If you’re wondering can you cook baked potato in the air fryer, you definitely can! This is the BEST way to make Jacket Potato (aka Baked Potato). I like to air fry baked potato after microwaving it first for a couple of minutes for the crispiest skin and fluffiest potato inside.
This easy air fryer recipe has a cooking time of just 15 minutes in total!
With this air fryer baked potato recipe, you will have the best baked potatoes in less time than air frying alone! Imagine crispy potato skins and fluffy insides in a small amount of time. Just like my Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potato
Cooking the potatoes in the microwave essentially cooks the whole potato until it is soft. It is then blasted in the hot air fryer to crisp up the skin.
I love air fryer potatoes, whether as a main dish or great side dish such as Air Fryer Indian Potatoes, Air Fryer Accordion Potatoes or Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes.
Why you will love this recipe
With a few simple ingredients and favorite toppings, you have a quick recipe for the whole family
Time saving – this recipe is the quickest way to get perfectly crispy skin and fluffy interiors compared to an oven-baked potato. I love my air fryer pasta bake for the same reason!
Easy recipe – no need to stand by the stove
Best Potatoes and Oil for Baked Potatoes in Air Fryer
Full measurements given in recipe card below.
UK: For perfect baked potatoes, look for special jacket potatoes or simply any large potatoes for this recipe. For best results, look for starchy potatoes such as King Edward or Maris Piper.
I used to make Triple Cooked Chips in Air Fryer
US: Go for russet potatoes which also have high starch
Medium potatoes can work well for young children
Red potatoes are a good alternative
Baby potatoes and other small potatoes tend to be waxy so hold their shape. They are best used in potato salad like this Instant Pot Pesto Potato Salad or in Potato Tart
Note that this recipe works for sweet potatoes too but the timings may be different.
If you want to brush a little oil on your potato, use one with a high smoke point. This makes the skin extra tasty and crispy.
Examples include avocado oil (refined), canola oil, vegetable oil and sunflower oil.
Alternatively, use a cooking spray which spreads more evenly. Sprinkle over a pinch of salt.
How to make Air Fryer Baked Potatoes after Microwaving
Microwave First:
Wash and scrub potatoes well under running water.
Place on a microwave safe dish and prick several times all over with a sharp knife or fork.
You can microwave several potatoes in the plate together.
Microwave for around 7 minutes or until potatoes are fork tender.
Note there will be different cook times in the microwave depending on potato size – larger potatoes may need a few minutes longer.
Now you can air fry the microwaved baked potato
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C)
Meanwhile, brush the potatoes with little olive oil (or other oil with high smoking point) or butter. Sprinkle sea salt.
Place the baked potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Air Fry for 7-8 minutes at 400 F / 200 C
Timings and temperature will differ based on your air fryer model and size of the potatoes. The skin of a baked potato should be golden brown.
Note: If you don’t have a microwave or don’t want to use it, you can skip the microwaving step and just cook the potato in the air fryer for 30-40 minutes, depending on the size of the potato and your air fryer.
But microwaving first can help speed up the cooking process and ensure that the potato is fully cooked all the way through.
If the skin appears to be burning, wrap in aluminium foil and cook on lower heat.
To cut the jacket potato, hold the potato and slice halfway using a sharp knife. Using a fork, you can fluff the inside.
Serve with your favourite fillings.
Serving Suggestion
For a quick lunch, stick to basic ingredients such as cheddar cheese and baked beans. Season with black pepper and sea salt. You can add a pinch of garlic powder to the beans for extra flavour.
A British classic is to add coleslaw or lashings of sour cream and chive dip.
If serving as a main course, go for a hearty and filling topping such as veggie chilli with guacamole and sour cream.
To balance the meal, serve with a bean salad such as Avocado Mango and Black Bean Salad or Indian Chickpea Salad.
Storage
Jacket Potatoes are best eaten immediately after cooking for crispier skin.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and kept refrigerated up to 2 days.
You can freeze jacket potatoes in freezer safe containers for up to 3 months. Bake in the oven or air fryer directly from frozen until tender to the centre.
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Baked Potatoes after Microwaving
Equipment
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1 Microwave
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1 Air fryer
Ingredients
- 3 large potatoes baking
- Pinch sea salt
- 1 teaspoon oil
Instructions
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Wash and scrub 3 large potatoes well under running water.
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Place on a microwave safe dish and prick several times all over with a sharp knife or fork.
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You can microwave several potatoes in the plate together.
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Microwave for around 7 minutes or until potatoes are fork tender.
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Meanwhile Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
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Brush the potatoes with little 1 teaspoon oil (or other oil with high smoking point) or butter.
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Sprinkle Pinch sea salt
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Place the baked potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
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Air Fry for 7-8 minutes at 400 F / 200 C or until nice and golden brown all over outside.
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To cut the jacket potato, hold the potato and slice halfway using a sharp knife. Using a fork, you can fluff the inside.
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Serve with your favourite fillings.
