Air-Fried Jacket Potatoes: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Baked potatoes are a great, easy meal to make in an air fryer. They're super crispy on the outside and tender and fluffy on the inside. Plus, they're more energy-efficient to cook than in an oven and take about half the time. You can top them with anything you like, from baked beans to cheese, butter, or even BBQ sauce. Here's how to make them.

How to prepare your potato for the air fryer

Preparing your potatoes for the air fryer is simple and quick. First, select your potatoes. For air fryer jacket potatoes, you want to use baking potatoes. If you can't find any labelled as such, go for a large floury variety, like Maris Piper, King Edward, Russet, or Vivaldi.

Give your potatoes a good scrub. You'll want to eat the skin, so make sure they are clean. Next, dry the potatoes with kitchen paper. Prick them several times with a fork, then pierce them all over. This will help any steam escape while cooking.

Now it's time to coat your potatoes. Drizzle or spray a little oil over the potatoes and rub it into the skins. You can use olive oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, or avocado oil. You could even use melted beef dripping for a non-vegetarian option. The oil will help the salt and pepper stick to the skin and give it a lovely crispy texture. Sprinkle over salt and pepper, and rub it into the skins. You can also add other seasonings, like garlic powder and dried parsley.

Your potatoes are now ready for the air fryer!

The best oils to use for a crispy finish

To get a crispy finish on your jacket potatoes, it is recommended to use oils with a high smoke point. These include avocado oil (refined), canola oil, vegetable oil, sunflower oil, and olive oil.

If you are using an oil with a lower smoke point, such as coconut oil, it is recommended to wrap the potato in foil to prevent the skin from burning.

One source recommends using light rapeseed oil, vegetable oil, or sunflower oil. Another suggests using cooking spray, which can help the seasoning stick to the potato skins.

How long to cook jacket potatoes for in an air fryer

The cooking time for jacket potatoes in an air fryer depends on the size of the potato and the model of the air fryer. A small potato will take around 40 minutes to cook, while a large potato will take 45–50 minutes. You can speed up the cooking time by microwaving the potatoes first for 8–10 minutes and then transferring them to the air fryer.

To cook jacket potatoes in an air fryer, first, scrub the potatoes and pat them dry with kitchen paper. Then, prick the potatoes several times and drizzle them with oil, rubbing it into the skins. You can use olive oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, or avocado oil. Season the potatoes with salt and pepper – the salt will help the skins to crisp up. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder and dried parsley.

Next, place the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 200°C and cook for 40–50 minutes, or until a sharp knife can be easily inserted into the centre of the potatoes. Check the potatoes after 20 minutes, and if they are browning too quickly, turn them over using tongs.

Once the potatoes are cooked, carefully slice them in half lengthwise and use a fork to fluff up the insides. Add a knob of butter to each potato and serve with your favourite toppings.

How to achieve a crispy skin and fluffy middle

To achieve a jacket potato with crispy skin and a fluffy middle, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, it is important to choose the right type of potato. Look for potatoes labelled as 'baking potatoes', or opt for a large floury variety such as Maris Piper, King Edward, Russet, or Vivaldi.

Once you have your potatoes, give them a good scrub. This step is important as you'll want to eat the crispy skin later. After scrubbing, dry the potatoes with kitchen paper. Then, prick the potatoes several times with a fork to create holes that will allow steam to escape during the cooking process.

Next, comes the seasoning. Drizzle oil over the potatoes and rub it into the skins. You can use a variety of oils such as olive oil, avocado oil, or sunflower oil. This step will ensure a crispy skin and help the seasonings adhere to the potato. After oiling, season generously with salt and pepper. The salt will not only enhance the flavour but also help the skins crisp up. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder and dried parsley if you want to take it up a notch.

Now it's time to cook the potatoes. Preheat your air fryer to 200°C. Place the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 40-50 minutes, depending on their size. For smaller potatoes, around 225g each, cook for 40 minutes. For larger potatoes, around 350g each, cook for 45-50 minutes. You can check if the potatoes are done by inserting a sharp knife into the centre; it should slide in easily. If the potatoes are browning too quickly on one side, turn them over halfway through the cooking process.

Once the potatoes are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and place them on plates. Carefully slice each potato in half lengthwise, using a tea towel to protect your hands. Use a fork to fluff up the insides, creating that perfect fluffy texture. Finally, add a knob of butter to each potato and serve with your favourite toppings.

Topping ideas for your jacket potato

Once you've cooked your jacket potato in the air fryer, it's time to load it up with some tasty toppings. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Cheddar and jalapeño

Grate a small handful of cheddar cheese and mix it with a diced ripe tomato and a few slices of green jalapeño peppers from a jar. Spoon this mixture into your crispy jacket potato for a spicy and cheesy treat.

Smashed avocado

Mash a small ripe avocado with some lime or lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. You can also add some chilli flakes or mixed seeds for an extra kick. This topping is perfect for those who want a healthier option that's still full of flavour.

Curried beans

Heat a tin of baked beans with half a teaspoon of curry powder until hot but not boiling. Spoon the beans over your jacket potato and top with a dollop of natural yoghurt and lime pickle for a creamy, spicy finish.

Red pepper and goat's cheese

Roast some large red peppers in the oven, then peel off the skins and cut them into thin strips. Mix the pepper strips with soft goat's cheese and basil leaves, and season well. This topping adds a nice creamy and tangy flavour to your jacket potato.

Spring onion and soured cream

Fry some chopped spring onions in a little oil until soft, then mix them with soured cream. You can also add some button mushrooms and grated cheddar cheese for an extra bite. This topping is perfect for those who want a creamy and savoury jacket potato.

Tuna, lime, and coriander

If you're looking for something a little lighter, try mixing a tin of tuna with a squeeze of lime juice and a sprig of coriander. This topping is not only delicious but also packed with vitamins C, K, and A.

Minced beef and cheddar

For a heartier option, top your jacket potato with minced beef and finish it off with a layer of melted cheddar cheese. Serve it with some steamed greens like broccoli, green beans, or spinach for a well-rounded meal.

Salsa

Try making a fresh salsa with tomatoes, celery, cucumbers, red onion, and parsley. This topping is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients. You can also add some grated cheddar or cream cheese for an extra indulgent touch.

Coronation chicken

This creamy, mayo-based sauce is typically found in a bread-based environment, but it's actually perfect on a jacket potato. Pair it with a mixed salad for a delicious and unique lunch option.

Frequently asked questions