Perfect Jacket Potatoes: Microwave And Air Fryer Methods

Baked potatoes are a versatile dish, perfect as a side or a base for a simple meal. While they can be cooked in an oven, using a microwave or air fryer can significantly reduce the cooking time. This text will discuss how to make jacket potatoes in a microwave and an air fryer.

Jacket Potatoes in the Microwave and Air Fryer

How to prepare potatoes for microwaving

Preparing potatoes for microwaving is an important step in the process of making jacket potatoes in the microwave and air fryer. Here are some detailed instructions on how to prepare potatoes for microwaving:

Firstly, select the right type of potatoes. For jacket potatoes, it is recommended to use large, starchy potatoes such as King Edward or Maris Piper (UK) or russet potatoes (US). Avoid potatoes with green spots or soft bits.

Next, scrub the potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or residue. This step is important even if you don't plan to eat the skin, as it ensures the potatoes are clean before cooking.

Once the potatoes are cleaned, use a sharp knife or fork to prick several holes all over the skin of each potato. This helps the steam escape during microwaving and prevents the potatoes from exploding.

Place the potatoes on a microwave-safe dish or plate, ensuring they are not overcrowded. For even cooking, it is best to arrange them in a single layer if possible.

Microwaving time will depend on the size of the potatoes and the number of potatoes being cooked. As a guide, microwave the potatoes on full power for around 7-10 minutes for one or two potatoes. For larger potatoes, you may need to microwave them for a few minutes longer. You can check if the potatoes are done by piercing them with a fork; they should be tender but not mushy.

After microwaving, allow the potatoes to cool slightly so you can handle them comfortably. At this stage, you can optionally brush the potatoes with a small amount of oil, such as olive oil, and season them with salt and pepper. This step adds flavour and helps to crisp up the skin when they are cooked further in the air fryer.

By following these steps, you will have prepared your potatoes for microwaving, which is the first step in making delicious jacket potatoes with crispy skin and fluffy insides!

How to prepare potatoes for air frying

Preparing potatoes for air frying is a simple process, but there are a few steps to follow to ensure the best results. Here is a guide on how to prepare potatoes for air frying:

Step 1: Choosing the Right Potatoes

Select potatoes that are suitable for baking. Look for starchy potatoes such as Russet, King Edward, Maris Piper, or Yukon Golds. Avoid potatoes with green spots or soft bits. Also, consider the size of the potatoes, as larger potatoes will take longer to cook.

Step 2: Washing and Drying

Scrub the potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt. Dry them off with a kitchen towel or paper towels. This step is important to ensure that the potatoes are clean and to remove any excess moisture.

Step 3: Pricking the Potatoes

Use a fork or a sharp knife to pierce the skin of the potatoes several times. This step helps the potatoes cook more evenly and prevents them from exploding during cooking. It also allows the potatoes to release some moisture, resulting in crispier skin.

Step 4: Microwaving (Optional)

If you want to speed up the cooking process, you can microwave the potatoes before air frying. Place the potatoes on a microwave-safe plate or dish and microwave on high power for 5-7 minutes for one or two potatoes. For larger potatoes, microwave for around 7 minutes or until they are fork-tender. Microwaving helps to cook the potatoes evenly and reduces the overall cooking time.

Step 5: Oil and Seasonings

After microwaving (if you choose to do so), brush the potatoes with a small amount of oil. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, canola oil, vegetable oil, or any other oil with a high smoke point. This step helps to crisp up the skin and make it extra tasty. Sprinkle sea salt or kosher salt over the potatoes, and you can also add black pepper or other seasonings like garlic powder. Use your hands to rub the oil and seasonings into the potato skins.

Step 6: Air Frying

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, usually around 400°F (200°C). Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping the potatoes halfway through, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown. The total cooking time will depend on the size of the potatoes and the model of your air fryer.

Step 7: Fluffing and Serving

Once the potatoes are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool down slightly. Use a fork to fluff up the inside of the potatoes. Serve immediately with your favourite toppings, such as butter, sour cream, cheese, baked beans, chilli, tuna mayonnaise, or coronation chicken.

