C or 400°F. Then, cook the potatoes for 40-50 minutes, or until they are crispy on the outside and tender in the middle. Check the potatoes after 20 minutes, and if they are browning too quickly, turn them over using tongs.

Once they're done, carefully remove the potatoes from the air fryer and slice them open lengthwise. Use a fork to fluff up the insides, and add a knob of butter if desired. Finally, serve with your favourite toppings and enjoy!

The ideal temperature and timing

The ideal temperature to cook jacket potatoes in an air fryer is around 200°C or 400°F. This is a common temperature setting for air fryers and is used for cooking a range of foods.

The cooking time for jacket potatoes in an air fryer can vary depending on the size of the potato and the model of the air fryer. On average, it takes around 40 to 50 minutes to cook jacket potatoes in an air fryer. However, it is important to note that smaller potatoes may take less time, while larger potatoes may take longer.

It is recommended to check on the potatoes after 20 minutes of cooking, as they may need to be turned over to ensure even cooking. The potatoes are ready when they are soft or when a sharp knife can be easily inserted into them.

To speed up the cooking time, some people choose to partially cook the potatoes in a microwave before finishing them off in the air fryer. This can reduce the cooking time in the air fryer to around 20 minutes or less.

Additionally, it is worth noting that different air fryer models may have different preheating requirements. Some air fryers may not require preheating at all, while others may take a few minutes to reach the desired temperature. It is always a good idea to refer to the specific instructions for your air fryer model.

In conclusion, the ideal temperature for cooking jacket potatoes in an air fryer is around 200°C or 400°F, and the cooking time can vary between 40 to 50 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes and the model of the air fryer.

Toppings and serving suggestions

The best part about a jacket potato is the toppings! Here are some ideas to get you started:

Classic combinations

• Beans and cheese
• Tuna mayonnaise
• Baked beans and grated cheese
• Sour cream and chives
• Crispy bacon and cheese

More unique toppings

• Cashew cream
• Crumbled feta
• Chopped fresh herbs like dill
• Chopped green onions
• Coleslaw
• Garlic butter

Hearty meals

A jacket potato can be a meal in itself, especially when served with:

• Chilli con carne
• Slow cooker chicken casserole
• Slow cooker pork and mustard stew
• Chicken stroganoff
• A hearty salad, like broccoli salad, avocado salad, or kale Caesar salad

On the side

Jacket potatoes also make a great side dish. Try serving them with:

• Casseroles
• Stews
• Grilled meats, like chicken or beef

Frequently asked questions