How to microwave potatoes

Microwaving potatoes is a great way to save time and get a soft and tender texture. Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving the best results:

Preparation:

Start by selecting the right potatoes. For baked or jacket potatoes, choose starchy varieties like King Edward, Maris Piper, or russet potatoes. These types of potatoes will give you fluffy and creamy results. Avoid potatoes with green spots or soft bits.

Washing and Drying:

Scrub the potatoes well under running water to remove any dirt. Dry them off with a clean cloth or kitchen paper. This step is important, even if you don't plan to eat the skin.

Pricking the Potatoes:

Use a fork or a sharp knife to pierce the skin of the potatoes several times. This step helps the steam escape during cooking and prevents the potatoes from exploding.

Microwaving:

Place the potatoes on a microwave-safe plate or dish. For even cooking, prick the potatoes again, especially if you are cooking multiple potatoes together.

Microwave cooking time will depend on the size of the potatoes and the number of potatoes being cooked. As a guide, a large potato will take around 7 minutes to cook on full power. Smaller potatoes may take 3-5 minutes, while two potatoes together will take 5-7 minutes. You can check if the potatoes are done by piercing them with a fork; they should be tender.

Cooling:

After microwaving, remove the potatoes from the microwave and let them cool for a few minutes. This step is important for handling, especially if you plan to transfer them to another cooking appliance like an air fryer.

Seasoning (Optional):

Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, you can brush them with oil and sprinkle them with salt and pepper, or any other seasonings you like. This step is optional but will add flavour and crispness to the skin.

Further Cooking (Optional):

If you desire crispy skin, you can further cook the microwaved potatoes in an air fryer or oven. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and place the potatoes inside for 7-8 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown. Alternatively, finish them in the oven at 400°F or 450°F for a similar duration.

Serving:

Microwaved potatoes can be served as a side dish or loaded with your favourite toppings for a heartier meal. Some popular toppings include butter, sour cream, cheese, baked beans, chilli, tuna mayonnaise, or even leftover curry.

How to air fry potatoes

Air-fried jacket potatoes are a delicious, quick, and easy meal to make. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make them:

Ingredients:

• Potatoes (russet, Yukon Golds, or Pontiacs are best)
• Oil (olive oil, avocado oil, canola oil, vegetable oil, sunflower oil, or butter)
• Salt (sea salt or kosher salt)
• Pepper (optional)
• Other spices (optional)

Method:

• Wash and scrub the potatoes under running water.
• Dry the potatoes with kitchen paper.
• Using a fork or a sharp knife, pierce the skin of the potatoes several times.
• Place the potatoes on a microwave-safe plate and cook in the microwave on high power for 5-8 minutes, turning them over halfway through.
• Remove the potatoes from the microwave and let them cool for a few minutes.
• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
• Rub or brush the potatoes with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper (if desired). You can also add other spices, such as garlic powder.
• Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
• Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping the potatoes halfway through, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown, and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
• Remove the potatoes from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes.
• Fluff up the potato flesh with a fork.
• Serve with your favourite toppings, such as butter, sour cream, cheese, baked beans, chilli, tuna mayonnaise, or coronation chicken.

Tips:

• If you don't have a microwave, you can skip the microwaving step and cook the potatoes in the air fryer for 30-40 minutes, depending on their size.
• If the skin of the potatoes starts to burn, wrap them in aluminium foil and cook at a lower temperature.
• Jacket potatoes are best eaten immediately after cooking for crispier skin.

How to get crispy skin

To get crispy skin on your jacket potatoes, it is recommended to use a combination of the microwave and the air fryer.

First, pierce the skin of the potato several times with a fork. This will help the potato cook evenly and prevent it from exploding during cooking. Place the potato on a microwave-safe plate and cook it in the microwave for around 5-8 minutes, depending on the size of the potato and the number of potatoes being cooked.

Once the potato is fork-tender, remove it from the microwave and let it cool down. Then, brush the potato with oil and sprinkle it with salt. You can also add pepper or other seasonings, such as garlic powder, at this stage.

Finally, place the potato in a preheated air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown. For best results, use a starchy potato variety such as Russet, King Edward, or Maris Piper.

The combination of microwaving and air frying ensures that the potato is cooked through, with a soft and fluffy interior, while the air fryer gives it a crispy skin.

Frequently asked questions